Welcome to Alta

Catch the Energy

Welcome to AlTA

Founded because of the expansion of the Chicago-Illinois Railroad, Alta is the highest point on the railroad in Iowa.  Railroad engineer, John I. Blair, named the railroad depot "Alta" in 1870 in honor of his daughter, Altai Blair.  The incorporation papers were filed for "Incorporated Town of Alta, Buena Vista County, Iowa" on November 11, 1878 at the State Land Office at the Capitol in Des Moines. Proximity to rail transportation helped Alta develop into a solid farming community.

Settlers began to take residence in Alta in 1869.  One of the first commercial structures in the town was the railroad depot, followed by a post office.  In 1872, a land company laid out the town of Alta.  The original plat consisted of four blocks.  Hearing of this new settlement, P.G. Peterson of Chicago moved to Alta to start a hotel and help establish a good town.  Soon after, a group of tradesmen and businessmen followed from the Chicago area bringing several businesses to the rapidly growing community.  These new businesses included an elevator, a blacksmith shop, a hardware store, a general mercantile, a medical practice, and a law firm.

Agribusiness is still the mainstay of our community, but new industries - like the production of electricity by sleek wind turbines dotting our countryside - have drawn a rich mix of new residents from diverse backgrounds to Alta.

More than 2000 people call Alta home today, and many others who live in the surrounding rural areas enjoy our shops, parks, and schools. We welcome you to come and explore Alta. Catch our energy!

Upcoming Events

  • 28 Sep
    LIBRARY - Knit Night!Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
  • 29 Sep
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 30 Sep
  • 2 Oct
    LIBRARY - Teentober Book ClubTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • 2 Oct
    City Council MeetingTime: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • 3 Oct
    LIBRARY - Lego ClubTime: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • 3 Oct
    PARK BOARD MEETINGTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • 5 Oct
    LIBRARY - After School MovieTime: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Latest News & Announcements

    Drainage project at 9th and Cherokee St. complete

    PROJECT END NEWSLETTER

    ELECTIONS 2023

    The City/School elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Alta Community Center for all eligible Alta residents.  The polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.  The following seats will be on the ballot: Mayor (2 year term) City Council (4 year term) – 3 seats Park Board (6 year term)…

    FY24 Budget Public Hearing Notice

    Public Hearing Notice

    Resolution approving Max City Levy

    City Max Levy Resolution – FY24 City Max Levy Resolution – FY23 City Max Levy Resolution – FY22 City Max Levy Resolution – FY21

    MAXIMUM LEVY HEARING NOTICE – FY24

    FY24 MAXIMUM LEVY HEARING NOTICE FY23 MAXIMUM LEVY HEARING NOTICE FY22 MAXIMUM LEVY HEARING NOTICE FY 21 MAXIMUM LEVY HEARING NOTICE<

    CAMPING SPOTS AVAILABLE AT THE BUENA VISTA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

    The Buena Vista County Fair Board is renting out camping spots in the SE corner of the fairgrounds. The preference is long-term rentals, at a rate of $650/month (with an additional $500 deposit), although there is a daily rate of $25/night. Rates include water, electricity and a dumpster for trash disposal. You MUST obtain a…