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

  • 2 Jun
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 6 Jun
    PARK BOARD MEETINGTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • 8 Jun
    Alta Community Chamber MeetingTime: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
  • 9 Jun
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 16 Jun
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 23 Jun
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 30 Jun
    LIBRARY - Toddle TimeTime: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 4 Jul
    PARK BOARD MEETINGTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Latest News & Announcements

    Garbage Pickup Tuesday, May 30

    Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, garbage will be picked up on Tuesday, May 30, instead of Monday, May 29.  The City of Alta and Alta Municipal Utility offices will also be closed.  Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend!

    CITY WIDE CLEAN UP

    City wide clean up will be June 6 for house hold items, and June 13 for branches. 2023 Flyer

    CITY-WIDE GARAGE DATES SET – JUNE 2-3, 2023

    The Alta Community Chamber set the dates for the City-wide garage sale for June 2-3, 2023.

    Sealed bids being accepted – 110 E. 2nd St.

    The City of Alta, Ia. will be accepting sealed bids on property located at 110 E. 2nd Street.  The City of Alta’s expectations will be that the winning bid shall begin work by Aug. 15, 2023 to bring property back to standards required by our city code. Substantial completion by Dec. 31, 2023 is required.…

    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