Windows Down, Rods Out, First Cast Magic: Our Alma Adventure
🚗✨ Adventure Stop: Alma, Wisconsin (with a surprise twist!) ✨🎣
Our latest family adventure took us to the Alma area, with the Great Alma Fishing Float as our destination. Getting there was a whole story in itself—98 degrees, the AC acting up, and the kids loving the rare chance to ride with the windows down. (Normally, I don’t allow it—flashback to my teenage self: wasp flies in my window, down my shirt, down my back, into my shorts… stings the whole way down, I panic, end up in the ditch. 😅 Lesson learned. Windows usually stay up.)
As always, our travels led to some unexpected surprises. The kids’ jaws dropped when the GPS suddenly announced: “Welcome to Minnesota!” Their first thought? “MOM, can we go to the Mall of America?” Nice try, kids—but the fishing poles in the trunk told the real story. 🎣
We ended up in Winona for the night and checked into The Plaza Hotel & Suites, which was perfect for families—comfy beds, clean rooms, a hot tub (a non-negotiable according to my crew), pool with slides for my youngest, and even a sauna. While the kids splashed and made new friends, hunger struck. Cue: Uber Eats. And because I’m a true Wisconsinite, I cashed in free meal rewards at Kwik Trip (burgers + fries—always a win). Pro tip: check how close the Kwik Trip actually is before ordering. Turns out ours was practically in the hotel’s backyard… 40 minutes later, $5 delivery fee in, and I could have just walked. 🤦♀️ Live and learn. (And then get Luvs… yes, still the best tagline ever.)
Mississippi River Magic 🌅🐟
Later that evening, I snuck the older boys away (littles stayed back with dad swimming) for some fishing on the Mississippi River. As they were setting up, a boat pulled in and the boys eagerly quizzed the fisherman on what was biting. My 12-year-old, confident as ever, cast right off the dock. I told him, “No way anything is biting after all that boat traffic.” Famous last words. First cast. First fish on the Mississippi. A pretty big bass—and a whole lot of bragging rights for him. 🐟 Sunset, river waves, a little teasing back and forth—one of those mom moments I’ll never forget.
We tried our luck one more time at Lake Winona. The only bites there? Mosquitoes. 🦟 But honestly, that’s what makes these trips memorable—the unexpected detours, the laughs, the stories we’ll retell for years.
🍦 Kwik Trip Treats & A Floating Fishing Adventure 🎣
On the way back to the hotel, we made one last (essential) Wisconsin stop back to Kwik Trip. While fueling up the SUV for the next morning’s drive, I spotted the magical words: “Buy one pint of ice cream, get one free.” Obviously, I couldn’t resist. The kids were thrilled when I walked in with ice cream pints in hand. (Sorry, hubby—lactose intolerance strikes again. Next time, keep those lactose pills strapped to your hip! 😆) After ice cream, it was straight to bed—an early wake-up awaited us.
The next morning, we finally headed to our big destination: the Great Alma Fishing Float. As we unloaded, a group of guys came off the dock carrying massive catfish. The boys’ eyes lit up immediately. They showed us how to flip the sign so the shuttle boat would know to swing over and pick us up from shore. Before long, we were climbing aboard and riding across the river to the float.
The day itself was the kind of simple joy I live for—sun shining, river breeze blowing, and my kiddos scattered along the dock with their rods. My 13-year-old, who usually thinks he’s way too cool for us, was in his element—quietly fishing, actually hanging out, and even getting along with his younger brother (miracle!). Fishing really does something magical for sibling bonding.
Meanwhile, my 7-year-old was in seventh heaven. He had to march up and ask the owner for minnows (no luck), then worms with some flashy little spinning jigger things. Success! 🎣 Honestly, when my kids start talking about lures and rigs, it’s like they’re speaking another language. Do they offer “Fishing 101 for Moms” courses somewhere? Because the amount of eye-rolls I get when I ask questions makes me think I’m overdue for a crash course. 😂
But there we were—catching bluegills, laughing, and soaking up every moment on the Mississippi.
🐟Fishing, Food & Castles (Yes, Castles!)🏰
Even though the fish weren’t biting as much as we had hoped (can you imagine my kiddo pulling a 15-pound catfish out?!), the day was still an absolute blast. New experiences always make the best memories. My 5-year-old, our little social butterfly, even made a new friend on the float—a sweet woman who told us she had been coming there to fish since she was a little girl. She wasn’t having much luck either, but she sure enjoyed my daughter’s company. Before we left, she gifted her a “fishing towel” and later patched up a scratch with a Band-Aid. It’s those small, unexpected connections that make trips so special.
Dinner at Walker’s Silvermoon 🥩🍽️
While chatting with her, I asked about the best local place to eat. She didn’t hesitate: Walker’s Silvermoon. And let me tell you—she was not lying. After packing up, we headed there and had one of the best meals of the trip. My ribeye was tender and full of flavor, the baked beans were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the kids gave their stamp of approval to the waffle fries (always the true test of a restaurant in my book). Our waitress was so kind and down-to-earth—it felt like having dinner with old friends.
Views from Buena Vista Park 🌄
After dinner, we drove up to Buena Vista Park, perched 500 feet on a bluff. The views were breathtaking—we could see the lock and dam, the town, and even the very floating dock where we had just been fishing. The kids loved the mini playground at the top and burned off the last of their energy while I just soaked in the scenery.
Castlerock Museum: History Comes Alive 🏰⚔️
To top it all off, we made one last stop at the Castlerock Museum. The building itself looks like a castle, and inside it holds over two thousand years of history—armor, weapons, and artifacts from Romans, Vikings, Crusader Knights, and Renaissance warriors. My boys were in heaven. The 7-year-old couldn’t stop staring at the firearms (my dad’s an avid hunter, so you can imagine the obsession runs deep), and the 12-year-old got himself hilariously stuck in a heavy chainmail vest. Mom to the rescue! They were all amazed at just how heavy everything was—it was history come alive.
Racing Home & Filleting Fish 🐟🏡
And then it was time to head home—in a hurry. The boys were anxious to get their fish off of what used to be ice (our finicky AC didn’t do us any favors and helped melt it even faster). They couldn’t wait to get home, clean them up, and get to filleting.
✨ Adventure Recap: Sunshine, fishing, new friends, amazing food, breathtaking views, and a little living history. Trips like these remind me it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the moments we collect along the way. 💛
Next Time in Alma… 🌟
Even though our adventure was packed, Alma has so much more to offer. Next time we’re definitely checking out:
Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center – perfect for spotting eagles, learning about local wildlife, and enjoying the views.
Historic Downtown Alma – small shops, art galleries, and beautiful old buildings worth strolling through.
Danzinger Vineyards – a bluff-top winery (grown-ups only fun!) with tastings and gorgeous views of the Mississippi.
Rieck’s Lake Park – birdwatching, picnics, and a great playground for little ones.
Alma Historical Museum – to dig deeper into the town’s fascinating past.
Lock and Dam No. 4 – to watch the big boats and barges move through, which I know my kids would be glued to.
So yes… Alma isn’t just a fishing destination—it’s a little river town with plenty of charm, history, and views that make you want to come back again. 🌅