I’ve always been captivated by the serene beauty of Iowa’s Loess Hills, where rolling landscapes and quiet communities offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle of everyday life. Nestled within this unique terrain are some of the most secluded neighborhoods I’ve ever encountered.
These hidden enclaves provide stunning vistas and a deep sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re seeking a place to unwind or a tight-knit community away from urban centers, the Loess Hills have something special to offer.
From expansive acreages to secluded ridge-top dwellings, each neighborhood holds its charm and secrets. Let me share thirteen of these secluded havens that make the Loess Hills a true gem in Iowa’s landscape.
10. Pisgah – A Tranquil Community Amidst the Loess Hills
Pisgah, a small city in Harrison County, Iowa, has a population of around 249 residents. This peaceful community offers a serene environment surrounded by the beautiful Loess Hills, with various outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming. Pisgah is secluded due to its location deep within the hills, with minimal commercial development and limited access to large urban centers.
The town offers a slower-paced lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Despite its small size, Pisgah’s location makes it a hidden gem within the Loess Hills, providing a true escape for those seeking seclusion.
Where is Pisgah?
Pisgah is in Harrison County, Iowa, and is nestled among the Loess Hills. Its remote location, surrounded by dense forests and agricultural land, makes it a secluded community far from major urban developments.
Visitors can take Highway 175 and follow local roads winding through the hills to reach Pisgah, ensuring a scenic and quiet drive. The journey through the Loess Hills offers an immersive experience in one of Iowa’s most beautiful natural landscapes, adding to the town’s peacefulness.
9. Rolling Acres of Raglan Township
Raglan Township in Harrison County has always struck me as a perfect place for solitude amidst nature’s grandeur. The expansive, low-density properties here offer residents a peaceful existence surrounded by the undulating landscapes of the Loess Hills.
With plenty of space between neighbors, it’s easy to feel like you have the hills all to yourself. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and simply enjoying the serene environment.
The township’s small population fosters a sense of community without encroaching on personal space, making it ideal and amazing for those desiring solitude in a natural setting.
Where is Raglan Township?
Located in the northern part of Harrison County, Raglan Township is nestled amid the rolling hills that define the Loess Hills region. The area’s geography is particularly interesting due to its rich soils and unique formations resulting from wind-blown silt deposits.
You can reach Raglan Township by taking State Highway 127 west from Woodbine or navigating the rural roads that crisscross the county. The journey is a peaceful drive through some of Iowa’s most scenic countryside, far away from the noise of larger towns and cities.
8. Calhoun – A Rural Location with Deep Agricultural Roots
I like it for its quiet roads and the way the fields stretch endlessly toward the horizon, creating a peaceful, open landscape. It serves as the central hub, offering local shops and community events. I always appreciate the historic courthouse, a landmark that has stood for over a century.
Calhoun economy is deeply tied to agriculture, with corn and soybean fields dominating the scenery. The rural setting makes it a great place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community.
Where is Calhoun?
Calhoun is located in northwestern Iowa, bordered by Pocahontas, Webster, and Carroll counties. The location is positioned along Highway 20, making it easily accessible from larger cities like Fort Dodge.
You can reach Calhoun by following Highway 20 west from Waterloo or east from Sioux City. The drive offers a mix of rolling farmland and small-town stops along the way.
7. Hidden Retreats in Ingraham Township
Ingraham Township in Mills County is home to some of the most secluded properties I’ve encountered in the Loess Hills. The large-lot properties here are surrounded by natural beauty, offering residents a peaceful sanctuary away from the stresses of modern life.
The area is sparsely populated, so it’s not uncommon to go about your day without encountering another soul unless you choose to.
With opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and simply enjoying the quiet, it’s an ideal spot for those who value solitude. The township’s small population contributes to a sense of isolation that can be refreshing and rejuvenating.
Where is Ingraham?
Ingraham Township is located in Mills County in southwestern Iowa, nestled within the rolling terrain of the Loess Hills. The unique geography here provides a picturesque backdrop of ridges and valleys, making it an interesting place to explore.
Access is typically via U.S. Highway 34 or Interstate 29, followed by a county road network leading to more remote areas. The journey to Ingraham Township takes you through some of Iowa’s most scenic landscapes, setting the tone for the awaited peaceful retreat.
6. The Peaceful Corners of Union Township
Union Township in Harrison County is another gem I’ve discovered for those seeking tranquility within the Loess Hills. The secluded homes and farms are nestled amidst undulating landscapes offering beauty and privacy.
With minimal traffic and a low population density, it’s a place where you can relish the quiet and connect with nature. The area is perfect for agricultural pursuits or simply enjoying the wide-open spaces.
The sparse but welcoming community provides the ideal balance between solitude and neighborly connection.
Where is Union?
In eastern Harrison County, Union Township is set within the heart of the Loess Hills region in western Iowa. The unique topography of the area, featuring rolling hills and fertile valleys, enhances its appeal.
You can reach Union Township via U.S. Highway 30 or State Highway 37, followed by local roads that meander through the countryside. The drive is characterized by scenic vistas that highlight the natural beauty of the Loess Hills, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
5. Hidden Homesteads in Rural Mills County
Rural Mills County has always intrigued me with its expansive properties amid rolling hills and dense forests. These hidden homesteads provide a peaceful retreat far from urban centers, allowing residents to enjoy the serenity of the Loess Hills.
The large lots offer plenty of space for outdoor activities, whether hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying the surrounding nature. With a small, dispersed population, the area maintains a quiet atmosphere perfect for those looking to escape the noise of city life.
Where is Rural Mills County?
Mills County is located in southwestern Iowa, with rural areas stretching into the Loess Hills region. The geography here is notable for its rolling terrain and rich natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for nature enthusiasts.
Access to rural Mills County is typically via U.S. Highway 34 or Interstate 29, followed by county roads that lead deeper into the countryside. The drive offers scenic views that showcase the unique landscapes of the Loess Hills, setting the stage for the tranquility that awaits.
4. Monona County’s Secluded Ridge-top Dwellings
I have always been fascinated by the isolated homes perched on the ridge lines in Monona County. Offering expansive views and unmatched privacy, these dwellings make the most of the area’s low population density.
Living atop the ridges means that every day comes with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the rolling hills. The elevation and clear skies enhance outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.
With only a handful of neighbors scattered across the hills, residents enjoy a solitude enhanced by their surroundings’ majesty.
Where is Monona County’s Ridge-top Area?
Monona County is located in western Iowa, and its ridge-top dwellings are primarily found along the highest elevations of the Loess Hills. The unique geography here, formed by ancient wind patterns, creates dramatic landscapes that are both beautiful and secluded.
Access to these ridge-top homes is generally via State Highway 175 or Interstate 29, followed by winding county roads descending into the hills. The journey offers stunning views and a sense of leaving the ordinary world behind as you climb to the secluded summits.
3. Little Sioux – A Small Place with Scenic Views
Little Sioux is a quiet location in western Iowa, nestled at the foot of the Loess Hills State Forest. I like it for its peaceful atmosphere and the way the hills roll into the Missouri River Valley, creating stunning landscapes.
This place is best known for the Little Sioux Scout Ranch, a popular outdoor retreat for the Boy Scouts of America. I always appreciate how the area offers plenty of hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Little Sioux has a rich history, with landmarks like Murray Hall, a historic building that once served as a general store and now stands as a museum. The annual Little Sioux Homecoming brings the community together with a parade, carnival, and barbecue, making it a great time to visit.
Where is Little Sioux?
Little Sioux is located inside Harrison County, Iowa, along the Missouri River. It sits near Larpenteur Memorial Road, a historic route named after an early French fur trader.
You can reach Little Sioux by following Interstate 29 north from Omaha or south from Sioux City. The drive winds through the Loess Hills, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Kennebec – A Rural Township in Monona County
Kennebec is a quiet, unincorporated township in western Iowa, where rolling farmland meets the open sky. I like it for its simplicity—there’s a peacefulness here that comes from its wide fields and small-town charm.
The township is primarily agricultural, with farms stretching across the landscape. I always appreciate how the changing seasons paint the fields in different shades, from golden harvests to fresh green sprouts in spring.
Kennebec’s history is tied to the rural communities that make up Monona County, where small towns and townships have long supported Iowa’s farming traditions. The nearby Loess Hills provide a scenic backdrop, adding a touch of rugged beauty to the otherwise flat terrain.
Where is Kennebec?
Kennebec is located in Monona County, Iowa, near the town of Castana. The township sits in the western part of the state, surrounded by farmland and small communities.
You can reach Kennebec by following Highway 175 west from Onawa or taking local roads through Monona County’s rural landscape. The drive is peaceful, with open fields stretching in every direction.
1. Honey Creek’s Hidden Valleys
Honey Creek in Pottawattamie County epitomizes secluded rural living amid the Loess Hills. The expansive acreages within hidden valleys offer privacy and scenic vistas away from urban life.
I love how the homes blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and rich woodlands. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation in their backyards.
Where is Honey Creek?
Honey Creek is within the picturesque Loess Hills region in Pottawattamie County in western Iowa. The geography here features deep valleys and rolling hills formed by wind-blown silt, creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
You can reach Honey Creek via Interstate 29, taking the Honey Creek exit and following local roads into the hidden valleys. The journey offers a peaceful drive through some of Iowa’s most stunning scenery, leading you to a place where tranquility and natural beauty are part of everyday life.
