Nestled in the heart of the United States, Kansas is home to some of the most secluded neighborhoods, offering peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From quiet Amish countryside to vast open grasslands, these hidden gems provide a refuge for those seeking solitude amidst nature’s beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat or a place to reconnect with the great outdoors, Kansas has a variety of secluded locales worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through ten of the most secluded neighborhoods in Kansas, each with its unique charm and allure.
Discover the quiet corners of the Sunflower State that offer privacy, natural wonders, and a slower pace of life. Let’s begin our countdown to uncover these tranquil havens.
10. Homesteads in the Cimarron National Grassland
In the far southwest corner of Kansas lies the Cimarron National Grassland, home to vast, open expanses where secluded homesteads offer unparalleled privacy and quietude. This area is characterized by its rolling prairies, sand dunes, and unique wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.
With a sparse population of only a few hundred residents scattered across the grassland, it’s one of the most secluded regions in the state. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy bird watching, hiking, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Kansas.
The Cimarron River meanders through the grassland, providing opportunities for fishing and exploring the scenic landscape. Living here means embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, surrounded by the serene beauty of untouched nature.
Where is the Cimarron National Grassland?
The Cimarron National Grassland is located in Morton County, in the extreme southwest corner of Kansas, bordering Colorado and Oklahoma. This remote area is part of the High Plains region, characterized by its expansive open spaces and unique geological features like Point of Rocks.
Its isolation and rugged terrain make it an interesting destination for those seeking secluded living. To reach the area, travelers can take US Highway 56 west from Garden City, then head south on State Route 27 to Elkhart, the nearest town offering basic amenities, before venturing into the grassland’s vast expanse.
9. Hinterlands of Kanopolis Lake
Surrounded by rolling hills and open spaces, the secluded properties around Kanopolis Lake offer a peaceful retreat away from crowded recreational areas. Nestled in central Kansas, this area boasts vast landscapes where homeowners can enjoy privacy and the tranquility of nature.
With a small community of residents, the population in this area remains minimal, contributing to its quiet ambiance. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in the nearby Kanopolis State Park and Horsethief Canyon.
The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying scenic sunsets over the water. Living here means embracing the serene lifestyle of rural Kansas, with the added bonus of being near one of the state’s oldest reservoirs.
Where is Kanopolis Lake?
Kanopolis Lake is located in Ellsworth County, approximately 33 miles southwest of Salina, Kansas. The lake sits at the edge of the Smoky Hills region, offering a picturesque blend of hills, canyons, and prairie.
Its unique geography includes the striking rock formations of Horsethief Canyon, making it a hidden gem for explorers. To get there, take Interstate 70 to Salina, then head south on Highway 141, which leads directly to the lake and surrounding secluded areas.
8. Solitude near Big Basin Prairie Preserve
Near the Big Basin Prairie Preserve, remote ranches and homesteads offer isolation in one of Kansas’s most unique geological areas. This area is known for its natural sinkholes and the wild bison that roam the prairie, providing a distinctive backdrop for secluded living. With very few residents in the vicinity, the population is scant, ensuring a tranquil environment away from urban distractions.
Visitors and locals can explore the natural wonders of the preserve, including St. Jacob’s Well, a mysterious water-filled sinkhole with historical significance. The area is ideal for wildlife observation, photography, and experiencing the vastness of the Kansas prairie. Choosing to live here means embracing the quiet and rugged beauty of the High Plains.
Where is Big Basin Prairie Preserve?
Big Basin Prairie Preserve is located in Clark County, in south-central Kansas, approximately 12 miles south of the town of Minneola. The preserve lies within a natural limestone sinkhole formation, making the geography particularly interesting and contributing to its seclusion.
The area is off the beaten path, with unpaved roads leading to the preserve, enhancing its remote appeal. To reach it, travelers can take US Highway 283 south from Dodge City to Minneola, then head south on County Road 3 to access the preserve and surrounding secluded properties.
7. Escapes in the Gypsum Hills
The Gypsum Hills region offers sparsely populated areas with unique landscapes, where secluded homes are set amid red mesas and buttes. This southwestern part of Kansas is a hidden treasure, featuring rolling hills, vivid gypsum formations, and picturesque vistas.
With a small population dispersed across the countryside, residents enjoy a serene lifestyle away from bustling cities. Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the scenic drives that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
The nearby towns host occasional cultural events, but the true allure lies in the quietude and striking landscapes. Living here provides an escape into a lesser-known but captivating part of Kansas’s natural heritage.
Where is the Gypsum Hills?
The Gypsum Hills, also known as the Red Hills, are located primarily in Barber and Comanche counties in south-central Kansas. This region’s striking geography includes rugged hills, canyons, and mesas formed from red sandstone and gypsum deposits.
The remote location contributes to its seclusion, attracting those who appreciate solitude and unique natural settings. To visit or settle in this area, travelers can take US Highway 160 west from Medicine Lodge, which winds through the heart of the Gypsum Hills and offers access to various secluded properties.
6. Beverly
Beverly is a small unincorporated community in Ottawa County, Kansas, with a population of fewer than 100 people. The neighborhood is known for its rural charm and is surrounded by expansive farmland and the rolling hills of central Kansas. Residents typically engage in farming or agriculture-related activities, and the area is quiet and peaceful.
Beverly’s seclusion is due to its location in a rural, agricultural region with little development, and it is far from the hustle of nearby towns. The isolation of Beverly makes it an ideal location for those seeking a serene and disconnected lifestyle, away from major highways and cities. The vast, open plains and few neighbors make Beverly a place where time seems to move slowly.
Where is Beverly?
Beverly is located in central Kansas, in Ottawa County, near the town of Minneapolis. The area is deeply rural, situated miles away from larger population centers.
The lack of nearby commercial centers or extensive infrastructure contributes to its sense of isolation. To get there, take K-106 north from Minneapolis, then follow local roads leading into this secluded, quiet community.
5. Hideaways in the Chautauqua Hills
Tucked within the wooded hills and streams of the Chautauqua Hills region, secluded residences offer a retreat far from the city’s bustle. This area is characterized by its oak-covered rolling hills and sandstone bluffs, providing a serene backdrop for private homes.
With a sparse population spread across the countryside, the sense of seclusion is profound. Outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring the natural trails are favorite pastimes for locals and visitors alike. The area is also rich in wildlife, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Choosing to live here means immersing oneself in the quietude and natural beauty that the Chautauqua Hills uniquely provide.
Where is the Chautauqua Hills?
The Chautauqua Hills are located in southeastern Kansas, extending through Chautauqua and Elk counties. This region’s interesting geography includes rolling hills transitioning between the Flint Hills and the Cross Timbers areas.
Its remote location and dense woodlands contribute to its secluded nature, perfect for those seeking privacy. To reach the area, travelers can take US Highway 166 east from Arkansas City or west from Coffeyville, accessing various county roads that lead into the heart of the Chautauqua Hills.
4. Wakarusa
Wakarusa is an unincorporated community located in Shawnee County, Kansas, on the outskirts of the state capital, Topeka. With fewer than 200 residents, this small neighborhood offers a mix of rural living and proximity to city amenities.
Local activities include farming, hiking, and enjoying the nearby natural landscapes, including the Kansas River and surrounding parks. The area’s economy is largely agricultural, with many locals working in farming or related industries.
Its seclusion is enhanced by its location just outside Topeka, offering a quieter lifestyle without the noise and congestion of city life. The lack of urban development in the immediate vicinity contributes to its peaceful and isolated atmosphere.
Where is Warakusa?
Wakarusa is located in the central part of Kansas, just southwest of Topeka in Shawnee County. The community sits along the Wakarusa River, adding to its scenic and secluded nature.
It is separated from the busy parts of Topeka by rural farmland, contributing to its peaceful surroundings. To reach Wakarusa, take US Highway 59 south from Topeka and follow local roads into the quiet heart of the community.
3. Elk City
Elk City, an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Kansas, is home to just over 100 residents. Situated near the Elk City Lake, the area offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The local economy primarily revolves around agriculture and the tourism generated by the nearby lake and surrounding natural areas.
Elk City’s seclusion is primarily due to its rural location in southeastern Kansas, where the nearest town is several miles away. The region is known for its quiet lifestyle and is ideal for those who seek a retreat from city life. The minimal development and vast, open spaces surrounding the community add to its sense of isolation.
Where is Elk City?
Elk City is located in southeastern Kansas, in Montgomery County, near the Oklahoma border. The town is situated just south of the Elk City Lake, which provides a natural boundary that enhances the area’s seclusion.
The rural nature of the community, combined with its distance from major highways, makes it a peaceful getaway. To get there, take US Highway 160 east from the town of Independence and turn south on local roads to reach this isolated neighborhood.
2. Newman Lake
Newman Lake, a serene unincorporated community in Leavenworth County, Kansas, has a population of around 200 people. The area is most well-known for Newman Lake, where fishing, boating, and birdwatching are popular activities. The local economy is driven by small-scale agriculture and recreational tourism, with the lake attracting visitors looking to relax or enjoy water-based activities.
Newman Lake’s seclusion stems from its location off the beaten path, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. The surrounding terrain is hilly and wooded, providing a natural buffer from larger population centers. The neighborhood provides a tranquil setting where residents can enjoy a close connection to nature while remaining relatively disconnected from the nearest cities.
Where is Newman Lake?
Newman Lake is situated in the northeastern corner of Kansas, in Leavenworth County, just west of Tonganoxie. The area is surrounded by rolling hills and thick forests, adding to its secluded appeal.
Its isolation comes from the fact that the lake and surrounding community are nestled away from major highways and cities. To reach Newman Lake, drive north from Tonganoxie on K-16 and turn east onto county roads that lead directly to the lake area.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland, located in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, is a small and quiet unincorporated community with fewer than 100 residents. The area is largely rural, with homes scattered across the landscape, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Flint Hills.
The main activities in the region are centered around outdoor recreation such as hiking, hunting, and fishing, especially in nearby areas like the Pottawatomie County Lake. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with many locals engaged in farming and ranching.
Switzerland’s secluded nature comes from its location deep within the rolling hills of the Flint Hills, far removed from the hustle and bustle of larger towns or cities. Its remoteness, combined with minimal infrastructure, contributes to the peace and solitude that its few residents enjoy.
Where is Switzerland?
Switzerland is located in the Flint Hills region of northeastern Kansas, within Pottawatomie County. The community lies east of Manhattan and north of the Kansas River, offering stunning views of the undisturbed natural landscape.
Its seclusion is attributed to its position in the heart of the rural Flint Hills, with few roads connecting it to larger cities. To get there, head east on K-16 from Manhattan, then turn north on local county roads to reach this peaceful and isolated area.
