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The Badlands of North Dakota are not a backdrop. They’re a presence—angular, weathered, and patient. Their erosional spires and wide basins don’t merely surround the towns here; they shape them, slow them, and fold them into the landscape’s rhythm. In places like Grassy Butte or Fryburg, the land is not something to be escaped from—it’s the reason people stay.
These 10 secluded neighborhoods exist in a geography that resists sprawl and shrugs at convenience. A town like Trotters, with its sunbaked grain elevators and single road in and out, doesn’t try to compete with progress. It stands with the hills, shaped by the same slow persistence. Sentinel Butte rises over the prairie like a geological punctuation mark, lending the nearby community both its name and its bearing. Even Fairfield, tucked along the quieter stretches of Highway 200, feels less like a destination and more like a pause in the landscape’s long sentence.
Living here is not about isolation. It’s about alignment—with landforms older than maps, with skies that never ask for filters. The towns don’t interrupt the terrain; they fold into it. Fences are low, distances are long, and the reward is a kind of visual and psychic space that urban places can’t simulate.
This list doesn’t highlight escape. It highlights presence—communities that endure not because they’re hidden, but because they belong to the place in ways deeper than roads or signs can express. Here, the land comes first—and the towns listen.
10. Little Missouri River Valley – Secluded Homesteads Along the River
Nestled along the winding banks of the Little Missouri River, the Little Missouri River Valley offers a tranquil haven for those seeking solitude in the heart of the Badlands.
With only a handful of homesteads scattered across the expansive valley, residents enjoy unparalleled privacy surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rich wildlife. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and observing the natural beauty that the Badlands are known for.
The approximate population is sparse, with less than a hundred residents calling this peaceful valley home. Living here means embracing a slower pace of life, where the sounds of nature provide the soundtrack to your days.
Where is Little Missouri River Valley?
The Little Missouri River Valley stretches through western North Dakota, carving through the Badlands in Billings and McKenzie counties. This secluded area is characterized by its unique topography of rugged buttes and steep canyons shaped by the river over millennia.
To reach the valley, travelers can take U.S. Highway 85 north from Belfield or south from Watford City, then venture onto smaller county roads that lead deeper into the Badlands. The remoteness of the location, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a hidden gem for those wanting to disconnect from urban life.
9. Killdeer Mountain Region – Seclusion Amidst Majestic Hills
The Killdeer Mountain Region offers secluded living amidst rolling hills and majestic landscapes steeped in history and natural beauty. Home to a small population scattered across wide-open spaces, this area is ideal for those who value privacy and a close connection to nature.
Residents can explore hiking trails, observe abundant wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. With an approximate population of just a few hundred people in the surrounding rural areas, the Killdeer Mountains provide a peaceful retreat away from crowded towns and cities.
Where is Killdeer Mountain?
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Located in Dunn County, the Killdeer Mountains rise prominently above the surrounding plains of western North Dakota. The region is accessible via Highway 22 north from the town of Killdeer, which serves as the gateway to these scenic hills.
The geography is notable for its rich Native American history and the breathtaking vistas it offers. Visitors can reach the area by driving about an hour northwest from Dickinson and going through the quiet countryside to this secluded destination.
8. Alpha – Quiet Retreat in Golden Valley County
Alpha is an unincorporated community that embodies the essence of secluded living in the Badlands. With only a few residents, this quiet retreat offers large acreages where one can truly experience the peace and simplicity of rural life.
The surrounding landscapes feature gentle rolling hills and untouched prairies, making it a haven for those who appreciate wide-open spaces. Recreational activities include horseback riding, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquil ambiance of such minimal development.
Where is Alpha?
Alpha is situated in Golden Valley County, in the western part of North Dakota near the Montana border. The community lies just off Interstate 94, accessible via Exit 18 and a short drive north on local roads. Its location amidst the Badlands’ characteristic terrain provides seclusion and natural beauty.
Despite its remoteness, Alpha is within reasonable driving distance of the small town of Beach, where basic amenities can be found. The area’s geography, with its grasslands and rolling hills, makes it a quiet corner of the state worth exploring.
7. Gorham – Hidden Locale in Slope County’s Badlands
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Gorham is an unincorporated area offering a true sense of seclusion amidst the rugged beauty of the Badlands. Characterized by vast open spaces and minimal population—only a few residents live in this area—it presents an ideal setting for those seeking to escape the noise and congestion of city life.
Dramatic buttes and expansive prairies mark the landscape, perfect for photography, hiking, and solitude. The quietude of Gorham allows for a deep appreciation of the natural surroundings and the starry night skies undisturbed by city lights.
Where is Gorham?
Located in Slope County, Gorham is in the southwestern part of North Dakota, close to the South Dakota border. Accessed via U.S. Route 12 and a network of county roads, Gorham is nestled within the heart of the Badlands, offering a remote setting far from major highways.
The area’s geography includes rugged terrain and unique rock formations typical of the Badlands region. Travelers seeking to visit Gorham should be prepared for rural driving conditions, but the journey rewards with serene landscapes and a genuine sense of escape.
6. Sentinel Butte Area – Peaceful Living Near Buttes and Grasslands
The rural surroundings of Sentinel Butte provide a peaceful living experience near some of the most striking natural features in the Badlands. With an approximate population of under 100 residents, the community is characterized by expansive landscapes and minimal development.
Living here means waking up to views of the iconic Sentinel Butte, one of the prominent landmarks in the area. Outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation are part of daily life, with the natural barrier of the buttes offering privacy and a serene environment.
Where is Sentinel Butte?
Sentinel Butte is located in Golden Valley County, just a few miles south of Interstate 94. The town can be reached by taking Exit 6 and heading south on local roads. The geography is a mix of grasslands and rugged hills, with the notable Sentinel Butte rising nearby, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Its proximity to the interstate provides relatively easy access while maintaining a sense of seclusion due to the sparse population and expansive open spaces.
5. Rural Marmarth – Remote Ranchlands of Slope County
Remote ranchlands and vast undeveloped land characterize the rural areas surrounding Marmarth in Slope County. With a population density of only a few people per square mile, this area is ideal for individuals desiring significant space and privacy.
The landscape features rolling hills, grasslands, and the nearby Little Missouri River, offering ample opportunities for ranching, hunting, and enjoying the quiet rural lifestyle. Away from tourist spots and urban bustle, rural Marmarth provides a genuine escape into North Dakota’s serene countryside.
Where is Marmarth?
Marmarth is the southwesternmost town in North Dakota, located along U.S. Route 12 near the Montana border. The rural areas extend outward from the town into Slope County’s expansive prairies and badlands.
Travelers can reach Marmarth by driving west from Bowman on U.S. 12 and venture onto county roads to explore the surrounding ranchlands. The remote location and sparse population make this area one of the most secluded in the state, where one can truly experience the vastness of the northern plains.
4. Trotters – Secluded Prairie Living in Golden Valley County
Trotters is a sparsely populated area that epitomizes secluded prairie living. With only a handful of residents in the vicinity, it offers vast stretches of undeveloped land and rolling hills—perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection to nature.
The area is characterized by open skies, abundant wildlife, and a quiet environment that is hard to find elsewhere. Activities such as bird watching, hunting, and simply enjoying the tranquility are commonplace here. The low population density ensures that residents have plenty of space and privacy.
Where is Trotters?
Trotters sits along North Dakota Highway 16 in northeastern Golden Valley County, between Beach and Medora. The region is accessible yet remote, with the surrounding geography featuring gentle hills and expansive grasslands typical of the Badlands’ edge.
To get there, travelers can drive north from Beach on Highway 16, passing through landscapes that gradually become more rugged and secluded. The area’s remote setting makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the fast pace of modern life.
3. Fryburg Area – Quiet Retreat Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The Fryburg area offers a quiet retreat adjacent to the untouched landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With sweeping Badlands vistas and a small population, residents enjoy a sense of seclusion while being close to one of the state’s most treasured natural areas.
Large lots and minimal development provide ample space for privacy. Outdoor activities are abundant, including hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the park’s rugged terrain. The approximate population is small, with the community maintaining a tight-knit, rural charm.
Where is Fryburg?
Fryburg is located in Billings County, just off Interstate 94 at Exit 36, west of the city of Dickinson. Nestled near the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Fryburg provides easy access to the park’s scenic drives and trails.
The geography includes rugged badlands and rolling prairies, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Travelers can reach Fryburg by driving approximately 30 miles west of Dickinson, making it a convenient yet secluded destination.
2. Fairfield – Hidden Gem in Billings County
Fairfield is a tranquil community set amidst expansive open spaces in Billings County. With a low population density and proximity to natural features like the Little Missouri River, it provides residents with privacy and a strong connection to nature.
The area is ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Fairfield’s approximate population is just a few hundred people, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors are known but homes are spread out, ensuring quiet.
Where is Fairfield?
Fairfield is situated along North Dakota Highway 200, northeast of Killdeer. Its geography is characterized by gently rolling prairies and proximity to the Little Missouri National Grassland.
To reach Fairfield, travelers can drive north from Belfield on U.S. Highway 85 and east on Highway 200. The area’s location provides a balance of seclusion and accessibility, with the natural beauty of the Badlands nearby and essential services within driving distance.
1. Grassy Butte – Remote Solitude Amidst Rolling Hills
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Grassy Butte is an unincorporated community in the Badlands’ heart, offering remote solitude amidst rolling hills and vast prairie landscapes. With large acreages available and a peaceful lifestyle far from urban centers, it’s an ideal place for those seeking true seclusion.
The approximate population is minimal, with only a handful of residents scattered across the area. Activities include exploring the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, hiking, and enjoying the abundant wildlife that inhabits the region. Grassy Butte embodies the quiet charm of North Dakota’s countryside.
Where is Grassy Butte?
In McKenzie County, Grassy Butte sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 85 and North Dakota Highway 68. The community is surrounded by the rugged terrain of the Badlands, with the Little Missouri National Grassland to the south and west.
To get there, travelers can drive north from Belfield on Highway 85, passing through scenic landscapes that define the region. The area’s remote location and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves in North Dakota’s wilderness.
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