There’s no shortage of space in Kansas, but in the southeastern stretch known as the Cross Timbers, space comes with something extra: quiet. This is the part of the state where winding roads lead not to cities but to Hewins, Quincy, and other small towns that most maps barely acknowledge. That’s exactly the appeal.
The Cross Timbers isn’t built for traffic or trendiness. It’s built for stillness—dotted with communities that have held steady while much of the world sped up. Towns like Piedmont and Silverdale offer a kind of daily rhythm rooted in the land: morning coffee on the porch, evenings marked by the sound of cicadas, not sirens. It’s not nostalgia—it’s a functioning way of life that continues without fuss.
These places don’t draw headlines, and they’re not trying to. But for anyone interested in a slower pace, wide-open skies, and a strong sense of local identity, the Cross Timbers offers something worth noticing. What you won’t find: big-box stores, stoplights, or traffic. What you will find: quiet roads, friendly conversations, and a landscape that hasn’t been overly edited.
In this article, we take a closer look at 10 of the most secluded towns across Kansas’ Cross Timbers—places that define rural resilience, privacy, and the kind of community that comes without pretense.
10. Rock: Tranquil Rural Life in Cowley County
With an approximate population of just over 100 residents, Rock is a small unincorporated community that embodies the peaceful essence of rural Kansas. The town is a haven for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and the simple pleasures of country living.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like fishing and canoeing on the nearby Walnut River, or exploring the scenic countryside dotted with farms and pastures. Agriculture plays a significant role in Rock’s local economy, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching.
The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its low population density and the expansive agricultural lands that surround it, providing a quiet retreat from urban noise and activity.
Where is Rock?
Rock is located in Cowley County, in the southern part of Kansas, approximately 50 miles southeast of Wichita. Its secluded nature is due in part to its distance from major highways and cities, nestled among the rolling hills and fertile lands of the Cross Timbers region.
Access to Rock is primarily via local county roads, with the nearest significant thoroughfare being U.S. Route 77, which lies several miles to the west. This remote setting makes Rock an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a true taste of rural Midwestern life.
9. Quincy: Retreat into Greenwood County’s Quietude
Quincy is a tiny unincorporated community with an estimated population of less than 50 people, offering a serene environment surrounded by nature. The town is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, with abundant opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and enjoying the unspoiled Kansas landscape.
While there are no major industries in Quincy, the local economy is supported by agriculture and small-scale farming. What makes Quincy particularly secluded is its minimal traffic and the large lot sizes of properties, allowing residents ample space and privacy in a tranquil setting.
Where is Quincy?
Nestled in Greenwood County in eastern Kansas, Quincy is situated near the Verdigris River, adding to its scenic charm. Its seclusion stems from its remote location, far from bustling cities and major highways.
To reach Quincy, one must travel along lesser-known county roads, with the closest significant town being Eureka, located approximately 20 miles to the west. This isolation provides a peaceful atmosphere, making Quincy an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet retreat in the heart of the Cross Timbers.
8. Wauneta: Countryside Charm in Chautauqua County
Wauneta is a quaint unincorporated community boasting a small population that enjoys the peace and simplicity of rural life. The area is characterized by expansive prairies and gently rolling hills, offering picturesque views and a connection to nature.
Residents and visitors alike can partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and simply soaking in the serene environment. Agriculture remains the backbone of Wauneta’s local economy, with farming and ranching being common occupations.
The town’s remote setting and expansive landscapes contribute to its secluded ambiance, providing a haven away from the noise of urban centers.
Where is Wauneta?
Located in Chautauqua County in southeastern Kansas, Wauneta is situated near the Oklahoma border, enhancing its sense of seclusion. Its distance from major cities and limited access via major roads make it a hidden gem within the Cross Timbers region.
The town is accessible primarily through county roads, with the nearest larger community being Sedan, about 15 miles to the north. This remote locale offers residents and visitors a peaceful escape amid the natural beauty of Kansas’ countryside.
7. Silverdale: Hidden Gem Along the Walnut River
Silverdale is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 50 residents, offering a secluded lifestyle near the scenic Walnut River. The town is surrounded by natural barriers, including dense woodlands and waterways, providing ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the area’s rich wildlife.
There are no major industries in Silverdale, with most residents enjoying the quiet life or engaging in small-scale agriculture. Its appeal lies in its tranquil setting near the water, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a close connection to nature.
Where is Silverdale?
Situated in Cowley County in southern Kansas, Silverdale is nestled along the banks of the Walnut River, close to the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Its secluded location is accentuated by the surrounding natural landscapes and limited access via main roads.
The community is reached by taking local county roads, with the nearest town of Arkansas City located approximately 15 miles to the northwest. This isolation ensures a peaceful environment, allowing residents and visitors to fully embrace the quiet beauty of the Cross Timbers region.
6. Piedmont: Peaceful Living Among Rolling Hills
Piedmont, with an estimated population of around 100 people, is a haven for those desiring a private and serene lifestyle. The town is enveloped by rolling hills and lush greenery, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the local wildlife are popular among residents.
There are few major industries in Piedmont, with agriculture and ranching being the primary economic activities. The low housing density and expansive properties contribute to Piedmont’s secluded nature, making it an attractive destination for those seeking tranquility.
Where is Piedmont?
Located in Greenwood County in eastern Kansas, Piedmont is nestled within the heart of the Cross Timbers. Its remoteness is due to its distance from larger towns and limited accessibility via main highways.
The town can be accessed by traveling along State Highway 99 and then branching off onto smaller county roads. Eureka, the nearest sizeable town, is about 20 miles to the north. Piedmont’s secluded setting amidst natural beauty offers a peaceful retreat away from the busyness of modern life.
5. Reece: Unspoiled Landscapes in Greenwood County
Reece is a tiny unincorporated community with a close-knit population of fewer than 50 residents. The town is surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, including open prairies and wooded areas, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Activities such as bird watching, hiking, and enjoying the serene environment are commonplace. There are no significant industries in Reece, and the local economy revolves around agriculture and small-scale farming.
The abundance of undeveloped land and natural features contribute to Reece’s secluded environment, offering residents a peaceful and private lifestyle.
Where is Reece?
Situated in Greenwood County, Reece is located in the eastern part of Kansas, adding to its seclusion within the Cross Timbers region. The community is off the beaten path, accessible primarily via county roads with minimal signage.
The closest town of Eureka lies about 15 miles to the northeast. Reece’s remote location and the surrounding natural landscapes make it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature away from the usual hustle and bustle.
4. Otto: Rural Serenity Near the Oklahoma Border
Otto is a small unincorporated community with an estimated population of fewer than 100 people. The town offers a quiet atmosphere where residents can enjoy spacious properties and the serenity of rural life. The surrounding area is characterized by large lot sizes, rolling farmland, and open skies.
While there are no major industries in Otto, agriculture and ranching are common occupations among locals. Its significant distance from urban centers and minimal commercial development make Otto an ideal spot for solitude and a laid-back lifestyle.
Where is Otto?
Located in Elk County in southeastern Kansas, Otto is close to the Kansas-Oklahoma border, enhancing its sense of isolation. The town is off the main highways, accessible via winding county roads that traverse the picturesque countryside.
The nearest larger community is Howard, situated approximately 20 miles to the north. Otto’s remote setting amidst the natural beauty of the Cross Timbers provides a peaceful retreat far from the stresses of city life.
3. Beaumont: Historic Hideaway in Butler County
Beaumont is a quaint community with a population of around 50 residents, known for its rustic charm and historic appeal. One of the town’s unique features is the Beaumont Hotel, a historic inn that traces back to the late 19th century, serving as a gateway for steam locomotives and cattle drives.
Today, visitors can explore this historic site, enjoy country-style dining, and even land their planes on the grass airstrip adjacent to the hotel. The tranquil prairie environment and the town’s rich history make Beaumont a secluded hideaway for those interested in the old-world charm of Kansas.
Where is Beaumont?
Beaumont is located in Butler County in southern Kansas, approximately 45 miles east of Wichita. Its seclusion is due to its position along State Highway 400, surrounded by vast prairies and ranch lands with minimal urban development nearby.
The town is accessible via the highway, but its small size and lack of commercial expansion keep it tucked away as a hidden gem. Beaumont’s remote setting offers a peaceful atmosphere where the history and simplicity of rural Kansas can be fully appreciated.
2. Busby: A Quiet Escape Amidst Elk County’s Wilderness
Busby is an unincorporated community with a sparse population, offering a quiet escape amid the wilderness of Elk County. The town is nestled near forests and undeveloped land, providing ample opportunities for hiking, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the Cross Timbers region.
Agriculture remains a way of life for many residents, with farming and livestock rearing common occupations. Busby’s remote location and proximity to extensive natural landscapes make it an ideal place for a peaceful retreat away from the distractions of modern life.
Where is Busby?
Located in Elk County, Busby lies in southeastern Kansas, adding to its secluded charm. The town is off major highways, reachable only through a network of county roads that wind through the countryside.
The nearest significant town is Grenola, approximately 15 miles to the west. Busby’s location amidst dense woodlands and open fields enhances its sense of isolation, making it a haven for those seeking solitude in nature.
1. Hewins: Seclusion in the Heart of Chautauqua County
Hewins is a deeply secluded unincorporated community with a very small population, offering vast acreages and unspoiled natural landscapes. The town is perfect for those seeking privacy away from urban life, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the serene environment.
There are no major industries in Hewins; instead, residents often engage in agriculture or simply relish the peace that comes with rural living. The expansive properties and minimal development contribute to Hewins’ secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for solitude seekers.
Where is Hewins?
Situated in Chautauqua County in southeastern Kansas, Hewins is close to the Oklahoma border, enhancing its remote feel. The community is accessible primarily via county roads, with the nearest town of Cedar Vale located about 12 miles to the north.
Its location deep within the Cross Timbers region, surrounded by vast stretches of natural landscapes, ensures that Hewins remains a secluded haven for those wishing to escape the bustle of more populated areas.
