Whenever I yearn for a peaceful escape steeped in history and Southern charm, I find myself drawn to Mississippi’s Delta Blues Region. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this area is more than just the birthplace of blues music—it’s home to some of the most secluded and enchanting towns I’ve ever visited.
From quiet riverside hamlets to hidden artistic retreats, these locales offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Join me as I count down ten of my favorite secluded towns in the Delta, each with its own unique allure and untold stories waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, inspiration, or a deeper connection to the roots of American music, these towns are sure to captivate your heart.
10. Benoit: Tranquility at the Crossing of the Rivers
Benoit, with an approximate population of just over 400, is a peaceful haven tucked away in the Mississippi Delta. I love visiting this quaint town for its serene atmosphere and the gentle flow of the nearby Mississippi River, which offers plenty of fishing and boating opportunities.
Agriculture is the lifeblood here, and you’ll find vast fields of cotton and soybeans stretching as far as the eye can see. One of Benoit’s hidden gems is the historic ‘Baby Doll House’, featured in the classic 1956 film Baby Doll—a must-see for any film enthusiast like myself.
What makes Benoit truly secluded is its quiet streets and the expansive farmland that envelops it, providing a perfect escape from crowded cities. The town’s simplicity and close-knit community make it a tranquil spot where time seems to slow down.
Where is Benoit?
Situated in Bolivar County, Benoit lies in the heart of Mississippi’s Delta Blues Region, about 20 miles southwest of Cleveland. Its seclusion is enhanced by its rural setting amidst sprawling agricultural lands and a lack of major highways running through it.
To reach Benoit, I usually take Highway 1 south from Rosedale, which winds through picturesque farmland and offers a peaceful drive. The town’s remote location and the surrounding natural beauty make arriving there feel like stepping into a different, quieter world.
9. Webb: A Peaceful Delta Hideaway
Webb is a charming little town in the Delta with a population hovering around 500 residents. I appreciate Webb for its simplicity and the peacefulness that comes with being nestled amidst vast cotton fields.
The Tallahatchie River nearby offers tranquil spots for fishing and quiet reflection, perfect for anyone looking to unwind. Agriculture is the mainstay here, with generations of farmers cultivating the rich Delta soil.
What sets Webb apart is its unhurried pace of life and the genuine warmth of its tight-knit community. The town’s seclusion is a welcome retreat, far removed from the noise and rush of urban centers.
Where is Webb?
Located in Tallahatchie County, Webb sits in the northern part of Mississippi’s Delta Blues Region, about 14 miles south of Clarksdale. Its isolation is accentuated by the surrounding cotton plantations and the absence of major thoroughfares passing through town.
To get there, I often take Highway 49, turning onto smaller county roads that meander through the countryside. The journey itself is serene, as the landscapes of the Delta unfold, leading to the quiet haven that is Webb.
8. Sumner: Historic Charm in a Quiet Setting
Sumner is a small town steeped in history, with a population of around 300 people. Whenever I visit, I’m drawn to the stately Tallahatchie County Courthouse, a symbol of the town’s rich past.
Sumner holds a significant place in civil rights history as the site of the infamous Emmett Till trial, and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center offers profound insights into this pivotal event.
The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, with agriculture being the cornerstone of the local economy. Sumner’s secluded charm comes from its quiet streets lined with historic buildings and the serenity that envelops the entire community.
It’s a place where history and tranquility coexist, making it a unique destination in the Delta.
Where is Sumner?
Situated in Tallahatchie County, Sumner lies approximately 17 miles southeast of Clarksdale. Its seclusion is heightened by the vast agricultural landscapes that surround it and the minimal traffic passing through town.
I usually reach Sumner by taking Highway 49E, which offers a scenic route through the heart of the Delta’s farmland. The town’s remote location and historical significance provide a peaceful yet poignant experience for visitors like me seeking both reflection and respite.
7. Louise: Quiet Countryside Retreat
Louise is a tiny community of around 200 people that embodies the essence of rural Mississippi. I find solace in its quiet countryside, where the gentle flow of the Sunflower River offers peaceful spots for fishing and contemplation.
Agriculture dominates the local economy, with expansive fields of crops painting the landscape in hues of green and gold. What makes Louise truly secluded is its untouched natural surroundings and the absence of commercial bustle.
For me, it’s a place where one can truly disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the country.
Where is Louise?
Located in Humphreys County, Louise sits in the southern part of the Delta region, about 50 miles north of Jackson. Its seclusion stems from its off-the-beaten-path location, well away from major highways and urban centers.
To get there, I usually travel along Highway 49W, turning onto smaller rural roads that lead into the heart of this quiet town. The journey through winding roads and open fields sets the stage for the tranquility that awaits in Louise.
6. Glen Allan: Lakeside Seclusion Amidst Nature
Glen Allan is a serene lakeside community that I’ve grown fond of, with an estimated population under 400. Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like me who enjoy fishing, boating, and simply soaking in the natural beauty.
The local economy revolves around recreation and tourism, with quaint lodges and fishing camps dotting the area. Glen Allan’s seclusion is defined by its intimate connection to nature and the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Where is Glen Allan?
Glen Allan is located in Washington County, in the western Mississippi Delta, about 35 miles south of Greenville. Its secluded setting is enhanced by the surrounding wetlands and the absence of major transportation routes nearby.
I usually reach Glen Allan by taking Highway 1, followed by local roads that lead directly to the lakeshore. The journey through the Delta’s rich landscapes makes arriving in this tranquil spot all the more rewarding.
5. Tutwiler: Birthplace of the Delta Blues’ Soul
Tutwiler is a town of about 1,000 residents that holds a special place in my heart as the birthplace of the Delta Blues’ soul. It was here that W.C. Handy first heard the blues melodies that would inspire his music, marking Tutwiler as a pivotal spot in musical history.
I enjoy visiting the historic Tutwiler Depot and exploring the town’s deep-rooted blues heritage. Agriculture remains a key industry, with cotton fields surrounding the town. Tutwiler’s seclusion is not just geographical but also cultural, preserving traditions that have shaped the very essence of the blues.
Where is Tutwiler?
Tutwiler is situated in Tallahatchie County, about 18 miles south of Clarksdale in the Mississippi Delta. Its secluded nature comes from its small size and the surrounding rural landscapes that stretch for miles.
I usually get there via Highway 49, enjoying the scenic drive through the Delta’s iconic cotton fields. The town’s remote location allows it to maintain a quiet atmosphere where the echoes of blues music linger in the air.
4. Merigold: Artistic Oasis Off the Beaten Path
Merigold is a small town of about 400 people that I’ve come to know as an artistic oasis in the Delta. Home to the famous McCarty’s Pottery, it’s a destination for art lovers seeking unique handmade ceramics that reflect the natural beauty of the region.
The town’s creative spirit extends to various local artisans whose works are inspired by the Delta’s landscapes. Agriculture plays a role too, but it’s the artistic culture that sets Merigold apart.
Its secluded charm lies in its quiet streets and the sense of inspiration that seems to permeate the air, offering a perfect retreat for those like me who seek solitude and creativity.
Where is Merigold?
Merigold is located in Bolivar County, just a few miles north of Cleveland, Mississippi. Despite its proximity to larger towns, Merigold maintains a secluded feel due to its small size and the rural surroundings.
I usually access it via Highway 61, turning onto local roads that lead into this hidden gem. The town’s off-the-beaten-path location makes it a delightful surprise for those who stumble upon it or, like me, seek it out for its artistic offerings.
3. Anguilla: Where Time Stands Still
Anguilla is a small town of approximately 700 residents where I feel as though time stands still. Surrounded by vast agricultural fields and dense forests, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hunting and fishing.
The mainstay of the local economy is agriculture, with crops like corn and soybeans dominating the landscape. Anguilla’s seclusion is characterized by its tranquil environment and the simplicity of life that defines the community.
Where is Anguilla?
Located in Sharkey County, Anguilla sits about 50 miles northwest of Jackson, Mississippi. Its remote location is bolstered by the surrounding wilderness and a network of country roads rather than major highways.
To reach Anguilla, I usually take Highway 61 and then navigate the rural routes that lead into town. The journey through the Delta’s backroads only adds to the sense of seclusion that awaits in Anguilla.
2. Alligator: Serenity in the Heart of the Delta
Alligator is a tiny town with a population of about 200, and it’s one of those places in the Delta where I truly find serenity. The town’s name itself piques curiosity, and its charm lies in its close-knit community and the simplicity of rural life.
With the nearby lakes and rivers, there are ample opportunities for fishing and enjoying the natural surroundings. Agriculture is the primary industry, and the landscape is dotted with fields that stretch to the horizon.
Alligator’s seclusion is a defining feature, making it an ideal spot for anyone seeking peace and a deep connection with the land.
Where is Alligator?
Alligator is nestled in Bolivar County, in the Mississippi Delta, approximately 12 miles north of Shelby. Its seclusion comes from both its small size and its setting amidst vast agricultural lands away from major roadways.
I usually reach Alligator by taking Highway 61 and then venturing onto local roads that wind through the countryside. The journey reinforces the feeling of stepping away from the bustle and into a place where life moves at a gentler pace.
1. Mayersville: A Hidden Gem Along the Mississippi River
Mayersville, with a population of approximately 500, is my go-to hidden gem along the Mississippi River. The town offers stunning river views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I enjoy strolling along the banks, fishing, and immersing myself in the natural beauty of the area. Agriculture is significant here, with the fertile land supporting various crops, and the river playing a vital role in the town’s rhythm.
What makes Mayersville truly secluded is its intimate connection with the Mississippi River and the absence of urban noise, providing a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle of larger cities.
Where is Mayersville?
Mayersville is located in Issaquena County, in the western part of Mississippi’s Delta region, right along the Mississippi River. Its seclusion is accentuated by its remote location, surrounded by water and wetlands, and the sparsely populated county it’s part of.
To get there, I usually take Highway 1, which meanders along the river and offers breathtaking views. The journey to Mayersville is as serene as the town itself, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and a closer connection to nature.
