If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to escape the noise and pace of city life. Northern Iowa is sprinkled with charming, secluded towns that offer a peaceful retreat amid rolling fields and gentle rivers.
I’ve explored these hidden gems, each providing a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Whether you’re considering a quiet vacation spot or a new place to call home, these 25 secluded towns in Northern Iowa might just be the sanctuary you’re seeking.
25. Manly: Stillness on the Prairie’s Edge
Manly, with its name belying its gentle soul, is a quiet town of just over 1,200 people nestled into the open prairie north of Mason City, where the horizon seems to stretch forever. Life here follows the slow rhythm of the land—unhurried, deliberate, and peacefully enduring.
Simple joys define the town’s charm: reading on a front porch, lingering chats at the library, or waving to a neighbor while walking the dog at dusk. The quiet isn’t an exception—it’s the expectation.
Because it sits along old rail lines instead of major highways, Manly remains largely undisturbed, offering residents a calm, steady way of life that’s rarely interrupted.
Where is Manly?
Manly is located in Worth County, just a few miles south of the Minnesota border. Though not far from modern conveniences, its placement away from any major freeways creates a sense of deep-rooted calm.
Surrounded by farmland and marked by a lack of through traffic, the town holds tightly to its serene identity, standing as a peaceful counterpoint to the hurried pace of the world beyond.
24. Kensett: A Village Nestled in the Fields
Kensett is one of those places you might miss if you blink while driving—but once you find it, its gentle spirit has a way of staying with you long after you leave. Home to fewer than 300 residents, this village rests quietly among the vast, windswept fields of Northern Iowa.
Here, the loudest sound is the wind whispering through rows of corn or the low hum of a tractor in the distance. Daily life unfolds slowly, grounded in old rhythms that reward patience and simplicity.
Physically and emotionally tucked away, Kensett offers a rare kind of peace, as if the outside world forgot about it—and the town couldn’t be happier about that.
Where is Kensett?
Kensett is situated in Worth County, just east of the Shell Rock River and slightly off the path of most travelers. Its roads are quiet, and the town feels like a world apart from busier places nearby.
Though only a short distance from I-35, the surrounding farmland and light traffic give it a restful buffer from modern noise and rush.
23. Nora Springs: Hidden Between Water and Wood
Nora Springs lives gently where water meets land, nestled beside the Cedar River in a quiet valley that holds onto its history. With tree-lined streets and homes steeped in character, the town has a timeless quality that feels lovingly preserved.
The river’s soft murmur provides a natural soundtrack to daily life, whether you’re strolling through a park, gardening in the backyard, or watching the sunset from a porch swing. Evenings settle quietly, with little more than the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves overhead.
Tucked away from major highways and rarely on a tourist’s itinerary, Nora Springs feels like a peaceful secret—a place you find only if you’re meant to.
Where is Nora Springs?
You’ll find Nora Springs in both Floyd and Cerro Gordo counties, just east of Mason City and quietly nestled along the Cedar River’s bends. Though not far from town centers, it remains gently bypassed by faster routes.
Its riverside placement and wooded edges lend it a secluded, almost hidden-in-the-green feel, making it a perfect refuge from the busyness beyond.
22. Dougherty: The Quiet Heart of Farmland
Dougherty is a village so small and gentle, it feels like a whisper carried on the breeze through the fields. Home to fewer than 70 people, it exists more as a quiet rhythm of life than a destination on a map.
Here, gravel roads lead to old barns, grain elevators gleam in the sun, and neighbors still greet each other by name. Golden evenings unfold slowly, with nothing but the sound of cicadas and distant tractors to mark the time.
There’s no stoplight or commercial center—just the comfort of knowing that in Dougherty, time slows down and quiet is not just welcome, but guaranteed.
Where is Dougherty?
Dougherty rests in Cerro Gordo County, tucked between Mason City and Hampton in a wide sweep of farmland. The only way in is by narrow county roads that wind softly through endless fields.
This distance from major highways and the absence of urban sprawl mean the town remains cocooned in calm, a truly hidden piece of rural Iowa.
21. Carpenter: Close to the Border, Far from the Buzz
Carpenter is as modest and unassuming as they come, with fewer than 100 residents and a quietness that seems to seep into your bones. It’s the kind of place where time doesn’t hurry and silence speaks volumes.
The landscape is spare and vast—fields rolling out in every direction, broken only by barns and white-painted homes that look like they’ve stood for generations. Days pass slowly here, filled with the soft cadence of rural life.
There are no shopping centers, no chain stores—just peace, space, and a kind of quiet you only find at the edges of things.
Where is Carpenter?
Carpenter lies in Mitchell County, just a few miles from Iowa’s northern border with Minnesota. Surrounded by farmland and sky, it’s far removed from the pathways of most travelers.
With only gravel and rural roads connecting it to neighboring towns, its seclusion is both geographic and spiritual, preserving a way of life rarely found anymore.
20. Meservey: Echoes of Simpler Times
Meservey speaks in the soft tones of a simpler time, where tree-lined streets and modest homes evoke a sense of enduring quiet. With just under 300 residents, the town holds fast to its rural roots, creating an environment where neighbors linger on porches and every face is familiar.
Life here isn’t marked by headlines or hurry—it unfolds gently, shaped by the rhythms of farming, Sunday morning church bells, and small-town pride. You won’t find traffic lights or towering buildings; instead, you’ll find time to think, space to breathe, and the deep comfort of belonging.
Meservey’s quiet is not an absence but a presence—of calm, of community, and of a lifestyle too easily forgotten in today’s fast-moving world.
Where is Meservey?
Meservey is nestled in the southwestern corner of Cerro Gordo County, tucked between Mason City and the smaller towns that dot the prairie. It lies just far enough from major highways to avoid through-traffic, creating an unspoiled and intimate feel.
Surrounded by farmland and accessed by winding county roads, Meservey feels like its own peaceful world—slightly hidden, gently preserved, and unmistakably tranquil.
19. Thompson: Small Town with a Big Sky
Thompson is a place where the sky seems larger, the stars a little brighter, and the wind carries stories across open fields. With fewer than 500 residents, it rests gently amid farmland, offering a sense of vastness that contrasts beautifully with its modest footprint.
The town pulses with a quiet life—Sunday potlucks, summer softball games, and porch swings that creak with familiarity. There is space here not just in the land, but in the way people live—unhurried, steady, and connected to the natural pace of the seasons.
In Thompson, solitude doesn’t feel empty—it feels full of sky, sun, and the silent blessings of rural life.
Where is Thompson?
Located in Winnebago County, west of Forest City, Thompson sits near the northern edge of Iowa, not far from the Minnesota border. Though it’s accessible by county roads, it’s comfortably removed from any commercial corridors or major interstates.
This sense of geographic distance reinforces the town’s stillness, allowing it to remain a quiet retreat wrapped in farmland and framed by the sky.
18. Crystal Lake: Still Waters and Silent Evenings
Crystal Lake is a place where the water mirrors the quietness of the town beside it—a village of under 300 residents who live closely with the rhythm of the lake and the land. Nestled on the shore of its namesake, the town invites stillness in the best possible way.
Days unfold slowly here: fishing from the dock, paddling under open skies, or simply watching clouds drift across mirrored waters. It’s the kind of place where the silence isn’t empty, but rich with birdsong, lapping waves, and the hum of life at its gentlest.
Crystal Lake doesn’t just offer a view—it offers a feeling, one of peace, reflection, and retreat from the noisy world beyond its borders.
Where is Crystal Lake?
Located in Hancock County, Crystal Lake lies to the west of Forest City, quietly held between farmland and freshwater. It is not served by any major highways, and its location makes it more of a destination than a stop along the way.
The lake itself adds a natural barrier to outside distractions, wrapping the town in a quiet serenity that feels both timeless and complete.
17. Goodell: Time Slows in the Cornfields
Goodell is a place where the tick of the clock seems softer, slower, and less insistent. With fewer than 150 residents, this tiny community is tucked among the fields of Hancock County, where corn grows high and the days feel long in the best way.
There is no traffic to speak of, no rush to be anywhere—just the wide embrace of sky and soil, and the steady pulse of a life lived with intention. Here, neighbors lend a hand without being asked, and sunsets are an event shared in silence.
Goodell doesn’t make headlines, but it makes a lasting impression on anyone who seeks out its rare blend of simplicity, beauty, and quiet.
Where is Goodell?
You’ll find Goodell just east of Belmond, in the southern reaches of Hancock County. It’s not far from the main roads, but it’s far enough to feel entirely separate from them.
The town’s seclusion comes from its surrounding farmland and the soft web of gravel and county roads that lead you gently in and out, with no urgency to either arrive or leave.
16. Rockford: A River Town Wrapped in Stillness
Rockford is a quiet riverside community with just over 800 residents, where the Shell Rock River meanders through town and the pace of life mirrors the flow of the water—gentle, slow, and always steady. Surrounded by wooded areas and farmland, it feels like the kind of place where time folds inward, and each day is lived with care.
I find Rockford especially beautiful in the early morning, when mist lingers over the water and the streets remain hushed except for birdsong and the occasional passing tractor. The local museum and parks offer small-town charm without losing that restful, tucked-away feel.
Its size might be slightly larger than some on this list, but its quiet riverside location and the rhythm of rural life give it a deep sense of calm, making it a perfect hideaway for those craving both community and solitude.
Where is Rockford?
Rockford is located in Floyd County, southeast of Mason City and just west of Charles City. Though it’s not far from US-218 or US-18, the town remains removed from the flow of major traffic.
Set along the banks of the Shell Rock River and bordered by trees and farmland, its geography grants it both a sense of openness and a strong, quiet boundary from the noise of the outside world.
15. St. Ansgar: History Wrapped in Hushed Streets
St. Ansgar feels like stepping back into a well-kept past, with its stone churches, brick storefronts, and tree-shaded streets that hum with the quiet dignity of a place that remembers where it came from. With a population under 1,200, the town has a richness that comes not from size, but from its deep sense of place.
Neighbors gather at the bakery or near the river, trading stories and catching up in voices that don’t need to shout. The air here feels different—more settled, more graceful—as if history itself lingers in the corners of every porch and park.
St. Ansgar doesn’t try to impress you. Instead, it invites you to stay awhile, to walk slowly, and to let the peace seep in.
Where is St. Ansgar?
You’ll find St. Ansgar in Mitchell County, tucked into Iowa’s northern reaches just below the Minnesota state line. Though not far from Mason City or Osage, it feels tucked into its own quiet fold of the landscape.
Shielded by farmland and untouched by major commercial routes, the town offers a gently preserved sense of isolation that feels both intentional and deeply comforting.
14. Rowan: Stillness Along the River’s Bend
Rowan is the kind of place you could drive past if you blinked—but if you don’t, you’ll find a town shaped by quiet waters and even quieter days. With fewer than 150 residents, this Wright County village rests gently beside the calm meander of the Belmond River, where trees arch like cathedral walls and birdsong is a daily hymn.
There’s not much in the way of bustle here—no strip malls or city lights—but there’s a quiet poetry in the streets, in the clapboard houses that lean with age, and in the way the sunset lingers over open fields. People tend to stay in Rowan for the same reason others leave bigger towns: they want to hear the wind, not the traffic.
In Rowan, solitude isn’t an accident—it’s a way of life.
Where is Rowan?
Rowan is located in western Wright County, just west of Belmond and south of Clarion. The town is reached by quiet highways and winding gravel roads that pass through endless farmland.
Though it sits just off Iowa Highway 3, Rowan feels worlds away. Its riverbank setting and lack of through-traffic preserve a tranquil atmosphere, making it one of Northern Iowa’s most hidden and heartfelt retreats.
13. Klemme: A Quiet Crossroads with a Golden Glow
Klemme is one of those towns you stumble upon when the highway ends and the two-lane roads begin to whisper. With just around 250 people, it’s a place where life feels warm and unhurried, wrapped in golden fields and framed by a wide Iowa sky.
Life here unfolds gently—neighbors know one another, tractors pass more often than cars, and the glow of the grain elevator signals the rhythm of the land. You won’t find a mall or movie theater, but you will find peace, fresh air, and the soft comfort of a place that has nothing to prove.
This is a crossroads town in every sense—quiet, grounded, and timeless, with a charm that grows slowly, like corn in July.
Where is Klemme?
Klemme sits in southern Hancock County, about 20 minutes southwest of Garner and southeast of Britt. You’ll find it nestled between County Road B63 and Highway 69, far from interstates or tourist routes.
Surrounded by open farmland and hugged by county roads, Klemme offers a rare and steady quiet—just far enough from noise, yet close enough to feel connected if you ever need to be.
12. Rake: A Town You Can Almost Miss—but Shouldn’t
Rake, with a population of fewer than 250, is the kind of place that doesn’t show up on most maps unless you’re looking for it—and even then, it feels like a surprise. The streets are wide, the homes modest, and the landscape wraps around you like a patchwork quilt of fields and sky.
Time moves slowly here, marked by the swing of a gate or the scent of tilled soil. There’s no need for traffic lights or tourist stops—just the steady presence of a town that has chosen peace over progress.
Rake may not be well known, but its quietness holds its own kind of power, soft and steady as the farmland that surrounds it.
Where is Rake?
Rake lies in Winnebago County, right along the northern edge of the state near the Minnesota border. It’s surrounded by quiet roads and open land, far removed from any bustling corridors.
That edge-of-the-map position gives it its stillness, its sense of being slightly outside of time—and makes it all the more rewarding for those who seek it out.
11. Hayfield: A Whisper on the Wind
Hayfield isn’t quite a town in the usual sense—it’s more of a small cluster of homes, a name whispered among the rows of corn and soy that stretch to every horizon. With just around 40 people calling it home, it’s one of the quietest places in all of Northern Iowa.
There’s no post office, no gas station—just the essentials of life and the steady calm of country living. Days are spent outdoors, beneath sky and sun, and evenings bring a hush that settles deep into the land.
In Hayfield, peace isn’t a passing luxury—it’s a constant presence, as dependable as the soil itself.
Where is Hayfield?
Hayfield rests in Hancock County, nestled between Britt and Forest City. It lies at the end of gravel roads and often slips past GPS systems entirely, a place defined more by feel than coordinates.
Its remoteness is both real and metaphorical, offering the kind of retreat that only truly small places can provide.
10. Grafton: A Peaceful Community Off the Beaten Path
Grafton, with a population of around 250, is a quaint town that offers a serene environment away from the chaos of larger cities.
I love how the town embodies small-town charm, with friendly locals and community events that bring everyone together. There isn’t much in the way of major industries here, which adds to its peacefulness; most of the economy is based on local agriculture and small businesses.
For activities, you can enjoy strolls through the quiet streets, visit the Grafton Heritage Depot Museum, or explore the surrounding countryside. What makes Grafton truly secluded is its location amidst vast stretches of undeveloped land, making it a perfect place to unwind and disconnect.
Where is Grafton?
Grafton is nestled in Worth County, in the northern part of Iowa, not far from the Minnesota border. Its seclusion is heightened by the absence of major highways or tourist attractions nearby, ensuring minimal traffic and noise.
To get there, I usually take Interstate 35 and then navigate through a series of charming country roads, which add to the anticipation of arriving in such a peaceful spot.
The town’s remote location means it’s off the beaten path, offering solitude and a genuine escape from urban life.
9. Rock Falls: Nature’s Embrace Along the River
Rock Falls is a small town of about 150 residents, nestled along the Shell Rock River. I find it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking by the water.
There are no major industries here; the town thrives on agriculture and the natural resources provided by the river. Large lots and abundant greenery make properties feel private and secluded.
The combination of its low population density and the natural barriers provided by the river and surrounding landscapes contribute to the town’s serene atmosphere.
Where is Rock Falls?
Located in Cerro Gordo County, Rock Falls sits southeast of Mason City. Its seclusion comes from being surrounded by lush farmland and being a considerable distance from larger urban centers.
To reach Rock Falls, I usually drive along US-65 and then take local roads that wind through scenic agricultural areas. The journey itself is peaceful, and upon arrival, the tranquil aura of the town is immediately apparent, making it a perfect escape into nature’s embrace.
8. Swaledale: Hidden Away Amidst Rolling Hills
Swaledale is a tiny town with a population hovering around 160 people. I appreciate its quiet streets and the friendliness of the community. There isn’t much in terms of industry; agriculture is the primary occupation, with vast fields stretching as far as the eye can see. For leisure, you might enjoy strolling through the town, attending local events at the community center, or exploring the scenic countryside. Swaledale’s low population and its setting amid rolling hills and natural barriers make it a haven of quietude and seclusion.
Where is Swaledale?
Situated in Cerro Gordo County, Swaledale is southwest of Mason City. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding farmland and the absence of major roads passing through.
To get there, I usually take I-35 and exit onto State Highway 107, followed by a series of county roads that weave through picturesque landscapes. The town’s hidden location means it’s rarely visited by tourists, preserving its peaceful atmosphere.
7. Plymouth: Seclusion in the Heart of the Countryside
Plymouth is home to approximately 380 residents, offering spacious properties and a tight-knit community feel. The main industries are agriculture and some local businesses that serve the community.
I enjoy the simplicity of life here, with activities like visiting the local park, engaging in community events, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of rural living. Plymouth’s secluded nature comes from its expansive natural surroundings and the lack of nearby urban development, ensuring privacy and a peaceful lifestyle.
Where is Plymouth?
Located in Cerro Gordo County, Plymouth lies northwest of Mason City, nestled among vast fields and farmland. Its seclusion is due to its distance from major highways and cities.
To reach Plymouth, I usually take US-65 north and then navigate through local roads that lead into the countryside. The remoteness of the town makes it a serene retreat, perfect for those looking to escape the noise and bustle of city life.
6. Rudd: Retreat into Rural Simplicity
With a population of around 370, Rudd is a small community where life moves at a leisurely pace. The town is primarily supported by agriculture, and there are few industries beyond farming and local services.
I find it a great place to disconnect, with activities like exploring the surrounding fields, visiting the local library, or enjoying a picnic in one of the open spaces. Rudd’s secluded charm comes from its setting amid rolling fields and its distance from major highways and urban centers.
Where is Rudd?
Rudd is nestled in Floyd County, east of Mason City. Its seclusion stems from its remote location and the surrounding agricultural land that separates it from more populous areas.
When I visit Rudd, I drive along US-18 and then take county roads that meander through the scenic farmland. The journey underscores the town’s rural simplicity and offers a peaceful transition into its quiet environment.
5. Leland: Small-Town Charm Surrounded by Nature
Leland is a charming town of about 290 residents, where the pace of life is refreshingly slow. The main industry here is agriculture, which contributes to the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
I enjoy spending time in Leland’s natural surroundings, whether it’s walking through the expansive green spaces or participating in community gatherings at the local church or community hall. The low housing density and the abundance of nature around town create an ideal secluded environment that’s perfect for recharging.
Where is Leland?
Located in Winnebago County, Leland is northwest of Forest City. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its position amid vast agricultural lands and a lack of major thoroughfares nearby.
To reach Leland, I usually travel along State Highway 9 and then take county roads that wind through tranquil farmland. The journey offers picturesque views and a sense of leaving the hectic world behind.
4. Scarville: A Quiet Haven Near the Border
Scarville has a small population of roughly 70 people, making it one of the tiniest communities I’ve come across. The lack of industry and commercial development contributes to its peaceful ambiance.
While there aren’t many traditional attractions, the town’s proximity to nature provides opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and enjoying the serenity of the countryside. Scarville’s seclusion is due to its location near the Minnesota border, surrounded by undeveloped land and free from urban noise.
Where is Scarville?
Scarville is situated in Winnebago County, right near the Iowa-Minnesota border. Its secluded nature arises from its remote northern location and the absence of significant transportation routes.
Getting to Scarville involves taking I-35 north, transitioning onto State Highway 9, and then navigating smaller roads that lead into the heart of rural Iowa. The town’s isolation makes it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude.
3. Joice: Serenity in Wide Open Spaces
Joice is a peaceful town with a population of about 200 residents. Dominated by agriculture, it offers minimal development and large acreages, which I find ideal for those seeking privacy.
You can enjoy the wide-open spaces, perhaps take up gardening, or simply relish the tranquility that comes from being surrounded by nature. Joice’s seclusion is a result of its sparse population and the expansiveness of the surrounding farmland.
Where is Joice?
Located in Worth County, Joice lies north of Mason City and south of the Minnesota border. The town’s secluded atmosphere is due to its rural setting and limited accessibility via major roads.
To reach Joice, I usually take I-35 north and exit onto State Highway 9, followed by county roads that lead into this quiet community. The journey offers a peaceful drive through Iowa’s characteristic landscapes.
2. Fertile: Peaceful Living Along the Riverbank
Fertile, with a population of approximately 370 people, is nestled by the Winnebago River. The town offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking along the riverbanks, which I find incredibly relaxing.
There aren’t any major industries here; the local economy revolves around agriculture and small businesses. Spacious lots and the natural barriers provided by the river create a tranquil retreat that feels far removed from the bustle of city life.
Where is Fertile?
Fertile is situated in Worth County, northwest of Mason City. Its seclusion comes from its riverfront location and the surrounding woodlands, which buffer it from outside noise and development.
I usually reach Fertile by taking US-18 west from Mason City and then turning onto local roads that follow the river’s path. The scenic drive along the Winnebago River enhances the sense of escape as you approach this peaceful town.
1. Hanlontown: A Hidden Gem Amidst Iowa’s Fields
Hanlontown is a tiny community with around 220 residents. The town is surrounded by vast farmlands and natural landscapes, offering seclusion far from urban centers.
I enjoy visiting Hanlontown for its quiet streets, friendly locals, and the annual Hanlontown Summer Festival that brings the community together. The main industry is agriculture, and there isn’t much commercial development, which helps maintain its serene atmosphere.
The wide-open spaces and minimal population make Hanlontown a perfect place for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Where is Hanlontown?
Located in Worth County, Hanlontown lies north of Clear Lake and Mason City. Its secluded nature is due to its rural setting and the absence of major highways or urban sprawl nearby.
When I visit Hanlontown, I take I-35 and exit onto State Highway 9, followed by county roads that wind through the countryside. The town’s location amidst Iowa’s fields makes it a hidden gem, offering peace and quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere.
