If you’re like me and sometimes crave a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Northwest Indiana offers some hidden gems that might just be what you’re looking for.
Nestled among lush farmlands, dense forests, and serene rivers, these towns provide a quiet escape with their unique charm and tranquility.
I’ve explored many of these places myself, and I’m excited to share with you ten of the most secluded towns in the region that offer a perfect blend of rural beauty and a close-knit community feeling.
10. Kersey: Unincorporated Sanctuary in Jasper County
Kersey is a small unincorporated community with a population of just a few hundred residents, making it one of the more serene spots I’ve found in Jasper County.
The town doesn’t boast bustling industries, but agriculture plays a significant role here, with many local farms dotting the landscape. One of my favorite things to do in Kersey is simply enjoying the natural surroundings, whether it’s taking a leisurely walk along quiet country roads or bird-watching in the nearby woodlands.
Its secluded nature is due to the low housing density and the expanse of natural landscapes that envelop the area, offering a tranquil retreat from the noise of urban settings.
Where is Kersey?
Kersey is located in Jasper County, in the northwestern part of Indiana, off the beaten path and away from major highways, which adds to its sense of seclusion. It’s nestled between expansive fields and forests that provide natural barriers from surrounding towns.
To get there, I usually take State Road 10 and then venture onto smaller county roads that wind through the countryside, making the journey itself a peaceful experience. The town’s remote location and undeveloped surroundings make it a perfect sanctuary for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
9. Stillwell: Hidden Gem in LaPorte County
With a tiny population that hovers around a few hundred, Stillwell is truly one of LaPorte County’s hidden treasures. This unincorporated community doesn’t have much in terms of industry, but that’s part of its charm. I love visiting Stillwell for its peaceful atmosphere and the simplicity it offers.
The town is surrounded by undeveloped land, including forests and small lakes, which provide ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature. The sense of seclusion here is profound, as the town is tucked away from busy roads and larger cities, making it an ideal spot for anyone seeking a quiet environment.
Where is Stillwell?
Stillwell is situated in LaPorte County, nestled in the northern part of Indiana. It’s located off U.S. Route 6, but even then, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The town’s remote location is enhanced by the surrounding woodlands and farmland, which create natural buffers from urban areas.
When I visit, I usually take the scenic back roads, which adds to the feeling of truly being away from it all. The lack of significant development around Stillwell helps maintain its status as a tranquil haven.
8. Roselawn: Quiet Community with Spacious Lots
Roselawn is a small census-designated place with a population of around 4,000, offering a quiet community vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. One thing that stands out to me about Roselawn is the spacious lots and the open feel of the town.
It’s a place where you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, thanks to the vast open spaces, or simply unwind in the privacy of your own large yard. There aren’t major industries here, but local businesses cater to the community’s needs.
Its secluded nature comes from the low-density housing and the natural surroundings that offer residents plenty of privacy and room to breathe.
Where is Roselawn?
Located on the border of Jasper and Newton counties, Roselawn sits along State Road 10, but its expansive layout gives it a secluded feel. The town is about an hour’s drive from larger cities like Gary, which helps it maintain a peaceful atmosphere away from urban congestion.
When I drive to Roselawn, I often enjoy the scenic route through the countryside, which enhances the sense of seclusion. The town’s spread-out nature and the surrounding farmland contribute to its quiet, rural character.
7. Lake Village: Rural Living Near the State Line
Lake Village is a quaint unincorporated community with a population of around 800 people. I find its rural charm irresistible, with spacious properties that offer a perfect setting for those who appreciate country living.
The community is surrounded by agricultural land, and local farms play a significant role in the area’s economy.
Outdoor enthusiasts like me can enjoy fishing and boating on nearby lakes or exploring the Kankakee Sands nature preserve. Lake Village’s secluded setting is largely due to its location away from major urban centers and the tranquility provided by its natural surroundings.
Where is Lake Village?
Situated in Newton County near the Illinois state line, Lake Village is accessible via U.S. Route 41, yet it feels worlds away from the bustle of city life. The town’s proximity to the state line adds to its secluded feel, as it’s surrounded by expansive fields and the quiet of rural landscapes.
When heading there, I prefer the leisurely drive through country roads, which underscores the peacefulness of the area. The separation from larger towns and limited development make Lake Village an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude.
6. San Pierre: Tranquil Hamlet Amidst Woodlands
San Pierre is a small unincorporated community with a population of just around 150 people. It’s surrounded by woodlands and fields, providing a tranquil environment that I find incredibly refreshing. The town has few industries, with agriculture being the primary focus.
Outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation are popular here, thanks to the nearby Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. The natural barriers created by the dense forests contribute to San Pierre’s secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers like me.
Where is San Pierre?
Located in Starke County, San Pierre lies at the intersection of State Roads 10 and 421. Despite these roadways, the town remains quiet and undisturbed due to the surrounding woodlands.
Getting there involves driving through stretches of forested areas, which enhances the feeling of entering a secluded place. The distance from major cities and the presence of natural landscapes around San Pierre make it an ideal location for those looking to escape into nature.
5. Malden: Peaceful Farming Community
Malden is an unincorporated community with a small population that contributes to its peaceful ambiance. The town is primarily a farming community, and the agricultural surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop that I thoroughly enjoy.
There’s a simplicity to life here, with local events centered around the community and the agricultural calendar. Malden’s secluded location in the heart of farmland means there’s little traffic and plenty of open space, making it perfect for anyone seeking a simple country lifestyle.
Where is Malden?
Malden is situated in Porter County, nestled between Valparaiso and Kouts. It’s not far from State Road 49, yet the town feels quite removed from the hustle of busier areas.
I appreciate the scenic drive through rolling fields to get there, which sets the tone for a visit filled with tranquility. The sparse population and the expansive agricultural lands surrounding Malden enhance its secluded feel, making it a hidden gem in Northwest Indiana.
4. Rolling Prairie: Quiet Countryside Living
Rolling Prairie is a census-designated place with a population of around 600 residents, offering a quiet lifestyle amid rolling landscapes. I find the open spaces and gentle hills here ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the countryside.
The town doesn’t have much in terms of industry, which helps maintain its peaceful environment. Local activities include visiting small parks and enjoying community events.
Rolling Prairie’s seclusion is due to its rural setting and the ample open space that allows residents like me to appreciate the beauty of nature undisturbed.
Where is Rolling Prairie?
Located in LaPorte County, Rolling Prairie is accessible via U.S. Route 20, but it’s far enough from larger cities to retain a quiet atmosphere. The town is nestled among farms and patches of woodland, which provide natural buffers from busier areas.
When traveling to Rolling Prairie, I often take the scenic routes that meander through the countryside, enhancing the sense of peaceful isolation. The combination of its rural location and limited development makes it a perfect spot for those desiring a serene environment.
3. Union Mills: Historic Village Nestled in Nature
Union Mills is a small unincorporated community with a rich history and a population of about 1,000 people. The village is surrounded by undeveloped land and boasts large lot sizes, giving residents ample space and privacy.
I enjoy exploring the historic sites in Union Mills, including old mills and buildings that tell the story of the town’s past.
lack of major industries adds to its quiet charm, while the natural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Union Mills’ seclusion comes from its setting amid nature, offering a peaceful retreat from modern life’s demands.
Where is Union Mills?
Union Mills is located in LaPorte County, not far from State Road 39. Despite its relatively accessible location, the town feels remote due to the surrounding forests and farmlands.
Getting there involves traversing serene country roads, which I always find relaxing. The natural landscapes around Union Mills create a buffer from urban areas, enhancing its secluded atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience a quiet, historically rich community.
2. Shelby: Serene Seclusion Along the Kankakee River
Shelby is a small unincorporated community with a population of about 500 people, nestled along the Kankakee River. The natural beauty of the river and the low population density make it one of my favorite spots for a tranquil escape.
There’s a strong sense of community here, with local events centered around the river and outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing. The main industries are small businesses and agriculture, which contribute to the town’s laid-back vibe.
Shelby’s seclusion is enhanced by the expansive natural areas surrounding it, providing a serene environment away from the noise of larger towns.
Where is Shelby?
Located in Lake County, Shelby is accessible via State Road 55 but remains off the beaten path. The town is enveloped by natural landscapes, including the Kankakee River and nearby wetlands, which I love exploring.
Traveling to Shelby often involves winding roads through scenic areas, reinforcing the feeling of escaping into nature. The limited development and the presence of the river make Shelby a secluded haven for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
1. Boone Grove: A Hidden Rural Retreat in Porter County
Boone Grove tops my list with its rural charm and peaceful atmosphere. This unincorporated community has a population of around 600 people and is surrounded by farmland and forests.
I enjoy the simple pleasures Boone Grove offers, like visiting local farms, exploring wooded trails, and participating in community events at the historic Boone Grove High School.
There aren’t significant industries here, which helps maintain the quiet, small-town feel. The seclusion comes from its location away from urban centers and the natural barriers provided by the surrounding landscapes.
Where is Boone Grove?
Situated in Porter County, Boone Grove is tucked away south of Valparaiso, accessible via small county roads rather than major highways. The town’s remote location is accented by the expanses of farmland and patches of forests that isolate it from neighboring communities.
When I head to Boone Grove, the journey through peaceful countryside roads is part of the appeal. The sense of being enveloped by nature and the distance from city life make Boone Grove a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and a genuine rural experience.
