If you’re like me and crave a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, southern Iowa has some hidden gems that offer just that. I’ve discovered 25 secluded towns where life moves at a gentler pace, and the beauty of the countryside is in full bloom.
From riverside hamlets to historic villages frozen in time, each of these places offers a unique charm that captivates the heart. Let’s take a journey through these tranquil towns where you can unwind and soak in the serenity of rural Iowa.
25. Pleasant Plain: Hidden Among Rolling Hills
Pleasant Plain is a tiny village where morning mist curls along fence lines and open skies stretch without end. With a population of fewer than 100, this quiet town feels like a place where time lingers, where life hums to the rhythm of rural Iowa.
You’ll find no flashing signs or crowded roads here—just weathered porches, gently swaying trees, and neighbors who know each other’s names. Pleasant Plain feels wrapped in stillness, like a long-forgotten page in a beloved book.
It’s this quiet charm, this deliberate slowness, that gives Pleasant Plain its magic. A town not trying to be seen, but deeply felt.
Where is Pleasant Plain?
Pleasant Plain sits in Jefferson County, about 15 minutes north of Fairfield, surrounded by soft farmland and gentle slopes. It’s reachable by county roads and rural byways that wind through fields and past grain silos.
The absence of highways near town keeps the traffic low and the peace high, making this spot feel miles away from anything hurried.
24. Lebanon: A Whisper Among Cornfields
Lebanon isn’t a place you stumble upon—it’s a place you quietly arrive at, where gravel crunches beneath your tires and everything feels still. With only a few homes and a scattering of barns, this unincorporated community lives in near-silence beneath Iowa’s wide skies.
Here, the fields seem endless and the sense of space is profound. It’s a place where the breeze rustling through corn is the loudest sound you’ll hear all day.
Lebanon is so tucked away that it almost disappears into the land—and that’s exactly what makes it feel like a secret worth keeping.
Where is Lebanon?
Lebanon is located in Van Buren County, just west of Keosauqua and a stone’s throw from the Des Moines River. It’s reached by county roads that loop gently through farmland and hills, far from any major thoroughfare.
Its out-of-the-way setting and sparse population make it one of the most quietly tucked corners of southeastern Iowa.
23. Tingley: A Forgotten Corner of the Prairie
Tingley is the kind of place where the streets stay quiet even at noon, and an old church steeple watches over tidy blocks of mid-century homes. With fewer than 200 residents, this Ringgold County town sits like a whisper on the prairie.
There’s no rush here—just well-worn sidewalks, a few civic buildings, and wide spaces between neighbors. A walk through town feels like a return to an older, slower version of America.
Tingley’s remoteness and untouched feel give it a restful charm that you don’t find just anywhere.
Where is Tingley?
Tingley lies in south-central Iowa, northwest of Mount Ayr, nestled in the rural folds of Ringgold County. It’s accessible by quiet state and gravel roads, distant from major commerce or traffic.
This isolated positioning, flanked by rolling farmland, keeps Tingley grounded in stillness and far removed from the hurried world beyond.
22. Lockridge: Solitude Among the Timber
Lockridge is a peaceful village where the timberland meets the fields, and life seems to move in quiet intervals. With just over 200 people, it’s one of those places that welcomes you not with a sign, but with a sense of calm.
Nature is the main attraction here—small creeks, woodsy trails, and open sky offer an invitation to slow down and stay awhile. The lack of noise feels intentional, as if the town itself prefers the sound of birdsong.
Lockridge isn’t flashy, but it’s full of soul—wrapped in seclusion and rooted in the land.
Where is Lockridge?
Lockridge is located in Jefferson County, southeast of Fairfield and just a few miles off Highway 34. It’s accessed by winding country roads that pass through dense trees and farmland.
The surrounding woodland gives Lockridge a natural buffer, making it feel like a place comfortably set apart from everything else.
21. Davis City: Where the River Runs Slow
Davis City rests alongside the Thompson River, with fewer than 200 residents and a timeless atmosphere. It’s a town where children ride bikes past 19th-century buildings and no one seems in a hurry to get anywhere.
There’s a simplicity here that’s deeply grounding—old sidewalks, brick storefronts, and long stretches of prairie sky. The river adds a steady rhythm, a backdrop to daily life that feels almost meditative.
In Davis City, the outside world feels distant, replaced by an easygoing quiet that’s as real as the land itself.
Where is Davis City?
This hidden town lies in Decatur County in south-central Iowa, just west of Interstate 35 but far enough away to remain undisturbed. Though it’s not far from Lamoni or Leon, it feels much more remote than its geography would suggest.
Its riverside setting and sleepy downtown create an atmosphere of lasting quiet and simple living.
20. Keosauqua: Timeless Charm Along the River
Keosauqua feels suspended in time, with its historic courthouse, iron bridge, and riverside homes standing quietly beneath old shade trees. With a population just over 900, it offers just enough structure to feel like a town—but not enough to ever feel busy.
The Des Moines River winds through town like a gentle thought, reflecting the changing skies and anchoring the town in calm. On warm evenings, you might spot deer grazing or hear church bells ring softly in the distance.
It’s the kind of place where people still stop and wave, and where life knows no need to rush.
Where is Keosauqua?
Located in Van Buren County, Keosauqua sits gracefully along the Des Moines River in southeastern Iowa. It’s accessed by scenic highways like Route 1 and County Road J40, far from any urban density.
The town’s riverside placement and historic roots add to its sense of enduring seclusion.
19. Batavia: A Quiet Stop Along the Tracks
Batavia is a quiet railroad town where wheat fields glow golden in the late afternoon and every house seems to have a story. With around 400 residents, it’s small but steeped in the steady calm of the southern Iowa countryside.
Trains still pass through now and then, and old buildings hint at a past more bustling than today. But it’s the quiet that sticks with you—unbroken, dependable, and comforting in its simplicity.
Batavia feels tucked between eras, with one foot in yesterday and the other planted firmly in peace.
Where is Batavia?
Batavia lies in Jefferson County, between Fairfield and Eldon, just off Highway 34. Though the highway passes nearby, the town itself feels protected by distance and time.
This gentle remove gives Batavia its slowed-down rhythm and countryside charm.
18. Derby: Prairie Stillness on the Edge of Town
Derby is a one-street town with a post office, a grain elevator, and views that go on for miles. Fewer than 100 people live here, scattered among homes where porches face the sunset and tractors pass as often as cars.
The prairie stretches wide in every direction, brushing the sky with color at dawn and dusk. It’s a place where the silence isn’t empty—it’s full of life, just lived more quietly.
Derby is the kind of town you don’t pass through—you arrive, and you stay a while, just to listen.
Where is Derby?
Located in Lucas County, Derby is southwest of Chariton and accessible by local roads that cut through fields and gentle slopes. It’s far from highways and even farther from anything noisy or fast.
The town’s remoteness is its gift—offering a quiet embrace for anyone seeking stillness on the open plain.
17. Exline: A Borderland Village with Big Sky
Exline hugs the Missouri border, a small village of fewer than 200 residents tucked into Iowa’s southern edge. There’s a peaceful expanse here, where open skies meet green hills and gravel roads lead past old barns and quiet creeks.
Life in Exline is unhurried. The days begin with birdsong and end with fireflies blinking above the fields. Time feels suspended, like everything has settled into its right pace.
Its location alone ensures seclusion—but it’s the atmosphere that keeps you there, settled in heart and mind.
Where is Exline?
Exline is located in Appanoose County, southeast of Centerville and just a few miles north of the Missouri line. It’s reached via county roads that drift southward through gentle terrain and open farmland.
Its borderland location and rural stillness give it a sense of solitude that’s both grounding and restorative.
16. Kellerton: Where the Hills Cradle the Quiet
Kellerton is a small southern Iowa town where tree-lined streets meet the soft rise and fall of prairie hills. With a population under 300, it offers a sense of stillness that feels as natural as the breeze that rustles through the tall grass.
There’s a calm simplicity here—an old school building, a grain elevator, and a few churches that gather the community in quiet reverence. The pace is gentle, the voices kind, and the days stretch long and unbothered.
Kellerton doesn’t reach for attention—it exists in quiet confidence, nestled among hills that seem to hold it in their arms.
Where is Kellerton?
Kellerton sits in Ringgold County, just north of the Missouri border and west of Mount Ayr, tucked off Highway 2. It’s surrounded by rolling farmland and patchwork fields, removed from fast travel and city noise.
The nearby Kellerton Bird Conservation Area adds even more solitude to this already hushed landscape, where nature and neighborliness coexist in peace.
15. Blakesburg: Where the Sky Stretches Forever
Blakesburg is a town of open skies and open hearts, with just a few hundred residents and a deep-rooted connection to the land. It’s a place where grain silos cast long shadows in the late afternoon and the quiet feels like an old friend.
I love the way Blakesburg spreads out, with its modest homes and historic storefronts tucked beneath big, blue skies. It feels wide open, yet gently held together by community and tradition.
The silence here isn’t empty—it’s full of meaning. A kind of stillness that lets you breathe deeper and see more clearly.
Where is Blakesburg?
Blakesburg lies in Wapello County, southwest of Ottumwa, quietly tucked between fields and wooded ridges. It’s accessed by winding state roads and backroads that drift through Iowa’s rural soul.
The distance from any major city, combined with its spacious surroundings, lends Blakesburg an enduring sense of seclusion and calm.
14. Udell: A Single Street, A Thousand Stories
Udell is more of a whisper than a town—a quiet lane of homes and barns with fewer than 50 people calling it home. But don’t let its size fool you; there’s beauty here in the simplest details: a weathered fence post, a flickering porch light, the hush of morning dew.
Life in Udell moves to the rhythm of the land. Neighbors look out for one another, not because they have to, but because they always have. The days begin with roosters and end with distant owls.
In Udell, the world narrows just enough to let your mind wander and your soul rest.
Where is Udell?
Udell sits in Appanoose County, southeast of Albia and a short drive from Rathbun Lake. It’s hidden among gravel roads and quiet hills, far from shopping centers or traffic lights.
Its out-of-the-way location keeps it protected from the pace of modern life, offering visitors a return to something slower and softer.
13. Humeston: A Gentle Pause in Wayne County
Humeston greets you with wide streets, shade trees, and the warm welcome of a town that still believes in slowing down. With around 500 residents, it’s one of those rare places where you can hear your own footsteps and still feel surrounded by community.
The historic downtown, though small, exudes character—brick buildings, an old café, and the hum of conversation between neighbors. It’s a place where history lingers and kindness echoes.
Humeston’s sense of seclusion isn’t just about geography—it’s in the way time moves here, like a deep breath drawn and held.
Where is Humeston?
Located in Wayne County, Humeston lies in south-central Iowa near the intersection of Highways 2 and 65. Even with those roads nearby, the town feels wrapped in quiet, surrounded by endless fields and grazing pastures.
Its relative remoteness, combined with its gentle charm, makes Humeston feel like a retreat for the heart as much as for the body.
12. Promise City: A Name That Holds True
Promise City carries a name that feels both hopeful and poetic—and in this quiet corner of Wayne County, it lives up to both. With fewer than 100 people, it’s a place where old grain bins stand tall against pink evening skies, and the streets are so quiet you can hear the wind shift.
There’s a peaceful grace to this town, where everything unfolds slowly—mornings stretch on, neighbors linger longer, and no one’s in a rush. The promise here is simple: time, space, and silence.
It’s not a destination for tourists, but for those seeking stillness, Promise City offers exactly what its name suggests.
Where is Promise City?
Promise City sits in Wayne County, northeast of Corydon and just off Highway 14. Surrounded by farmland and unbroken stretches of prairie, it’s comfortably removed from any commercial bustle.
This isolation is exactly what makes it so special—quiet roads lead you there, but the peacefulness makes you want to stay.
11. Stockport: A Tucked-Away Town with Timeless Soul
Stockport is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village where quiet reigns and the landscape feels painted in soft pastels. With about 300 residents, it’s a town where each home has a porch, and each porch has a view worth pausing for.
Children ride their bikes on empty streets, and the sound of a passing train echoes through the trees. It’s a place that feels unchanged, where life hasn’t been hurried along by modern distractions.
Stockport doesn’t try to impress—it simply invites you to rest, breathe, and remember what unfiltered stillness feels like.
Where is Stockport?
Stockport is nestled in Van Buren County, east of Keosauqua and a short drive from Highway 1. It’s surrounded by farmland and wooded trails that frame the town in natural quiet.
Its rural location and limited growth keep it beautifully hidden from the busy world, allowing the slow rhythms of small-town Iowa to flourish.
10. Selma: Unwinding by the Des Moines River
Selma is a tiny unincorporated community nestled along the Des Moines River, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind. Though it’s hard to pin down an exact population, the close-knit community here feels like a handful of friendly faces.
I love visiting Selma for its serene river views and the opportunity to fish or kayak in calm waters. Agriculture is the heartbeat of the area, with sprawling farmlands surrounding the town.
What makes Selma truly secluded is its tranquil environment, untouched by the rush of modern life. The lack of commercial development means that nature takes center stage, making it a perfect spot to escape the noise and reconnect with the simpler things.
Where is Selma?
Located in Van Buren County in southern Iowa, Selma sits quietly between Ottumwa and Fairfield, but you’d hardly notice it unless you were looking. Its seclusion comes from being tucked away off the main highways, accessible primarily via county roads.
I usually reach Selma by taking Highway 16 and then venturing onto smaller roads that meander through picturesque farmland. This off-the-beaten-path location ensures that Selma remains a hidden gem, ideal for those who appreciate the peace that comes with solitude.
9. Pulaski: Serenity in the Heart of Davis County
Pulaski is a small town of around 260 residents, offering a serene escape in the heart of Davis County. I find Pulaski’s charm in its rolling hills and expansive farmlands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
It’s a place where you can enjoy quiet country roads perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides. The community thrives on agriculture, with local farms and small businesses making up the backbone of the town’s economy.
Pulaski’s seclusion stems from its location away from bustling highways and urban centers, giving it a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where the stars shine brightly at night, and life slows down to a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Where is Pulaski?
Nestled in southern Iowa, Pulaski is situated just southwest of Bloomfield, the county seat of Davis County. Its secluded nature comes from being tucked away off the main thoroughfares, surrounded by vast fields and gentle hills.
I usually take State Highway 2 and then head south on county roads to reach this tranquil spot. The journey itself is a delight, passing through scenic landscapes that set the tone for the peaceful escape Pulaski provides.
8. Lineville: Straddling the Iowa-Missouri Border
Lineville is a quaint town of about 200 residents, uniquely positioned right on the Iowa-Missouri border. I’m always intrigued by its rich history and the small-town charm that makes it a delightful place to visit.
The town offers historic sites like the old Lineville train depot, and it’s surrounded by peaceful countryside perfect for exploring. Agriculture plays a significant role here, with many locals engaged in farming and related industries.
Lineville’s seclusion comes from its border location, away from major cities and nestled amidst vast, open landscapes. This quiet setting allows for a slower pace of life, making it a haven for anyone seeking respite from the hustle of larger towns.
Where is Lineville?
Located in Wayne County, Lineville sits at the southernmost tip of Iowa, right where it meets Missouri. Its secluded nature is due in part to its distance from major highways, with access mainly through smaller state and county roads.
I usually reach Lineville by taking Highway 65 south from Humeston, enjoying the scenic drive through rural Iowa. The town’s border position not only marks a geographical boundary but also offers a unique cross-state community feel that’s both welcoming and tranquil.
7. Mount Sterling: Iowa’s Smallest Incorporated City
With a population of just 27, Mount Sterling holds the title as one of Iowa’s smallest incorporated cities, and I find its tiny scale utterly charming. The simplicity of life here is evident, with just a few houses and a quiet ambiance that envelops the town.
There’s not much in the way of tourist attractions, but the surrounding open spaces are perfect for those who appreciate solitude and rural landscapes. Agriculture is the mainstay, with farms dotting the countryside and providing a picturesque backdrop.
Mount Sterling’s seclusion is rooted in its minimal population and remote location, offering a retreat into simplicity that few places can rival.
Where is Mount Sterling?
Nestled in Van Buren County in southeastern Iowa, Mount Sterling is tucked away near the Missouri border. Its off-the-map location contributes to its quiet atmosphere, as it’s not situated along any major roads or highways.
I usually get there by taking county roads south from Keosauqua, winding through scenic farmland and woodlands. The journey itself feels like a step back in time, leading to a place where the modern world’s frenetic pace feels wonderfully distant.
6. Drakesville: A Tiny Town Steeped in Community Spirit
Drakesville, with its population of around 160, embodies the essence of a close-knit community. Whenever I visit, I’m struck by the warmth of the locals and the simplicity of small-town life. The town is surrounded by agricultural landscapes, indicative of its strong farming roots.
Activities here are centered around community events and enjoying the serene outdoors, with nearby parks offering spots for picnics and relaxation.
Drakesville’s seclusion is a result of its modest size and location amid expansive farmlands, providing a quiet haven for those seeking to escape the noise of larger towns.
Where is Drakesville?
Situated in Davis County, Drakesville lies northwest of Bloomfield along Highway 63. Despite its proximity to a major road, the town remains peacefully tucked away, thanks to its small scale and rural surroundings.
I often take a leisurely drive from Ottumwa, enjoying the rolling hills and open fields that characterize the region. This accessible yet secluded location makes Drakesville an ideal spot for experiencing genuine Iowa hospitality amidst tranquil settings.
5. Bentonsport: A Historic Village Frozen in Time
Bentonsport is an enchanting unincorporated village that feels like stepping back into the 19th century. I love wandering through its well-preserved historic buildings, many of which date back to the mid-1800s.
The town sits along the Des Moines River, offering scenic vistas perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. There’s a quaint artisan community here, with local shops selling handmade crafts and antiques.
Bentonsport’s seclusion is a result of its small size and focus on preserving history rather than modern development, making it a peaceful retreat for history buffs like me.
Where is Bentonsport?
Located in Van Buren County, Bentonsport lies just west of Keosauqua, accessible via County Road J40. Its position along the river and off the main highways enhances its secluded feel.
I usually enjoy a scenic drive through Lacey-Keosauqua State Park before reaching the village. The journey underscores the tranquility of the area, highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds this historic gem.
4. Farmington: Gateway to Shimek State Forest
Farmington is a charming town of about 640 residents, known as the gateway to the Shimek State Forest. I’m always drawn to Farmington for its access to dense woodlands and serene trails that offer a true escape into nature.
The town itself sits along the Des Moines River, providing opportunities for boating and fishing. Local industries include agriculture and small businesses catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
Farmington’s seclusion stems from its forested surroundings and location away from urban centers, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking solitude.
Where is Farmington?
Situated in the southeastern corner of Iowa in Van Buren County, Farmington is nestled along Highway 2, near the Missouri border. Its proximity to Shimek State Forest adds to its secluded ambiance, as the vast woodlands provide a natural barrier from the bustle of city life.
I usually travel east from Bloomfield or south from Ottumwa, enjoying the gradual transition from farmlands to forested terrain. The drive itself is a prelude to the peace that awaits in Farmington.
3. Milton: The Quiet Town with Rich Heritage
Milton is a small community of about 405 residents, where the quiet streets are lined with historic buildings that tell tales of the past. I appreciate the town’s peaceful atmosphere, which is perfect for leisurely walks and soaking in the local heritage.
There aren’t many tourist attractions, but the simplicity and authenticity of rural life here are refreshing. Agriculture dominates the local industry, with farms surrounding the town contributing to its pastoral charm.
Milton’s seclusion is due to its off-the-beaten-path location and minimal commercial development, offering a genuine escape from the noise and haste of bigger towns.
Where is Milton?
Located in Van Buren County, Milton sits along Highway 2, east of Bloomfield and west of Cantril. Its position away from major cities contributes to its tranquil environment.
I often find myself taking the scenic route through rolling hills and farmlands to reach Milton, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. The town’s remoteness makes it a hidden treasure for those who value peace and quiet.
2. Cantril: Home of the Iconic Dutchman’s Store
Cantril is a quaint village of around 200 residents, best known for the iconic Dutchman’s Store. Whenever I’m in town, I make sure to visit this old-fashioned general store, which offers everything from bulk foods to handcrafted goods.
Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque farmlands, Cantril provides an authentic rural experience that’s both charming and peaceful. Agriculture is the mainstay here, with local farms contributing to the town’s economy and way of life.
Cantril’s seclusion comes from its small size and distance from bustling urban areas, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of country living.
Where is Cantril?
Cantril is nestled in Van Buren County, along Highway 2, southeast of Milton. Its remoteness is accentuated by the vast agricultural landscapes that surround it.
I like to reach Cantril via the scenic byways that cut through southern Iowa’s countryside, adding to the sense of stepping away from the hectic pace of modern life. The town’s tucked-away location ensures that it remains a peaceful haven for visitors and residents alike.
1. Bonaparte: A Charming Riverside Hamlet
Bonaparte is a picturesque town of about 360 residents, nestled along the banks of the Des Moines River. I find its historic district particularly enchanting, with well-preserved 19th-century architecture that gives the town a timeless quality.
There are delightful shops, cafes, and bed-and-breakfasts that make Bonaparte a perfect getaway. The town’s main industries include tourism and agriculture, with local artisans and farmers contributing to its unique character.
Bonaparte’s seclusion comes from its riverfront location and the surrounding natural beauty, offering a peaceful retreat far removed from the hustle of city life.
Where is Bonaparte?
Located in Van Buren County, Bonaparte sits along Highway 2, east of Farmington and west of Keosauqua. Its riverside setting enhances its secluded feel, with the Des Moines River providing a natural barrier from the outside world.
I usually approach Bonaparte along scenic routes that wind through rolling hills and lush forests, making the journey as delightful as the destination. The town’s remote location and historic charm make it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
