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When I yearn for a peaceful escape, Southern Minnesota beckons with its hidden treasures—secluded towns where life moves at a gentler pace. Nestled amidst rolling hills, pristine prairies, and serene woodlands, these communities offer a retreat from the bustle of urban life.
From tiny havens along the Root River to tranquil townships surrounded by expansive farmland, I’ve discovered places where solitude and natural beauty reign supreme.
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Join me as I count down twenty five of these secluded towns, each offering its unique charm and a haven for those seeking tranquility.
25. Pleasant Hill Township: Serene Slopes and Seasonal Farms
Set among quiet ridgelines and tucked between stretches of forest and farmland, Pleasant Hill lives up to its name—a peaceful patch of southeastern Minnesota where life unfolds slowly. With no major roads slicing through the town feels softly removed from the pace of modern life.
The mornings come with mist hanging over fields and the sound of birds echoing through the trees. Locals tend gardens, hike the nearby bluff trails, or gather at small community churches that have stood for generations.
Farming is still at the heart of the area, with barns dotting the hillsides and tractors moving at their own rhythm. There’s a simplicity here that doesn’t feel lacking—it feels chosen. It’s the kind of place where the view stretches far, and the stillness stretches even farther.
Where is Pleasant Hill?
Pleasant Hill Township lies in southeastern Minnesota, in Winona County, about 30 miles east of Rochester and just a few miles west of the Mississippi River. It’s reached by quiet county roads off U.S. Route 14, winding through a patchwork of fields, wooded ridges, and valley farms.
The approach feels slow and steady, with each curve pulling you deeper into the folds of the Driftless landscape. It’s not far from the river towns—but it feels like its own quiet rise above them all.
24. Freeman Township: Quiet Fields Near the Iowa Line
Nestled deep in Fillmore County, Freeman Township lies far from major highways, surrounded by rolling farmland, wooded groves, and gravel roads that keep it hidden from view. The stillness here is constant—broken only by wind in the trees, the buzz of summer insects, or the distant hum of a tractor.
Days begin with golden light on open fields and end with wide, quiet skies. Locals tend to the land, explore nearby trout streams, or gather at modest churches and barns that have stood for decades.
Farming is still the steady pulse of life, handed down through generations. It’s the kind of place where little changes—and that’s exactly the point.
Where is Freeman Township?
Freeman Township is set in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 15 miles southwest of Rushford and just north of the Iowa border. It’s reached by quiet county and township roads that branch from Highway 43, winding past trout streams, wooded ridges, and open farmland.
The approach moves steadily through bluff country, where limestone outcrops break the tree line and valleys open into wide fields. It feels tucked deep into the Driftless hills—a place where the landscape shields you from the outside world.
23. Pilot Mound Township: Forest Rims and Hidden Ridges
Atop one of Fillmore County’s gentle ridgelines, Pilot Mound Township unfolds in quiet layers of farmland, forest, and sky. Far from interstates and tucked between gravel roads, it feels like a place set apart—where the land rolls on without interruption.
Mornings arrive with soft light over fields, and the only sound might be a breeze through the trees or a distant rooster’s call. Residents tend fields passed down through generations, walk shaded trails, or fish the cold-water streams nearby.
Life here follows the rhythm of the land—steady, patient, unchanged. It’s the kind of place where the horizon stretches wide, and the silence stays with you.
Where is Pilot Mound Township?
Pilot Mound Township lies in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 40 miles southeast of Rochester and just north of the Iowa border. It’s reached by narrow county roads that break away from Highway 63, weaving through bluff country, farmland, and quiet stands of oak.
The land rises and dips gently, with views stretching wide under open sky as you draw near. It’s a place that seems to drift out of sight the moment you leave—held quiet between the hills.
22. Riceland Township: Prairie Peace and Open Views
Surrounded by open prairie, farmland, and a patchwork of gravel roads, Riceland Township rests quietly in the southern stretch of Freeborn County—far from busy highways or fast-moving towns.
The landscape feels endless and open, with wide skies overhead and a deep rural calm that settles in every direction. Here, the days begin with golden sun across soybean fields and the low murmur of wind through rows of corn.
Locals tend family farms, repair fence lines, or gather at small-town diners in neighboring communities. Agriculture is the backbone, shaping both the land and the pace of life. It’s the kind of place where time slows without effort—and the quiet feels as natural as the soil itself.
Where is Riceland Township?
Riceland Township is located in south-central Minnesota, in Freeborn County, about 20 miles northeast of Albert Lea and just west of the Cedar River. It’s reached by quiet stretches of county roads that branch off State Highway 251, passing through open fields and wind-brushed farmland.
The approach is unhurried, with each mile feeling flatter and more hushed than the last. It’s close to the flow of rural life, yet distant enough to feel folded into the landscape itself.
21. Pleasant Valley Township: Valley Seclusion Near the State Forest
Tucked between forested hills and long stretches of farmland, Pleasant Valley Township lives up to its name with a peacefulness that feels both natural and earned.
Hidden away on quiet backroads in Mower County, it’s the kind of place where traffic is rare and the loudest sound is often the wind through tall grass. Mornings bring soft fog over the fields and the steady rhythm of farm life waking up with the sun.
Locals spend their time tending crops, walking wooded trails, or gathering at rural churches that have stood for generations. Agriculture anchors daily life, with routines tied to the seasons more than the clock. It’s the kind of place where stillness isn’t empty—it’s full of everything you’ve been missing.
Where is Pleasant Valley Township?
Pleasant Valley Township is tucked into southeastern Minnesota, in Mower County, about 25 miles southwest of Rochester and just east of the town of Dexter. It’s accessed via quiet county roads that veer off I-90, winding through cornfields, open prairie, and scattered groves of trees.
The land here feels gently unrolling, with few markers but sky and field to guide you. It’s not far from the interstate—but it feels like a place the world forgets to rush through.
20. Bennington Township: Ridge Roads and Remote Vistas
Nestled deep in the quiet corners of Mower County, Bennington Township is surrounded by wooded groves, winding rural roads, and wide stretches of farmland that keep it gently removed from the rush of modern life.
With no major towns nearby and only the soft rhythm of agricultural work shaping the days, the township feels like a place time left untouched. Early mornings bring mist over cornfields and the low call of birds across the treetops.
Locals tend family farms, fish in nearby creeks, or walk old trails that curve through oak and maple. Farming remains the steady heartbeat here, passed from one generation to the next. It’s the kind of place where the world slows down—and you start to remember what quiet really feels like.
Where is Bennington Township?
Bennington Township lies in southeastern Minnesota, in Mower County, about 30 miles south of Rochester and a few miles west of the Iowa border. It’s reached by county roads that split from Highway 56, curving past farmland, windbreaks, and quiet creeks.
The drive moves steadily into solitude, where each bend seems to lower the volume of the outside world. It’s close to the edge of the state, but feels quietly suspended in its own rhythm of sky and field.
19. York Township: Seclusion Amidst Forest and Farmland
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Set along the quiet backroads of Fillmore County, York Township lies hidden among gentle hills, patchwork fields, and dense stands of hardwood forest. With no major highways nearby and only a scattering of family farms and gravel roads, it feels far from the noise and speed of everyday life.
The mornings are slow and golden, with fog rising from low pastures and the sound of birdsong carrying across open land. Locals tend livestock, plant rows of corn, or walk wooded trails that change with the seasons.
Agriculture shapes the rhythm here, steady and unhurried. It’s the kind of place where each day feels rooted—and the silence feels like it belongs.
Where is York Township?
York Township is located in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 35 miles south of Rochester and just east of the town of Spring Valley. It’s accessed by winding county roads off Highway 16, where the route dips through valleys, pastures, and quiet woodland edges.
The landscape rises and folds gently, with barns and silos spaced like quiet markers in time. It’s close enough to reach in an hour, but far enough to feel quietly apart from everything else.
18. Rock Dell Township: Hillside Farms and Quiet Trails
Beyond the reach of busy roads and nestled among soft hills and quiet river bends, Rock Dell Township feels like a place gently folded into the land. Surrounded by farmland and shaded by old hardwoods, it’s a township where gravel roads lead to silence, not stoplights.
The mornings arrive with low fog over the fields and the steady murmur of the Zumbro River winding through the valley. Locals tend crops, fish the riverbanks, or gather at the old country church that’s stood watch for generations.
Life here moves with the seasons—unrushed, familiar, and grounded in the soil. It’s the kind of place where stillness isn’t rare—it’s the way things are.
Where is Rock Dell Township?
Rock Dell Township is nestled in southeastern Minnesota, in Olmsted County, about 20 miles southwest of Rochester and just north of the town of Hayfield. It’s reached via County Roads 3 and 20, where the drive rolls through farmland, wooded creeks, and gentle hills shaped by generations.
As the road narrows, the noise fades, replaced by the hush of wind through corn and the occasional gravel crunch. It’s not far from the city—but it feels like a corner where the pace has always stayed the same.
17. Ashland Township: Hills, Hollows, and Hidden Roads
Down a patchwork of gravel roads and wide open skies, Ashland Township unfolds with a quiet that feels both natural and enduring. Nestled in rural Dodge County, it’s far from fast lanes and city noise—just fields, tree lines, and the soft hum of daily farm life.
Mornings begin with golden light spilling over crops and the rustle of wind through old shelterbelts. Residents spend their days tending livestock, repairing fencelines, or gathering at small churches and co-ops that anchor the community.
Agriculture is more than work here—it’s tradition. It’s the kind of place where the land stretches wide, and the stillness leaves space for everything that matters.
Where is Ashland Township?
Ashland Township is set in southeastern Minnesota, in Dodge County, about 25 miles west of Rochester and just east of Blooming Prairie. It’s reached via County Road 1 or quiet turns off Highway 30, where the road stretches through broad farmland and sky-wide views.
The journey feels long only in stillness, marked by silos, windbreaks, and the rhythm of open fields. It’s near enough to pass through—but far enough to make you pause.
16. Lodi Township: Prairie Winds and Rural Calm
Where paved roads give way to gravel and the sky stretches wide over rolling farmland, Lodi Township settles into the landscape with quiet confidence. Hidden in a rural corner of Mower County, it’s a place where time moves slowly and the outside world feels far away.
The mornings arrive gently—mist over cornfields, birds calling from fence posts, and the steady rhythm of work beginning at first light. Locals spend their days tending crops, walking tree-lined backroads, or gathering in modest churches that have stood for decades.
Agriculture is not just a job here—it’s a way of life, passed down with care. It’s the kind of place where the silence isn’t empty—it’s full of meaning.
Where is Lodi Township?
Lodi Township lies in south-central Minnesota, in Mower County, about 20 miles southeast of Austin and just north of the Iowa border. It’s accessed by county roads that branch off Highway 56, winding through flat farmland, scattered groves, and stretches of open sky.
The drive is quiet and steady, with few signs and wide fields that seem to go on without end. It’s close to the border—but feels deeply rooted in its own quiet patch of prairie.
15. Carrolton Township: Forest Buffers and Quiet Roads
Nestled in the hills of Fillmore County, Carrolton Township sits quietly between wooded ridges and wide stretches of farmland, far from major highways or busy town centers. Its gravel roads wind past old barns, weathered silos, and groves of maple and oak that seem to keep the outside world at bay.
The mornings are still—fog resting low in the valleys, the faint sound of cattle in the distance, and skies that open wide above the fields. Locals tend small farms, explore hidden trout streams, or gather at country churches that have marked time here for generations.
Agriculture remains the steady heartbeat, anchoring life in slow, familiar rhythms. It’s the kind of place where the land shapes the days—and the quiet feels like it’s always been waiting.
Where is Carrolton Township?
Carrolton Township is located in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 30 miles south of Rochester and just east of Preston. It’s reached by narrow county roads that meander off Highway 52, passing through limestone ridges, rolling farmland, and patches of dense woodland.
The approach feels hushed and steady, with each turn bringing more sky, more quiet, and fewer reminders of elsewhere. It’s not far from the heart of bluff country—but it feels like the quiet space between everything.
14. Moscow Township: Gentle Pastures and River Sounds
Beyond the reach of city lights and tucked between fields and forest, Moscow Township unfolds in quiet layers across the southern edge of Freeborn County. Its rural roads wind past weathered barns, open pastureland, and tree-lined creeks that keep the township naturally set apart.
The days begin with golden sun on tilled soil and the faint sound of morning chores echoing across the land. Locals farm the fields, walk country roads, or gather in small churches that have long stood as anchors in the landscape.
Life here is shaped by agriculture, by routine, and by the comfort of familiarity. It’s the kind of place where the world feels far away—and that’s exactly the appeal.
Where is Moscow Township?
Moscow Township is situated in south-central Minnesota, in Freeborn County, about 10 miles northwest of Albert Lea and just off I-35. It’s accessed by a web of county roads that slip past wide fields, grain bins, and scattered groves of trees.
The drive eases quickly into calm, where long views and soft horizons stretch out in every direction. It’s close to the interstate—but feels like it quietly chose its own pace long ago.
13. Hutton Township: Creek Beds and Secluded Bridges
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Deep in the rural quiet of Fillmore County, Hutton Township rests between forested ridges and gently rolling farmland, far from the noise of highways or city lights. The gravel roads here wind slowly through wide fields and narrow valleys, offering long stretches of silence and sky.
Mornings arrive softly—dew on the grass, birds calling from fencelines, and the distant hum of farm work beginning. Locals tend crops, check livestock, or walk wooded trails that haven’t changed in decades.
Agriculture is the foundation, steady and unhurried, anchoring life in rhythms that follow the land. It’s the kind of place where time feels slower, and the stillness settles in like home.
Where is Hutton Township?
Hutton Township rests in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 35 miles south of Rochester and just west of the town of Harmony. It’s reached by county roads that break away from Highway 52, winding through open fields, wooded ridges, and stretches of limestone bluff.
The approach is slow and scenic, with each mile feeling more removed from towns and time. It’s not far from the Iowa border—but it feels tucked into the folds of the land, quietly waiting.
12. Red Rock Township: Prairie Slopes and Big Sky
Where the paved roads fade into gravel and the land stretches wide beneath an open sky, Red Rock Township begins—quietly and without fanfare. Set in the rural heart of Mower County, it’s a place removed from fast-moving towns, where fields, fencelines, and woodlots shape the view in every direction.
The mornings are slow and golden, filled with the sound of wind in the trees and the hum of early farm work. Residents tend crops, walk the land, or gather at country churches that have stood for generations.
Farming is still the backbone here, guiding the rhythm of life through each season. It’s the kind of place where nothing feels rushed—and everything feels real.
Where is Red Rock Township?
Red Rock Township is located in south-central Minnesota, in Mower County, about 10 miles northeast of Austin and just west of the Cedar River. It’s reached via quiet county roads off Highway 218, where the route slips through a patchwork of farmland, prairie, and scattered groves.
The landscape flattens and widens as you arrive, with barns and silos rising like landmarks in the open air. It’s close to town—but far enough to feel quietly held by the horizon.
11. Jordan Township: River Valleys and Hidden Meadows
Hidden in the gentle hills of Fillmore County, Jordan Township is surrounded by quiet valleys, wooded ridges, and long gravel roads that lead you farther from noise with every mile. There are no busy intersections here—just farmland, sky, and a peaceful rhythm shaped by the land itself.
Mornings arrive slowly, with fog hanging low over fields and the faint sound of birds echoing through the trees. Locals tend their farms, fish the nearby streams, or walk trails that wind through quiet stretches of oak and prairie grass.
Agriculture remains the steady anchor, passed down through generations with quiet pride. It’s the kind of place where time drifts gently—and the silence feels like something you didn’t know you missed.
Where is Jordan Township?
Jordan Township lies in southeastern Minnesota, in Fillmore County, about 35 miles south of Rochester and just northeast of Mabel. It’s accessed by winding county roads off Highway 43, where the drive curves through driftless hills, wooded hollows, and quiet farmland.
The approach feels tucked and steady, with each bend pulling you deeper into a softened, rural rhythm. It’s near the Iowa line—but feels like a quiet pocket carved out just for stillness.
10. Clayton Township: Rolling Hills and Farmland Escape
Clayton Township, with a population of around 250, is a peaceful enclave characterized by its rolling hills and vast farmlands. I find that the area is perfect for leisurely drives and cycling, offering scenic views that are quintessentially Minnesotan.
Agriculture is the mainstay here, with local farms dotting the landscape and contributing to a tight-knit community spirit.
What makes Clayton Township truly secluded is its expansive open spaces and the absence of bustling commercial centers, allowing for uninterrupted serenity. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in rural life and enjoy the simplicity of the countryside.
Where is Clayton Township?
Located in Mower County, Clayton Township sits in the southeastern part of Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. Its seclusion is heightened by the surrounding agricultural lands and minimal through-traffic, making it a quiet retreat away from major highways.
To get there, I usually take State Highway 56 south from Austin, then navigate a series of county roads that meander through picturesque landscapes. The journey itself feels like a step back in time, further enhancing the township’s remote charm.
9. Sumner Township: Hidden Trails and Woodlands
Sumner Township is home to approximately 350 residents and is a hidden gem enveloped by lush woodlands and meandering trails. I love exploring the area’s natural beauty, especially the lesser-known hiking paths that wind through dense forests teeming with wildlife.
The township doesn’t revolve around any major industry, maintaining its quiet charm with predominantly small-scale farming and forestry. Its secluded nature is attributed to the natural barriers formed by the woodlands, offering a sense of isolation that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Sumner?
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Nestled in Fillmore County of Southern Minnesota, Sumner Township is off the beaten path, adding to its secluded allure. It’s located east of Rochester, with access primarily through a network of local roads that weave through the countryside.
I usually reach Sumner by taking County Road 10, which offers scenic views but minimal traffic. The township’s hidden trails and wooded areas contribute to its isolation, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and a connection with nature.
8. Geneva Township: Lakeside Seclusion in Freeborn County
Geneva Township, with a modest population of around 500, offers a tranquil lakeside experience away from the crowds. One of my favorite activities here is fishing on Geneva Lake, a serene spot that embodies the township’s quiet charm.
Agriculture is prevalent, but the presence of the lake adds a unique recreational aspect to the community. The seclusion comes from its sparse population and the expansive natural surroundings, providing a peaceful environment ideal for relaxation.
Where is Geneva Township?
Situated in Freeborn County, Geneva Township lies in Southern Minnesota’s lake country. It’s nestled between Albert Lea and Owatonna, yet remains secluded due to its rural setting and limited development.
I typically access the township via Interstate 35, exiting onto smaller county roads that lead to the serene lakeside. The combination of water and countryside enhances its isolation, making it a hidden retreat for those yearning to escape urban life.
7. Udolpho Township: Peaceful Prairie Horizons
With a population hovering around 400, Udolpho Township is a haven of vast prairies and open skies. I appreciate the sense of freedom here, where the horizon seems to stretch endlessly.
The area is predominantly agricultural, with farming being the main industry supporting the local economy. Its low-density living and expansive fields contribute to the township’s secluded atmosphere, offering a quiet lifestyle that’s deeply connected to the land.
Where is Udolpho?
Located in Mower County, Udolpho Township sits to the northwest of Austin, Minnesota. Its seclusion is amplified by the surrounding prairies and minimal urban development.
Getting there involves traveling on State Highway 218 and then venturing onto lesser-known county roads that traverse the open countryside. The journey underscores the township’s peaceful isolation and the beauty of Southern Minnesota’s prairie landscapes.
6. Waltham Township: Countryside Solitude
Waltham Township is a small community of about 300 residents, characterized by its expansive agricultural lands and serene environment. I often enjoy the quiet drives through the countryside here, where traffic is a rarity, and the sounds of nature prevail.
Farming dominates the local industry, and the township’s minimal traffic and lack of commercial development enhance its secluded feel. It’s an ideal place for those who appreciate solitude and the rhythms of rural life.
Where is Waltham?
Situated in Mower County, Waltham Township lies northeast of Austin and is relatively isolated due to its rural roads and distance from major highways. I reach it by taking smaller county roads that wind through farmland, furthering the sense of escape from urban settings.
The township’s solitude is underscored by its expansive fields and the tranquility that comes with being nestled deep within Minnesota’s agricultural heartland.
5. London Township: Quiet Life by the State Line
London Township, home to around 300 people, offers a serene environment characterized by large lots and open spaces. I find that the township’s proximity to the Iowa border adds to its unique charm, blending the cultural nuances of both states.
Agriculture is predominant, with family-owned farms contributing to the local economy. The area’s seclusion stems from its rural setting and the considerable distance from bustling city centers, making it a peaceful retreat.
Where is London Township?
Located in Freeborn County, London Township sits right along the Minnesota-Iowa border. Its remote location is accessible via local roads branching off from Interstate 35, but the journey requires navigating through scenic rural landscapes.
The township’s position away from major urban areas and highways enhances its seclusion. For me, the drive itself is a peaceful prelude to the quiet life that London Township embodies.
4. Harmony Township: Retreat in Amish Country
Harmony Township boasts a population of about 1,000 and is nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s Amish country. I cherish the wide-open spaces and minimal development, which offer a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Visitors can enjoy Amish craft shops, bakeries, and picturesque farms dotting the landscape.
The main industries revolve around agriculture and artisanal goods, contributing to the township’s quaint atmosphere. Its seclusion is a result of the expansive rural areas and a community that values tranquility.
Where is Harmony?
Located in Fillmore County, Harmony Township is in Southeastern Minnesota, near the Iowa border. The township is accessible via State Highway 52, but its rural roads and surrounding farmland create a sense of isolation.
I often take scenic routes through the countryside to get there, which highlights the area’s natural beauty. The township’s setting amid rolling hills and Amish farms adds to its secluded charm, making it a serene destination.
3. Eitzen: Hidden Gem Near the Iowa Border
Eitzen is a small city with a population of around 250, nestled among rolling hills and fertile farmland. I enjoy the quiet streets and the strong sense of community here. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby trails and parks, such as the Reno State Wildlife Management Area.
The town doesn’t have significant industrial activity, which contributes to its peaceful ambiance. Eitzen’s seclusion is enhanced by natural barriers and its sparse population, offering a genuine escape from busier locales.
Where is Eitzen?
Situated in Houston County, Eitzen is the southernmost city in Minnesota, right next to the Iowa border. The town is tucked away off State Highway 76, making it less accessible and therefore more secluded.
I usually access it via scenic byways that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Eitzen’s location amid rolling hills and lack of proximity to major highways contribute to its hidden gem status.
2. Taopi: Serenity Amidst Southern Prairies
Taopi, with an approximate population of just 60, is one of the smallest communities I’ve visited. The town is surrounded by expansive prairies and open skies, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.
While there aren’t many organized activities, the serene environment is perfect for stargazing and contemplative walks. Agriculture is the mainstay, and the lack of commercial development keeps the town peaceful. Taopi’s seclusion comes from its diminutive size and the vast natural spaces that envelop it.
Where is Taopi?
Located in Mower County, Taopi is southwest of Rochester and accessible via U.S. Route 218. Its remote location and the surrounding prairies heighten its sense of isolation.
I find that reaching Taopi involves a drive through extensive farmland, reinforcing the town’s separation from urban areas. The journey and the destination together offer a retreat into simplicity and quietude.
1. Whalan: Tiny Haven Along the Root River
Whalan is a charming town with a population of about 60, nestled along the scenic Root River. I adore the lush forests and the opportunities for outdoor activities like biking on the Root River State Trail and kayaking.
The main industries are tourism and small-scale crafts, with local businesses catering to visitors seeking a peaceful getaway. Whalan’s seclusion is due to its small size and the enveloping natural landscapes, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
Where is Whalan?
Situated in Fillmore County, Whalan is southeast of Rochester. It’s tucked away off State Highway 16, accessible via county roads that traverse the picturesque Root River Valley.
The town’s location along the river and surrounded by forests contributes to its secluded ambiance. I often enjoy the scenic drive to Whalan, which, combined with its tranquil setting, makes it a perfect escape from the everyday hustle.
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