I’ve always been drawn to the quiet charm of small towns, especially those tucked away in the vast expanses of Western Kansas. There’s something incredibly soothing about the open skies, rolling prairies, and the sense of stepping back in time.
If you’re like me, seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll appreciate these hidden gems. From historic outposts to tranquil farming communities, each of these twenty five towns offers a unique escape. Join me as we count down the most secluded towns in Western Kansas, where solitude and simple pleasures await.
25. Selkirk: A Prairie Outpost
Selkirk rests in the wide sweep of western Kansas, where endless plains stretch so far that the horizon feels like its only boundary. Its seclusion comes from distance—miles of open land separate it from larger towns, leaving behind a silence that rarely breaks.
A handful of streets and weathered buildings mark the town, carrying traces of the busier days it once knew. Visitors who pass through often pause to watch the wind ripple through wheat fields, follow lonely backroads, or stand beneath skies that seem impossibly vast.
The quiet is so complete that even the hum of a single car fades quickly into open air. Selkirk stays with you as a place where seclusion is measured not in what hides it, but in how wide and empty the world around it feels.
Where is Selkirk?
Selkirk lies in Wallace County, tucked into the remote western edge of Kansas near the Colorado border. It’s about 20 miles east of Sharon Springs and nearly 230 miles from Denver, reached by U.S. Route 40 before narrowing into quiet county roads that cross open prairie.
The trip carries you through wide, unbroken fields where the horizon seems endless and towns grow scarce. By the time you reach Selkirk, the silence of the plains makes it feel far removed from everything else.
24. Leoville: A Hidden Village on the Plains
Leoville rests in the open plains of northwestern Kansas, where the land rolls gently and stretches so far that it seems to dissolve into sky. The town is small and tucked away, its quiet streets anchored by a church and a handful of long-standing buildings that carry the weight of its early settlers.
Life here moves with the rhythm of prairie winds and the slow turning of seasons, untouched by the rush of highways or city noise. Visitors often find meaning in the simplest moments—walking the backroads, exploring the nearby countryside, or pausing to take in a sunset that floods the horizon with color.
Community gatherings, from parish dinners to local festivals, keep the spirit of closeness alive among neighbors. Leoville leaves you with the sense that its seclusion is not emptiness, but a gentle reminder of how peaceful wide-open spaces can be.
Where is Leoville?
Leoville rests in northern Decatur County, close to the Nebraska line in northwestern Kansas. It lies about 15 miles north of Oberlin, reached by U.S. Highway 83 before turning onto smaller gravel roads that stretch across rolling prairie.
The journey slows as the open land expands in every direction, with only scattered farmsteads breaking the horizon. By the time you arrive, Leoville feels like a quiet outpost where the prairie’s stillness defines the rhythm of life.
23. Monument: A Quiet Stop Along the Highway
Monument sits along the high plains of western Kansas, where miles of open prairie and distant horizons make it feel far removed from the rest of the world. The town is quiet and compact, with only a few buildings standing as reminders of the days when the railroad gave it purpose.
Out here, time stretches long—measured by the changing sky, the whisper of prairie winds, and the rare passing of a car on a lonely road. Visitors might explore the nearby chalk bluffs, trace old trails across the grasslands, or simply stand still beneath the immense sky that defines the place.
Community life endures through small gatherings, where neighbors know one another by name and stories pass as easily as the wind. Monument stays with you as the kind of place where vastness itself becomes its seclusion, offering silence that feels endless.
Where is Monument?
Monument lies in Logan County in western Kansas, set just south of I-70 amid wide stretches of prairie. It’s about 20 miles west of Oakley and 70 miles from Colby, reached by leaving the interstate onto U.S. 40 and then following local roads that cut through farmland.
The approach moves quickly from highway speed into open fields and two-lane stretches where traffic all but disappears. Surrounded by horizon and sky, Monument feels like a small stop that the vast plains almost keep hidden.
22. Quinter: A Small Haven of Solitude
Quinter lies in the heart of western Kansas, surrounded by sweeping prairies that stretch so far they seem to blur into the sky. Its seclusion comes from distance, with miles of open land between it and the next town, making the horizon feel like both a boundary and a shelter.
Life here is steady and close-knit, centered around its small downtown, schools, and the familiar rhythm of community events. Visitors often venture to Castle Rock nearby, where weathered limestone spires rise dramatically from the plains, or spend time walking quiet streets that echo with a slower pace.
Evenings bring wide-open skies filled with stars, a reminder of how little light interrupts the landscape. Quinter lingers with you as a place where the vastness of the prairie and the closeness of its people create a rare kind of seclusion.
Where is Quinter?
Quinter sits in Gove County in northwest Kansas, positioned along I-70 between Hays and Colby. It’s about 60 miles east of Colby and 90 miles west of Hays, with the interstate exit leading directly into town.
The short drive off the highway quickly shifts from steady traffic into quiet streets edged by farmland. Out on the open plains, Quinter carries the feeling of a town both accessible and gently set apart by distance and sky.
21. Sharon Springs: A Prairie Retreat
Sharon Springs rests in far western Kansas, where the horizon stretches so wide it feels like the town sits at the edge of the earth. Its seclusion comes from distance, with miles of open prairie standing between it and larger places.
Weathered storefronts and the traces of the old rail line tell of a history built on endurance and quiet persistence. Travelers often stop to see nearby rock formations, wander calm backstreets, or watch the prairie sky shift into deep colors at dusk.
Community life shows itself in school events, local diners, and seasonal fairs that bring neighbors together. Sharon Springs leaves an impression as a place where seclusion is not about hiding, but about the vast openness that surrounds it.
Where is Sharon Springs?
Sharon Springs rests in Wallace County, along the far western edge of Kansas just a few miles from the Colorado line. It sits directly on U.S. Route 40, about 230 miles east of Denver and 70 miles west of Colby, making it reachable by a long stretch of open highway.
The approach is marked by endless prairie, with grain elevators rising as some of the first signs of town. Surrounded by wide horizons, Sharon Springs feels like a quiet outpost where the plains stretch on without end.
20. Winona: A Village Surrounded by Fields
Winona sits quietly on the western Kansas plains, its small grid of streets surrounded by miles of farmland and open sky that stretch in every direction. The town feels distant and self-contained, set apart by the long drives required to reach it and the stillness that greets you once you arrive.
History lingers in its simple storefronts and longtime gathering spots, where the past and present seem to blend without hurry. Visitors may find themselves tracing the backroads, stopping by the town park, or simply standing still to take in the endless horizon at sunset.
Life moves slowly, with neighbors relying on one another and traditions carrying more weight than passing trends. Winona stays with you as a reminder that sometimes seclusion is found in the wide quiet spaces where time seems to stretch.
Where is Winona?
Winona sits in Logan County in northwestern Kansas, a small community just north of I-70. It’s about 15 miles west of Oakley, reached by leaving the interstate and following State Route 25 before turning onto local roads.
The drive slips from fast-moving highway into slower stretches of farmland, where open skies dominate the view. By the time you reach Winona, the town feels tucked gently into the prairie’s quiet expanse.
19. Collyer: The Quiet Crossroads
Collyer rests along the wide sweep of western Kansas, a small town surrounded by endless fields and skies that seem to go on forever. Its seclusion comes from both distance and scale, with only a handful of streets set against the immensity of the plains.
Life here is marked by quiet rhythms—church gatherings, evenings on porches, and the steady change of the seasons more than the clock. Visitors may wander the backroads, stop at the local park, or simply watch the prairie sky shift from bright blue to fiery dusk.
The town feels steady and unhurried, as though it has chosen its own pace apart from the rest of the world. Collyer leaves you with the sense that solitude can be vast, yet comforting, when it’s cradled by so much open land.
Where is Collyer?
Collyer is set in Trego County in northwest Kansas, a short distance south of I-70. The town lies about 12 miles west of WaKeeney, reached by exiting the interstate and following a two-lane road that drifts past farmland and open fields.
The approach feels immediate yet quiet, as the bustle of the highway fades into slower rural stretches. Surrounded by prairie and sky, Collyer carries the stillness of a place slightly removed from the world’s pace.
18. Selden: A Rural Retreat
Selden sits quietly in northwest Kansas, where open prairie and distant horizons make it feel far removed from larger towns. Its size is small, with just a few streets and familiar gathering spots that carry the weight of community more than commerce.
Life here follows the steady rhythm of rural traditions, with mornings marked by wide skies and nights lit by stars unbroken by city glow. Visitors might explore the quiet backroads, pause at the town’s park, or simply take in the silence of the surrounding plains.
Neighbors know one another by name, and local events give the town its heartbeat despite its distance from busier places. Selden lingers as a place where seclusion isn’t lonely, but rather a calm woven from space, sky, and community ties.
Where is Selden?
Selden lies in Sheridan County in northwest Kansas, surrounded by rolling farmland and wide stretches of prairie. It’s about 15 miles north of Hoxie and roughly 40 miles south of the Nebraska border, reached by U.S. Highway 83 before turning onto smaller county roads.
The drive moves steadily into quieter country, where open fields and distant grain elevators mark the horizon. By the time you arrive, Selden feels like a quiet corner of the plains, shaped by distance and open space.
17. Brewster: Life on the Edge of the Plains
Brewster lies tucked into the high plains of western Kansas, where wide horizons and open fields surround it on every side. The town feels distant, its small cluster of streets standing quiet against the vastness of the prairie.
Daily life follows a gentle pace, shaped more by the changing sky and prairie winds than by the rush of traffic or noise. Travelers passing through might stop at the school’s ballfields, wander the calm backroads, or simply watch the sunset spill across endless grassland.
Neighbors here know one another well, and the town’s gatherings carry a warmth that contrasts with the emptiness around it. Brewster lingers as a reminder that true seclusion can be found in the spaces where land and sky seem to meet without end.
Where is Brewster?
Brewster sits in Thomas County in northwestern Kansas, a small community just north of I-70. It’s about 15 miles west of Colby, reached by exiting the interstate and following a short stretch of two-lane road across open farmland.
The landscape quickly shifts from steady highway traffic into wide fields and a horizon that seems to stretch without end. In that openness, Brewster feels like a town both near the main road and quietly apart from it.
16. Grainfield: A Town of Quiet Horizons
Grainfield rises from the western Kansas prairie like a quiet landmark, its grain elevators and church steeples the tallest shapes against the horizon. The town feels set apart, with long stretches of highway and open land keeping it tucked into its own pocket of the plains.
Life here unfolds slowly, marked by simple routines, small gatherings, and the steady backdrop of wind moving through fields. Visitors might stop at a local café, wander the quiet streets, or take a drive into the surrounding countryside where the land seems endless.
Evenings bring vast skies streaked with color, a reminder of how much space surrounds this little community. Grainfield leaves you with the sense that in its seclusion, it offers both calm and perspective that can only be found where the prairie runs wide.
Where is Grainfield?
Grainfield rests in Gove County in northwestern Kansas, positioned just off I-70 amid broad prairie land. It’s about 12 miles east of Quinter and 30 miles west of Colby, reached by a quick turn from the interstate onto a quieter local road.
The transition from highway pace to small-town calm happens almost instantly, with grain elevators standing tall against the horizon. Set in the sweep of open fields, Grainfield carries the hush of a place rooted in wide skies and steady land.
15. Russell Springs: A Historic Hideaway
Russell Springs sits hidden in the Smoky Hill Valley, where rugged bluffs and winding roads keep it sheltered from the wider world. Once the county seat, its quiet streets and weathered buildings now feel like remnants of another era, holding stories of pioneers and settlers who braved the open plains.
Life here drifts at a slow rhythm, carried by the sound of wind through canyons and the wide silence that settles across the land. Visitors often explore the Butterfield Trail Museum, wander the scenic backroads, or hike among the limestone outcrops that surround the town.
The sense of history is strong, but so too is the feeling of being tucked far away from the rush of modern life. Russell Springs lingers with you as a place where seclusion is shaped by both landscape and memory, offering a quiet that feels timeless.
Where is Russell Springs?
Russell Springs is tucked into Logan County in western Kansas, set a few miles south of U.S. 40 and away from the faster interstate routes. It’s about 25 miles southwest of Oakley, reached by following winding county roads that dip through rolling prairie.
The drive feels long and quiet, with little but open land and sky stretching ahead. By the time you arrive, Russell Springs feels like a place held apart by distance, where the silence of the plains settles in.
14. Gem: A Speck on the Prairie
Gem lies tucked into the northwest Kansas plains, so small that it seems to appear suddenly from the open fields and vanish just as quickly. Its quiet is deep, shaped by long stretches of prairie that keep it far from larger towns and highways.
A few streets, a school, and the familiar markers of community life form the heart of this hidden place. Travelers who pass through often pause to watch the sky shift colors at dusk or follow lonely roads that roll gently into the distance.
The stillness here carries a kind of weight, broken only by the wind or the occasional passing train. Gem stays in memory as a reminder that even the smallest towns can hold a vastness all their own.
Where is Gem?
Gem lies in Thomas County in northwestern Kansas, surrounded by open farmland and prairie stretches. It’s about 10 miles north of Colby, reached by turning off U.S. Highway 83 onto smaller county roads that run straight across wide fields.
The journey feels steady and unhurried, with the horizon seeming to follow you as you drive. By the time you reach Gem, the town feels quietly set apart, as if the prairie itself keeps it hidden.
13. Rexford: A Remote Retreat
Rexford sits tucked into the open plains of northwest Kansas, a quiet town set against miles of farmland and skies that seem endless. Its seclusion comes from the distance between it and larger places, leaving only a small cluster of streets and a steady rhythm of daily life.
The town feels unhurried, with evenings marked by the glow of porch lights and the soft sweep of prairie winds. Visitors might take a drive through the surrounding backroads, stop at the school that serves as a community hub, or simply pause to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Life here is rooted in connection, where neighbors know each other well and traditions carry more weight than time itself. Rexford leaves you with the sense that even in the vast openness of the plains, there are pockets of seclusion that feel almost timeless.
Where is Rexford?
Rexford sits in Thomas County in northwest Kansas, a few miles north of U.S. 83 and tucked amid open farmland. It’s about 20 miles northeast of Colby, reached by county roads that run straight through prairie and cropland.
The approach is simple, with long, quiet stretches where the fields seem endless. By the time you arrive, Rexford feels like a small stop gently folded into the vast openness of the plains.
12. McDonald: A Prairie Refuge
McDonald stands at the far edge of Kansas, a small community that feels like the last stop before the plains give way to endless sky. Its remoteness is its identity—long stretches of road lead to a cluster of houses, a school, and a few gathering spots that form the heart of town.
The quiet here is striking, broken only by the wind through tall grass or the distant sound of a passing truck. Travelers often wander its calm streets, sit beneath the shade of the park’s trees, or drive into the countryside where the land rolls on without end.
Evening light spreads slowly across the horizon, painting the town in colors that seem to last forever. McDonald holds its seclusion not as emptiness, but as a rare kind of stillness that few places manage to keep.
Where is McDonald?
McDonald rests in Rawlins County in the far northwest corner of Kansas, just a few miles from the Colorado line and near the Nebraska border. It’s about 20 miles northwest of Atwood, reached by following U.S. 36 before turning onto quieter county roads that cut through open prairie.
The drive grows lonelier the farther you go, with only farmsteads and wide fields breaking the horizon. By the time you reach McDonald, it feels like a hidden edge of the plains where distance defines the silence.
11. Herndon: The Edge of Quiet Living
Herndon rests close to the Nebraska border, a town so small and tucked away that the prairie seems to fold in around it. Its sense of seclusion comes from distance, with miles of quiet farmland and gravel roads buffering it from busier places.
The heart of the town is simple—its church, a few storefronts, and community spaces that carry the weight of local gatherings. Visitors may find themselves attending a summer festival, pausing at the town park, or simply watching the stillness of open fields stretch endlessly outward.
Life here follows the rhythm of seasons rather than clocks, with neighbors connected by familiarity and shared history. Herndon leaves you with the feeling that its quiet isn’t accidental—it’s a choice to remain steady in a world that moves too fast.
Where is Herndon?
Herndon sits in Rawlins County in the far northwest corner of Kansas, only a few miles south of the Nebraska border. It’s about 15 miles north of Atwood, reached by U.S. 36 before narrowing onto quiet county roads that run through farmland and open prairie.
The approach feels gradual, trading busy stretches for a landscape where the horizon seems endless. By the time you arrive, Herndon feels like a place set apart, where the stillness of the plains surrounds everything.
10. Wallace: A Hidden Gem Amidst the Prairies
Wallace is a tiny town with a population of around 60 people, making it a true hidden gem in Western Kansas. I love visiting the Fort Wallace Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history as a frontier military post.
The main industry here revolves around agriculture, with sprawling farms and ranches dotting the landscape. What makes Wallace so secluded is its remote location amidst vast prairies and rolling hills, far from the noise of urban life.
The lack of commercialization gives the town an untouched feel, perfect for those wanting to disconnect. When I’m there, the peacefulness and the endless horizons make it seem like a world unto itself.
Where is Wallace?
Nestled in Wallace County, Wallace is situated near the western border of Kansas. Its isolation is enhanced by the miles of open farmland that surround it, and the minimal traffic passing through.
Getting there involves a scenic drive along U.S. Route 40, but don’t be surprised if you go miles without seeing another car. I find that this journey through the heartland is part of the charm, emphasizing just how tucked away Wallace truly is.
9. Weskan: The Quiet Frontier Town
Weskan, with a population of approximately 170 residents, is a peaceful community near the Colorado border. I’ve enjoyed strolling through its quiet streets and experiencing the expansive open landscapes that define the area.
The town doesn’t have a bustling industry, but agriculture and cattle ranching are the mainstays for many locals. Its seclusion is due to its remote location and the vast plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, providing a true frontier feel.
The tranquility here is unparalleled, making Weskan a perfect retreat for anyone looking to embrace a slower pace of life.
Where is Weskan?
Located in Wallace County, Weskan sits right along the western edge of Kansas. Its proximity to the state line emphasizes its remote position, with limited neighboring towns nearby.
To get there, I usually take U.S. Route 40 west until the small signs for Weskan appear, signaling a departure from the main roads. The journey highlights the town’s isolation, surrounded by endless skies and open land, reinforcing why it’s such a quiet haven.
8. Healy: Serenity in the Heartland
Healy is a serene little town with around 230 residents, nestled amidst expansive farmland. I’ve found that the simplicity of life here is its greatest allure, with activities like visiting local farms or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside.
Agriculture is the primary industry, and the community thrives on farming and livestock. What makes Healy secluded is its distance from major highways and cities, enveloped by miles of wheat fields and pastures.
The lack of commercial development means that when I’m in Healy, it’s just me and the timeless rhythm of rural life.
Where is Healy?
Situated in Lane County, Healy lies in the heart of Western Kansas. Its location off the beaten path, away from major roadways, contributes to its tranquil aura. To reach Healy, I often take smaller county roads that wind through the farmlands, enhancing the feeling of stepping into a secluded oasis.
The town’s remoteness is a testament to the vastness of the Kansas plains, making it an ideal spot for those seeking serenity.
7. Gove City: An Oasis of Calm
With a population hovering around 80 people, Gove City is truly an oasis of calm in Western Kansas. I appreciate the town’s quiet streets and the sense of community among its residents.
Agriculture dominates the local economy, with wheat and cattle being significant contributors. Gove City’s seclusion stems from its surrounding undeveloped land and its distance from bustling urban centers. When I’m here, the unhurried pace and the open skies create a peaceful environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Gove City?
Located in Gove County, Gove City sits in the midst of expansive prairies. Its remote setting is deepened by the minimal traffic and lack of nearby large towns. Getting to Gove City usually involves navigating several rural roads, which only adds to its secluded charm.
For me, the journey through the rolling landscapes is as calming as the destination itself, highlighting the town’s tucked-away nature.
6. Kanorado: The Westernmost Kansas Escape
Kanorado, aptly named for its position on the Kansas-Colorado border, has a small population of about 150 people. I find its unique location intriguing, offering a blend of cultures from both states.
The town provides a peaceful stopover with minimal amenities, emphasizing its tranquility. The main industries include agriculture and some cross-border trade. Kanorado’s seclusion comes from its position at the very edge of Kansas, surrounded by wide-open spaces perfect for solitude seekers like me.
Where is Kanorado?
Situated in Sherman County, Kanorado is the westernmost town in Kansas. Its location right on Interstate 70 makes it accessible, yet the sparse population and surrounding plains maintain its secluded feel.
When I visit, the transition from the busier interstate to the calm of the town is striking. The easy access combined with a quiet atmosphere makes Kanorado a unique escape at the state’s border.
5. Grinnell: Peaceful Living on the Plains
Grinnell is a quaint town of around 250 residents, embodying peaceful living on the Kansas plains. I’ve enjoyed visiting its historic sites, like the old stone churches, which add character to this small community.
Agriculture, particularly wheat farming, is the backbone of the local economy. Grinnell’s seclusion is defined by the vast horizons and the sense of space that surrounds it, offering a serene environment away from city noises. It’s a place where I can truly unwind and appreciate the simple joys of rural life.
Where is Grinnell?
Located in Gove County, Grinnell is nestled between larger towns but remains quiet due to its small size and the expanses of farmland around it. I usually take Interstate 70 and exit onto local roads that lead into the heart of this peaceful town.
The lack of congestion and the open skies make the journey to Grinnell feel like a step back in time, enhancing its secluded appeal.
4. Park: A Quiet Hamlet Tucked Away
Park is a tiny town with a population of just about 110 people, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a low-key, private lifestyle. I often appreciate the town’s tranquility and the friendly waves from locals as I pass by.
The area is dominated by agriculture, with family-owned farms contributing to the local economy. Park’s seclusion comes from its nestled position amidst rolling farmland, far from the hustle of larger towns. For me, the simplicity and quietude of Park are its most endearing qualities.
Where is Park?
Also located in Gove County, Park sits slightly off the main routes, enhancing its tucked-away nature. To reach Park, I drive along rural highways that weave through the scenic landscapes of Western Kansas.
The town’s isolation is palpable, with minimal traffic and the gentle hum of nature accompanying you upon arrival. It’s this seclusion that makes Park a delightful retreat for those desiring peace.
3. Bazine: Tranquility in Western Kansas
Bazine is home to about 330 residents and offers a tranquil setting in Ness County. I’ve found that the town’s quiet streets and welcoming community make it a soothing place to visit.
Agriculture is the mainstay, with many locals involved in farming and ranching. Bazine’s remote location and the natural beauty of the surrounding plains make it perfect for anyone seeking tranquility away from crowded places. Whenever I’m in Bazine, the serene environment helps me recharge and find inner peace.
Where is Bazine?
Bazine is situated along K-96 highway in Ness County, but despite this, it remains relatively secluded due to its small size and rural surroundings. Getting there is straightforward, but the vastness of the plains and sparse development amplify its sense of isolation.
I find the drive to Bazine calming, as the open landscapes pave the way to this tranquil town, emphasizing its position as a hidden haven.
2. Dighton: Calm Amidst the Wheat Fields
Dighton, with a population of around 1,000 people, is a calm and charming town nestled amidst endless wheat fields. I enjoy visiting the Lane County Historical Museum here, which showcases the area’s rich heritage.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of Dighton, and the annual Lane County Fair is a testament to the community’s farming roots.
Its distance from major cities offers a serene rural experience, making Dighton an ideal spot for those who appreciate the quietude of country life. For me, the friendly atmosphere and slower pace are what make Dighton special.
Where is Dighton?
Located in Lane County, Dighton lies at the intersection of K-96 and K-23 highways, yet it retains a secluded feel due to the surrounding farmlands. The town’s isolation is heightened by the expansive wheat fields that stretch in every direction, often without another town in sight for miles.
I find that driving to Dighton provides a sense of tranquility, as the open road leads me to this peaceful community nestled in the heart of Kansas.
1. Tribune: A Secluded Sanctuary
Tribune tops my list with a population of about 750 residents, offering a secluded sanctuary in Greeley County. I appreciate the town’s quiet streets and the warmth of the community when I visit.
Agriculture and education are central here, with the local schools playing a significant role. Tribune’s remote position, far from larger cities, makes it a haven for privacy and relaxation. The unobstructed sunsets and starry nights are simply breathtaking, reminding me of the beauty that solitude can bring.
Where is Tribune?
As the county seat of Greeley County, Tribune is located near the western border of Kansas along K-96 highway. Its seclusion is due to the vast stretches of prairie that envelop it, with the nearest sizable town quite a distance away.
Getting to Tribune involves traversing long stretches of open road, which I find both calming and indicative of the town’s serene isolation. This journey reinforces why Tribune is such a special place for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
