If you’re like me and find charm in the quiet corners of the world, Southeast Iowa offers some hidden gems worth exploring. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, these towns provide a peaceful retreat where time seems to slow down.
From quaint villages with Amish influences to historic riverside communities, I’ve discovered places that capture the heart with their simplicity and warmth. Join me as I count down these 25 secluded towns, each offering a unique glimpse into the serene side of Iowa life.
25. Lowell
Lowell feels like a whisper tucked into the woods—a quiet hamlet with no stoplights, just the sound of the Skunk River rolling past and birdsong echoing through the trees. Surrounded by rolling hills and timberland, this tiny community is so hidden that even many locals haven’t passed through.
It’s the kind of place where gravel roads cross old iron bridges and neighbors still wave from porches. You can visit the historic Lowell Hill Church, take a picnic down to the river, or watch deer at dusk across the open fields.
There are no stores or industry here—just farmland, family ties, and silence thick enough to notice. What makes Lowell special isn’t just its remoteness—it’s the way the land wraps around it like a secret. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how still the world can be.
Where is Lowell?
Lowell is nestled in the southern part of Henry County, about 15 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant. It lies near the Skunk River and is best reached via winding county roads like Salem Road or 260th Street.
There are no major highways nearby, adding to its hidden, tucked-away feel. Getting there feels like drifting off the map and into a slower rhythm of life.
24. Mount Sterling
Mount Sterling is a forgotten corner of Van Buren County that whispers rather than shouts. With fewer than 40 residents, it’s one of the smallest towns in Iowa, and its seclusion shows—in the quiet streets, the overgrown lots, and the way time seems to pause at the town sign.
The vibe is rustic and ghostly in places, with old buildings slowly folding back into the earth. Still, it’s a great place for wandering quiet lanes, spotting wildlife along the river, or uncovering hidden bits of history in its small cemetery and crumbling foundations.
Farming remains the main livelihood, though most people live there for the peace, not the paycheck. You don’t come to Mount Sterling to be entertained—you come to be alone with the breeze. It’s a place that teaches you the value of being overlooked.
Where is Mount Sterling?
Tucked into the far southwestern edge of Van Buren County, Mount Sterling is less than five miles from the Missouri border. It’s reached by gravel roads off Highway 2, just west of Keosauqua.
The approach winds through forested bluffs and across old farm tracts that feel frozen in time. The remoteness is palpable, and the quiet is the loudest thing you’ll hear.
23. Bonaparte
Bonaparte may be small, but it hums with history and riverside calm. Set along the Des Moines River, it’s known for its 19th-century brick buildings and the Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District, a peaceful area where you can stroll and imagine steamboats rounding the bend.
The town is both scenic and sleepy—shops open on their own time, and the rhythm of life follows the river more than the clock. Visitors browse antique stores, take sunset walks along the levee, or enjoy quiet moments in the town’s historic mill.
While tourism adds a spark, the town remains slow and personal, with agriculture anchoring many families. Bonaparte is the kind of place where the past never left—and you won’t want to either.
Where is Bonaparte?
Bonaparte sits in central Van Buren County, nestled along the Des Moines River between Farmington and Bentonsport. The town is accessed via Highway 2, then drops into the river valley along a quiet side road.
Even though it’s close to other small towns, the river and steep hills create a sense of separation. The arrival feels like descending into a storybook—one written in brick, breeze, and stillness.
22. Houghton
Houghton is a village you can drive through in under a minute—but the quiet stays with you much longer. With fewer than 150 residents and no commercial sprawl, it’s a spot where the grain silos are taller than any building and the streets go silent by dusk.
The town rests at the crossroads of farmland, where tractors outnumber trucks and evenings are filled with the hum of crickets and distant train horns. Locals gather at the fire station for community events or take country drives that loop endlessly through the fields.
Agriculture is the backbone here, as are strong family ties and a sense of calm you can’t quite explain. It’s not flashy, but it’s deep-down peaceful. Houghton feels like the quiet breath between moments.
Where is Houghton?
Located in northern Lee County, Houghton is about 12 miles northwest of Fort Madison and just off Highway 16. It’s accessible via county roads lined with cornfields and open sky.
Though close to Mount Pleasant and Donnellson, it feels distant due to the absence of traffic and noise. Arriving feels like slipping into neutral—coasting gently into a quieter place.
21. Pulaski
Pulaski is a patch of quiet on the Iowa map, a town of under 300 where the streets feel wide and time feels generous. Nestled among gently sloping hills and surrounded by farmland, Pulaski is known for its sweet annual tradition—the Pulaski Corn Show, a celebration of harvest and heritage.
Beyond the festival, life here is simple: front porch chats, gravel road walks, and evening skies filled with stars. The town has no major commerce or rush, only the slow rhythms of rural life.
Farming drives the economy, but community is what keeps the place grounded. Pulaski isn’t loud—it’s steady, familiar, and kind. It’s the kind of town where everyone waves, and the quiet feels like home.
Where is Pulaski?
Pulaski is located in Davis County, about 10 miles east of Bloomfield. The town is reached via Highway 2 and then smaller routes like Route V42, which pass through patchwork farmland.
There are no traffic lights, no chain stores—just long views and short distances between neighbors. It’s far enough to feel free, but close enough to never feel alone.
20. Floris
Floris is one of those towns that almost vanishes into the fields until you look a little closer—and then it reveals its quiet depth. With fewer than 150 residents, it’s a place where houses nestle under tall trees and tractors hum softly down two-lane roads.
The town is rooted in simplicity: a post office, a handful of homes, and fields that seem to stretch into the horizon. Residents enjoy watching wildlife, tending gardens, or attending local church suppers where everyone knows your name.
There’s little noise here—just the low rustle of cornfields and the rhythm of life lived at a human pace. Agriculture is the heart of the economy, but connection is its soul. Floris is the kind of place where the silence welcomes you in.
Where is Floris?
Floris sits in northwestern Davis County, about 10 miles west of Bloomfield. It’s reached via Route 2, with the last stretch slowing into quiet side roads like 180th Street.
The town is distant from highways and surrounded by farmland in every direction. It’s the sort of place where even the mail arrives quietly.
19. Mount Union
Mount Union is a whisper of a town, a blink along the backroads of Henry County, where its charm lies in how little has changed. With a population below 150, it offers the kind of peace you feel in your bones—no traffic, no storefronts, just long shadows and wide skies.
The grain elevator still stands, a quiet sentinel among the fields, and locals tend to their yards like caretakers of stillness. Visitors might stroll along empty streets, listen to meadowlarks, or photograph aging barns softened by time.
There’s no real commercial center here—just homes, a few outbuildings, and a sense of place that doesn’t ask for more. It’s as if time hit pause—and left behind something beautiful. Mount Union isn’t forgotten; it’s preserved.
Where is Mount Union?
Mount Union is tucked into eastern Henry County, about 8 miles southeast of Mount Pleasant. It’s accessible via Highway 218 followed by gravel or paved county roads.
The approach passes through miles of open farmland and sky, with few signs to guide the way. It’s just off the grid enough to be peaceful—and just near enough to feel reachable.
18. Milton
Milton is one of Southeast Iowa’s best-kept secrets, with a generous spirit hidden behind rows of grain and grass. Though it has a population under 400, the town hosts antique shops, a post office, and a friendly little park—just enough to give it a heart without adding hustle.
Life here centers around farming, community meals, and long front porch conversations under the setting sun. Visitors often stop to admire the historic Milton Creamery or explore the rolling countryside that defines the area. The vibe is welcoming and humble, with a quiet pride in tradition.
Milton’s seclusion isn’t just geographic—it’s cultural, holding fast to values that don’t chase change. It’s the kind of place that offers you time—and expects nothing in return.
Where is Milton?
Milton lies in southwestern Van Buren County, just north of the Missouri state line and west of Keosauqua. It’s accessible by Route 2, though the town itself is tucked slightly south of the highway behind farmsteads and fields.
The nearest large town is Bloomfield, but Milton feels comfortably apart from everything. It’s close to the edge of the state, but far from the edge of peace.
17. Batavia
Batavia blends small-town familiarity with a hush that settles over everything at sunset. It’s home to fewer than 500 residents and sits along a railway line, where grain silos and front porches share the same quiet rhythm.
You might stop by the town park, walk the old downtown block, or simply listen to the wind through the tall grass beyond the last house on the street. Most locals work in agriculture or commute to nearby towns like Fairfield—but Batavia holds its own distinct flavor of calm.
There’s a dignity in the town’s quiet pace and weather-worn buildings that have stood through generations. In Batavia, you feel tucked into a fold of the earth. It’s the kind of place where the sky seems bigger and the hours stretch just a little longer.
Where is Batavia?
Located in Jefferson County, Batavia is about 10 miles west of Fairfield along Highway 34. Despite its proximity to a main route, the town feels insulated by its modest size and open farmland.
It’s easy to reach, but once you’re there, the pace immediately shifts. It’s where the road slows—and so do you.
16. Lockridge
Lockridge is surrounded by so much green it feels like it’s hidden inside a quilt stitched by trees and fields. Home to around 250 people, the town exudes a gentle rhythm shaped by nature, hard work, and the kind of stillness you only notice once you’ve stepped away from noise.
The town park is quiet and shaded, and the nearby woodlands make it a haven for birdwatchers and hikers. Agriculture provides a steady hum to daily life, but many locals simply stay because it’s where peace feels easy.
There are no fast-food joints or shopping plazas—just families, gardens, and the kind of sky you can see all the way to the horizon. Lockridge doesn’t boast. It just lets you breathe.
Where is Lockridge?
Lockridge lies in southwestern Jefferson County, about 12 miles south of Fairfield and northeast of Mount Pleasant. It’s reached by county roads like W30 and 170th Street, bordered on all sides by fields and low wooded ridges.
The drive in winds through rolling farmland and light forest. It’s the sort of place you don’t stumble upon—you’re invited by silence itself.
15. Birmingham
Birmingham feels like a town quietly folded into the hills, a small grid of streets where kids ride bikes past tidy porches and summer sounds stretch into evening. With a population just over 400, it’s the kind of place where life is grounded in rhythm and repetition—church potlucks, corn harvests, and conversations at the post office.
There’s a simple town park, a beloved cafe, and nearby hunting grounds that draw nature lovers in fall. Locals tend gardens, raise livestock, and live by the seasons, not the headlines. Birmingham’s beauty isn’t flashy—it’s the calm of a place that knows exactly who it is.
Time moves slowly here, and that’s the way folks like it. It’s the kind of town that reminds you how to exhale.
Where is Birmingham?
Birmingham is located in western Van Buren County, about 8 miles north of Keosauqua. It’s reached via Highway 1, with the final stretch gently descending into a wooded hollow. While not far from Fairfield or Bloomfield, the town feels tucked in and apart from modern sprawl. It’s just enough off the path to feel discovered rather than found.
14. Stockport
Stockport may be small, but its heartbeat is strong and steady, like a train rolling past at dawn. With a population hovering around 270, it’s a place where families linger on porches, and neighbors look out for each other.
An old depot hints at its rail-town roots, while open spaces and farm fields stretch beyond town like an unrolled canvas. You can stop for ice cream at the general store or wander through the fields where cicadas hum. Agriculture is still king, and daily life is full of quiet gestures—mending fences, baking pies, waving to passersby.
Stockport holds tightly to its roots, offering a slice of slow life that’s hard to find. It’s the kind of place where silence has a soundtrack.
Where is Stockport?
Stockport is in northern Van Buren County, about 15 miles southeast of Fairfield. It’s accessible via Highway W40 and a network of local roads that crisscross cornfields and pastureland.
The town’s slight remove from main highways helps preserve its slow, rural character. Getting there means choosing the long way—and that’s part of the charm.
13. Denmark
Denmark might be one of Iowa’s oldest settlements, but today it feels like one of its best-kept secrets. This peaceful village is defined by its broad lawns, 19th-century churches, and the timeless rhythm of farming life.
With just over 400 residents, it offers a historic quiet that never rushes or raises its voice. Visitors might attend the annual Denmark Heritage Days, visit the tiny library, or explore nearby creeks and trails.
There’s no business district to speak of—just wide-open land and a sense of time suspended. Denmark’s roots run deep, and its pace runs slow. It’s the kind of place where the past hasn’t vanished—it just never left.
Where is Denmark?
Denmark lies in northwestern Lee County, about 10 miles northeast of Fort Madison. It’s accessed via Highway 16, followed by rural routes like 303rd Avenue that weave through woods and farmland.
With few signs and even fewer distractions, the approach prepares you for the quiet ahead. It’s the kind of journey that eases you into stillness.
12. West Grove
West Grove is more of a memory than a town—an unincorporated dot on the map where a few homes, a country church, and an old general store once kept company under an open sky. Today, it’s a place where gravel roads cut through tallgrass and the loudest sound might be a red-winged blackbird calling from a fence post.
It’s nearly empty, but not abandoned—farm families remain, living quiet lives tied to the land. The isolation is absolute, but comforting, like wrapping yourself in a well-worn quilt. There’s no tourism, no attractions—just open air and the sense that you’ve stumbled into something deeply private.
West Grove doesn’t need to be known to matter. It’s the kind of place that asks nothing of you except respect for its peace.
Where is West Grove?
West Grove is located in Davis County, about 10 miles west of Bloomfield. It’s reached by county roads that thread past fields and distant silos, with few landmarks to guide the way.
The area is unincorporated, with no centralized town core—just scattered homes and wide skies. It’s not a place you find by accident—it’s a place you feel.
11. Eldon
Eldon carries a quiet kind of fame—best known as the home of the little white house featured in Grant Wood’s American Gothic. But beyond that historic snapshot, the town itself feels like a slow-turning page in a forgotten book.
With a population under 900 and set along the Des Moines River, Eldon’s wide streets and peaceful riverfronts offer a calm that seeps into your bones. You can explore the Gothic House Visitor Center, walk along the trails near Chautauqua Park, or fish at the river’s edge as the light shifts across the water.
Eldon has a small-town rhythm built on agriculture, community gatherings, and the arts. It’s not flashy—but it holds steady, like a brushstroke that’s meant to last. It’s the kind of place where the silence feels painted on purpose.
Where is Eldon?
Eldon is located in Wapello County in southeast Iowa, about 15 miles southwest of Ottumwa. It’s accessible by Highway 16 and Highway 98, with the last stretch winding gently down toward the Des Moines River.
Though not far from Ottumwa, Eldon’s river setting and tree-lined edges give it a distinct, removed atmosphere. It’s close enough to visit easily, but just far enough to feel like you’ve found something no one else has.
10. Cantril: Quaint Village with Amish Influence
Cantril, with a population of around 220, is a small village that exudes a unique charm influenced by nearby Amish communities. One of my favorite spots here is the Dutchman’s Store, a family-owned shop offering a vast array of goods from bulk foods to handcrafted items.
Strolling through town, you might see horse-drawn buggies, adding to the rustic feel. Agriculture is the mainstay for many residents, with farming and local trade forming the backbone of the economy.
What makes Cantril truly secluded is its tight-knit community and the unhurried pace of life that embraces simplicity. It’s a place where modern distractions are few, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of rural Iowa.
Where is Cantril?
Nestled in Van Buren County, Cantril is located in the southeastern part of Iowa, not far from the Missouri border. Its seclusion is partly due to its distance from major highways and urban centers, surrounded instead by rolling farmlands and quiet country roads.
I usually find that getting there involves a scenic drive through the countryside, a pleasant journey in itself. The nearest larger town is Keosauqua, but even that’s a small community, reinforcing Cantril’s peaceful isolation amid Iowa’s serene landscapes.
9. Hillsboro: Nestled in the Rolling Hills
Hillsboro, home to roughly 180 residents, is another tranquil haven in Southeast Iowa. The town is aptly named, surrounded by gentle hills that offer picturesque views and a serene environment.
I love attending local events at the community center or taking leisurely walks to enjoy the natural beauty. The primary industry here revolves around agriculture, with many locals engaged in farming and related activities.
Hillsboro’s seclusion stems from its small size and the extensive open spaces that separate it from busier locales. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and appreciate the simplicity of rural living.
Where is Hillsboro?
Located in Henry County, Hillsboro sits to the northwest of Cantril and is equally tucked away from bustling city life. The town is accessed via county roads that wind through farmland and wooded areas, emphasizing its remote setting.
Getting there is a delightful drive through some of Iowa’s most scenic countrysides, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. I find that the absence of major transportation routes contributes to its peacefulness, allowing you to fully embrace the area’s natural charm.
8. Libertyville: Small-Town Charm and Seclusion
With a population of approximately 320, Libertyville embodies the essence of small-town charm. The town boasts a close-knit community where everyone seems to know each other, and local gatherings are a staple.
One of my cherished spots is Dewey Park, a lovely area for picnics and relaxation. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with surrounding farmlands stretching as far as the eye can see.
Libertyville’s seclusion is characterized by its distance from urban centers and the enveloping tranquility of rural life. It’s an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle.
Where is Libertyville?
Situated in Jefferson County, Libertyville lies southwest of Fairfield. The town is nestled among expansive fields and quiet roads, enhancing its secluded atmosphere.
Accessing Libertyville involves traveling along Highway 1 and then venturing onto smaller county roads. The journey underscores the transition from city to countryside, with fewer cars on the road and more scenic vistas.
Its location away from major highways helps preserve the quiet charm that makes Libertyville a hidden gem in Southeast Iowa.
7. Leando: Life Off the Beaten Path
Leando is an unincorporated community with an intimate population that contributes to its serene ambiance. Though small, it offers a rich experience for those who appreciate solitude and nature.
I enjoy exploring the nearby Des Moines River, which provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing. There isn’t a significant industrial presence, which adds to its peacefulness. Leando’s remoteness is a result of its position nestled deep within Iowa’s rural landscape, where the simplicity of life is a daily treasure.
Where is Leando?
Leando is located in Van Buren County, adjacent to Douds, often considered twin communities. Set along the Des Moines River, it’s enveloped by natural beauty and simplicity.
Accessing Leando typically involves rural roads that meander through the countryside. The journey highlights the area’s seclusion, with the surroundings becoming increasingly natural and untouched the closer you get. It’s a place where the absence of urban noise allows the sounds of nature to take center stage.
6. Pittsburg: A Quiet Escape
Pittsburg, another unincorporated area in Van Buren County, offers a quiet escape with a very small population. The town rests along the Des Moines River, providing scenic views and a peaceful environment.
I often find solace in the natural surroundings, whether it’s taking a leisurely walk or simply enjoying the riverside. There are no major industries here, which contributes to the unhurried pace of life. Pittsburg’s seclusion is enhanced by its untouched landscapes and the feeling that it’s a step back in time to simpler days.
Where is Pittsburg?
Situated near Keosauqua, Pittsburg is accessible via county roads that follow the curves of the Des Moines River. Its location away from major thoroughfares makes it a hidden corner of Southeast Iowa.
The drive to Pittsburg is scenic, passing through woodlands and open fields, further emphasizing its secluded setting. The town’s remote position means fewer visitors, allowing those who do make the trip to enjoy the tranquility undisturbed.
5. Kilbourn: Hidden Along the Riverbanks
Kilbourn is a small community with an estimated population of under 50, making it one of the most secluded spots I’ve visited. Located near the Des Moines River, it offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
The area is characterized by vast farmlands and forests, with agriculture being the primary occupation for residents. What sets Kilbourn apart is its hidden location along the riverbanks, giving it an air of exclusivity and serenity. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
Where is Kilbourn?
Found in Van Buren County, Kilbourn is nestled between Keosauqua and Selma. The town is reached by traveling along lesser-known roads that weave through the countryside.
Its seclusion is heightened by the journey itself, as you pass through increasingly remote and natural surroundings. Kilbourn’s location along the Des Moines River enhances its secluded feel, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet.
4. Troy: Rural Serenity at Its Finest
Troy is a tiny unincorporated community that epitomizes rural serenity. With a population of just around 20, it offers an intimate setting where the landscape is dominated by rolling farmlands and open skies.
I enjoy the simplicity of life here, where daily rhythms are set by nature rather than the clock. Agriculture is the lifeblood of Troy, and many residents are involved in farming and livestock rearing. Its seclusion is not just about location but also about a lifestyle that holds onto traditional rural values.
Where is Troy?
Located in Davis County, Troy is southwest of Bloomfield and is accessible via county roads that traverse picturesque farmland. The town’s remote position away from major roads contributes significantly to its secluded atmosphere.
Reaching Troy feels like a journey back in time, as modern distractions fade away. The sweeping vistas and quiet roads leading there are part of the charm, underlining Troy’s status as a haven of rural tranquility.
3. Selma: Quiet Living in Van Buren County
Selma, with a population nearing 50, offers a peaceful lifestyle amidst vast open spaces. The town provides a glimpse into Iowa’s rural heritage, with modest homes and friendly locals. I enjoy visiting the nearby river areas and soaking in the calmness that Selma exudes.
Agriculture and small-scale trade are central to the community, with residents valuing the simplicity of country living. Selma’s seclusion is accentuated by its sparse population and the enveloping farmlands that seem to stretch endlessly.
Where is Selma?
Situated in Van Buren County, Selma lies northeast of Keosauqua along Highway 16. Despite its proximity to this highway, the town maintains a quiet profile due to its small size and the surrounding rural landscape.
Accessing Selma is straightforward yet feels like stepping away from the fast-paced world. The town’s setting amidst expansive fields and minimal development ensures a secluded ambiance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
2. Douds: A Peaceful Hamlet Amidst Nature
Douds is a serene unincorporated community with a population of around 150. Nestled along the Des Moines River, it offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
I appreciate the historic Douds Stone House, a local landmark that adds character to the town. The main industries revolve around agriculture and small businesses that cater to the community’s needs. Douds’ seclusion is a result of its riverside location and the miles of countryside that buffer it from larger towns.
Where is Douds?
Located in Van Buren County, Douds is accessible via Highway 16 and sits west of Selma. The town’s placement along the river enhances its secluded feel, with the surrounding woodlands adding to the sense of isolation.
Traveling to Douds includes crossing scenic bridges and winding through peaceful roads. The limited traffic and serene environment make it clear why Douds is a haven for those seeking a quiet retreat.
1. Bentonsport: A Historic Riverside Gem
Bentonsport is a charming unincorporated village with a rich history and a population of just around 40. Known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, it feels like stepping into the past. I love exploring the historic district, visiting artisan shops, and walking across the old iron bridge that spans the Des Moines River.
Tourism centered on its history and crafts is significant, though it doesn’t detract from the tranquility. Bentonsport’s seclusion comes from its small size, historic ambiance, and the surrounding natural beauty that provides a serene backdrop.
Where is Bentonsport?
Situated in Van Buren County along the Des Moines River, Bentonsport lies west of Keosauqua. The town is accessed via rustic roads that follow the river’s course, enhancing its secluded charm.
The journey involves peaceful drives through wooded areas and past quaint farms. Bentonsport’s location away from major highways and its emphasis on preservation make it a unique and secluded destination in Southeast Iowa. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a tranquil escape from the modern world.
