When I yearn for a retreat into serene landscapes and the simplicity of rural life, the secluded towns of northern North Dakota always come to mind. These hidden gems, tucked away amid vast prairies and rolling hills, offer a peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
From small hamlets near the Canadian border to villages steeped in history, each town provides a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Join me as I count down 25 of these tranquil locales, where solitude and natural beauty reign supreme.
25. Alkabo: A Ghost of the Borderlands
Alkabo feels like a mirage clinging to the edge of time, a place where the past has settled in and stayed. With no official residents, it’s technically a ghost town, but its old schoolhouse and abandoned storefronts make it a living museum.
The stillness here is unmatched—just wind, weeds, and whispers of lives once lived. Artists and photographers sometimes pass through, drawn by the raw, cinematic quality of the place.
You won’t find shops or events—just the haunting beauty of decay preserved in prairie silence. Its seclusion is absolute, wrapped in wheat fields and gravel roads. It’s the kind of place that stirs you without saying a word.
Where is Alkabo?
Alkabo sits in Divide County, just a few miles from the Canadian border in northwestern North Dakota. It’s far from highways, tucked at the end of a gravel road that few travelers take.
The nearest town, Fortuna, is several miles east, and even that feels distant. Getting there feels like a journey backward in time—and into quiet.
24. Hove Mobile Park: Where the Prairie Pauses
This small cluster of homes near Crosby isn’t even marked on most maps, but it carries the mood of a forgotten outpost. Nestled along the borderlands, Hove Mobile Park offers a hush only the northern prairie can provide.
Surrounded by farmland and sky, it’s a minimalist’s dream—no clutter, no noise, just the wind and the occasional grain truck rolling by. Locals fish nearby creeks, watch sunsets that go on forever, and trade stories at the edge of town.
It’s not a place with amenities, but that’s what makes it magical. Life here is pared down to essentials—and peace.
Where is Hove Mobile Park?
Located just outside Crosby in Divide County, this little community sits near the Canadian border in extreme northwest North Dakota. It’s accessible only by local roads that weave through fields and farmsteads.
Few signs point the way, adding to its hidden quality. When you arrive, you feel like you’ve stepped into the wind’s private corner.
23. Noonan: A Hidden Hamlet on the Edge
Noonan rests quietly in the upper reaches of Divide County, its grid of streets lightly dusted with time. With fewer than 30 residents, it’s one of those places where silence settles deeply.
The town has a mix of old buildings, a post office, and scattered homes that breathe a slow rhythm. Local life leans into farming, though nature seems to run the show. A walk around Noonan is like paging through a storybook set in slow motion.
The town’s isolation and aging charm make it feel like it belongs to another world. It’s the kind of town where stillness becomes a companion.
Where is Noonan?
Noonan is in far northwestern North Dakota, about 20 miles from the Canadian border. It’s accessible via Highway 5 but feels distant once you leave the main route.
Driving in means watching the prairie widen and time soften. It’s close enough to reach, but far enough to feel like you’ve left everything behind.
22. Corinth: Dust and Daydreams
Corinth is more memory than town—a scattering of structures where the wind makes more noise than people. Once a lively farming spot, it’s now a place of solitude and sky.
A grain elevator stands as a quiet sentinel, and wildflowers grow where gardens once did. You won’t find a diner or store, but you will find an odd peace among the prairie ghosts.
The quiet here is so deep it feels sacred. Corinth isn’t on many maps, but it’s in the heart of the land. It’s where forgotten things still breathe.
Where is Corinth?
Corinth is in Williams County, not far from the Montana line in northwestern North Dakota. The nearest towns are Alamo and Epping, both several miles away.
To reach it, you’ll drive gravel roads that pass through nothing but fields and sky. The journey itself is half the destination—and the silence greets you at the edge.
21. Epping: A Prairie Postcard
Epping, with just over 100 residents, is a quiet reminder of small-town life done simply. There’s a still-operating post office, a few streets of houses, and the kind of sunset that makes you pause.
Life here is tied to farming, and you can feel the seasons shifting in the sound of tractors and the scent of tilled soil. Though close to Williston, Epping feels worlds apart.
You might catch a local baseball game or take a stroll down a gravel lane with nothing but wind for company. Epping’s peace is worn in, like a favorite jacket. It’s the kind of place that invites you to stay longer than you planned.
Where is Epping?
Epping is in Williams County, about 20 miles northeast of Williston. It’s reached via Highway 1804, but feels like a separate pocket of the prairie.
The land flattens into quiet before you reach town. Its gentle isolation makes it a perfect low-key getaway.
20. Wildrose: Between Grain and Sky
Wildrose may not have a bustling downtown, but what it does have is peace—and plenty of it. With a population hovering around 100, this town offers quiet streets, warm neighbors, and sunrises that stretch across the fields. There’s a local café, a few churches, and an unspoken rhythm to the days.
Agriculture sustains the people here, and in turn, they steward the land. It’s not a place for those in a rush, but for those who like to linger. Wildrose is a town where simplicity wears a smile.
Where is Wildrose?
Located in Williams County, Wildrose is roughly 30 miles northwest of Tioga. It’s reached by a mix of state highways and county roads that drift through farmland.
The journey slows you down before you even arrive. And when you get there, the sky feels just a little bigger.
19. Crosby: Life at the Last Stop
Though it’s the largest town in Divide County, Crosby still feels like a hidden gem at the edge of the world. With around 1,000 residents, it balances quiet living with small-town amenities.
There’s a historic opera house, an ice rink, and a charming public library. But step just outside of town, and you’re in endless prairie once again. The pace here is calm, with grain elevators rising like castles over the horizon.
Crosby holds the line between solitude and community. It’s the last stop before the border—and the first step into a slower rhythm.
Where is Crosby?
Crosby is near the Canadian border in northwestern North Dakota, connected by Highway 5. It’s about 75 miles northwest of Williston.
The drive northward feels like a soft descent into silence. And when you arrive, the land seems to pause with you.
18. Gardena: A Pocket of Prairie Peace
Gardena is a quiet whisper of a town, home to fewer than 30 people and tucked into the heart of the prairie. Its small grid of streets is bordered by endless farmland, where golden fields meet the sky in every direction.
The town has little more than homes and a post office, but that simplicity is its charm. Life moves slowly here, carried on the wind and the call of distant meadowlarks.
Farming has long sustained the community, and a few residents still keep the tradition alive. The town feels like a secret kept by the land itself. It’s the kind of place where you can hear yourself think—and then stop thinking altogether.
Where is Gardena?
Gardena is located in Bottineau County, in north-central North Dakota, near the Canadian border. It’s about 15 miles northeast of Bottineau and is reached by quiet county roads that drift through rolling fields.
The route in is calm and rarely traveled, perfect for letting go of modern noise. When you arrive, you find stillness wrapped in soft light and open sky.
17. Larson: A Town in Echo
Larson is quiet—so quiet it feels like a held breath. Officially unincorporated, it still holds onto a handful of homes, an old school, and the echoes of its past.
The wind moves easily here, threading through broken fences and empty lots. But it’s not eerie—it’s poetic. Larson was once a gathering place, and it still invites that feeling, even if only in spirit.
Farming once thrived here, and the land remains strong. It’s a town that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve left.
Where is Larson?
Larson lies in Burke County, just southeast of the Canadian border. It’s a few miles from Bowbells, and accessible by county roads.
The drive is long and open, with very little traffic. Arriving there feels like walking into a memory.
16. Columbus: The Wind’s Companion
Columbus is a town with around 100 people and more sky than you can imagine. Its downtown has grown quiet, but a few churches, homes, and friendly faces remain.
Locals lean on farming, though many are retired and rooted in the rhythm of this peaceful place. You can hear the breeze here—it seems to talk.
There’s a serenity in the way nothing hurries. Columbus isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s the kind of town that hums in harmony with the earth.
Where is Columbus?
Columbus is in Burke County, about 15 miles west of Portal and the Canadian border. It’s just off Highway 5, though it feels far from any thoroughfare.
The road there winds through vast, open farmland. And when you arrive, the land greets you like an old friend.
15. Portal: A Quiet Crossing
Portal lives up to its name—it’s a passage, not just between countries, but into a quieter way of life. This small border town of under 150 people holds a peaceful energy despite being a checkpoint.
Its tiny downtown includes a customs office, grain silos, and a few modest homes. There’s a small-town diner where truckers and locals cross paths. Wildlife often wanders near town, as if the animals also appreciate the quiet.
Life here is humble but rich in stillness. It’s the kind of place where even the wind seems to wait.
Where is Portal?
Portal sits on the Canadian border in Burke County, directly across from North Portal, Saskatchewan. It’s accessible via Highway 52, but the world slows down as you near the crossing.
The prairies flatten into silence, and the town appears with little fanfare. It’s where movement meets pause.
14. Bowbells: North Dakota’s Whispering Heart
Bowbells may be the county seat of Burke, but it carries itself like a gentle secret. With just over 300 residents, it’s lively in its own quiet way.
There’s a golf course, a few businesses, and plenty of local pride. But beyond town, the land opens wide and the wind takes over. The sound of trains, the crunch of gravel, and the hush of fields define the rhythm.
Farming and oil both play a role here, but neither overshadows the calm. Bowbells is a whisper with roots.
Where is Bowbells?
Bowbells lies along Highway 52 in Burke County, just south of the Canadian border. It’s about 30 miles from Kenmare.
The highway gently winds through the prairie before arriving in town. It’s a welcome pause in a wide and open world.
13. Lignite: A Borderland in Bloom
Lignite blends quiet industry with old prairie charm. It once buzzed with coal trains, but now it’s slowed into a town of about 150 where life is measured by crops, coffee, and the changing sky.
A post office, grain elevator, and community hall mark the heart of town. Wildflowers grow along fences, and deer sometimes wander down empty streets. Oil and agriculture provide a livelihood, but the soul of the place is in its unhurried feel.
Lignite isn’t forgotten—it’s simply not in a rush. It’s the kind of place where time listens instead of ticking.
Where is Lignite?
Lignite is in Burke County near the Canadian border, northwest of Bowbells. It’s accessible by Highway 5 and a short spur road.
The drive flattens into prairie before rising slightly into town. It’s quiet from the moment the road narrows.
12. Kenmare: Prairie Charm by the Lake
Kenmare is one of the larger towns on this list, but it holds its seclusion in the hush between the hills and the lake. With Danish roots and a famous white windmill downtown, it’s picturesque in a storybook way.
Nearby Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge draws birdwatchers, hikers, and those craving reflection. There’s a main street with shops, but it still feels small—intimate. Farming and tourism keep things going, but never at a frantic pace.
You can sit by the lake and watch pelicans glide across the water like brushstrokes. Kenmare is a quiet poem with a view.
Where is Kenmare?
Kenmare is located in Ward County, just south of Burke and not far from the Canadian border. It’s reached via Highway 52 and sits beside the Des Lacs River Valley.
The landscape cradles the town in gentle hills and water. It’s easy to find—and easy to fall for.
11. Niobe: Stillness in a Name
Niobe is a tiny, unincorporated place that carries more silence than population. Just a few buildings remain, but they’re watched over by open skies and endless fields.
The grain bins still stand tall, and sometimes you’ll spot a lone vehicle, parked in front of memory. There’s no commerce here, just atmosphere—a softness to everything.
Niobe feels like a place holding its breath. There’s no tourism, no main street, no distraction. Just stillness, and sky.
Where is Niobe?
Niobe is in Ward County, just south of the Burke line in north-central North Dakota. It’s several miles west of Kenmare and reached by gravel roads that wind through farmland.
The final stretch feels timeless, like entering a photograph. Once you arrive, the quiet settles in quickly and completely.
10. Perth: The Peaceful Frontier
With a population of just around 9 people, Perth is one of the smallest communities I’ve ever visited. This remote locale is surrounded by expansive farmlands and untouched natural beauty that offers a true escape.
While there aren’t any bustling industries here, the town’s serenity is its main attraction. I find that the quiet streets and open skies create a perfect setting for stargazing and introspection.
What makes Perth so secluded is its minimal development and the vast distances between neighbors, providing a sense of solitude that’s hard to find.
Where is Perth?
Perth is located in Towner County, in the northeastern part of North Dakota. Its seclusion is amplified by its distance from major highways and cities, nestled amidst sprawling agricultural lands.
Getting there involves a journey through rolling prairies, often without passing another car for miles. This remoteness ensures that Perth remains a peaceful frontier, ideal for those seeking an undisturbed retreat.
9. York: Off the Beaten Path
York, with a population of about 17, is truly off the beaten path. The town is a haven for those who appreciate the simplicity of rural life. I enjoy visiting the local historical sites and taking leisurely walks through the quiet streets.
There aren’t major industries here, but agriculture plays a significant role in the community. York’s seclusion stems from its location away from major roads and the vast open spaces that surround it, offering plenty of room to breathe and unwind.
Where is York?
Situated in Benson County, York lies in the heart of North Dakota’s prairie region. Its secluded setting is a result of its distance from urban centers and limited accessibility.
To reach York, I typically drive along country roads that weave through endless fields, which adds to the feeling of stepping back in time. This isolation is precisely what makes York a perfect getaway for those looking to disconnect.
8. Hannah’s Hidden Heritage
Hannah is a quaint town with a population of around 14, rich in history and small-town charm. I love exploring the old buildings that hint at its past and chatting with the friendly locals.
While there are no major industries, the town’s heritage is its biggest draw. Hannah’s secluded nature is due to its sparse population and the tranquil countryside that envelops it, providing a quiet atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Where is Hannah?
Located in Cavalier County near the Canadian border, Hannah’s remote position contributes to its hidden gem status. The town is tucked away amidst vast agricultural landscapes, far from the noise of larger cities.
Reaching Hannah often feels like a journey through time, driving along peaceful rural roads that emphasize its seclusion. For me, the trek is well worth the opportunity to experience such untouched simplicity.
7. Mountain: Nestled Among the Hills
With a population of approximately 94, Mountain stands as a small but vibrant community. The town is surrounded by gentle elevations and offers scenic views that I find truly breathtaking.
While agriculture remains the primary industry, there’s a rich Icelandic heritage here that’s celebrated annually. Mountain’s seclusion comes from its tucked-away location amid hills and valleys, providing both privacy and natural beauty.
Where is Mountain?
Mountain is situated in Pembina County in northeastern North Dakota. Its position among rolling hills sets it apart from the flat prairies commonly associated with the state. Getting there involves navigating rural highways that wind through picturesque landscapes.
This relative inaccessibility is part of what makes Mountain feel like a secluded haven, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape with a touch of cultural richness.
6. Egeland’s Rustic Serenity
Egeland, home to around 28 residents, offers a rustic charm that I find incredibly inviting. The town features large lot sizes and minimal development, allowing nature to take center stage. There aren’t any major industries, but the sense of community is strong.
Egeland’s serenity is amplified by the surrounding farmlands and the quiet that comes with being far from urban centers.
Where is Egeland?
Located in Towner County, Egeland sits in the northeastern part of the state. Its secluded nature is due to both its small size and its distance from major transportation routes. I usually take peaceful backroads to reach Egeland, passing through miles of open countryside.
This journey reinforces the town’s sense of isolation and makes arriving there feel like discovering a hidden retreat.
5. Calvin: A Tranquil Countryside Escape
Calvin’s population of about 16 makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a deep connection with nature. I appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world.
The town doesn’t have significant industries, but its remote setting allows for plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. Calvin’s low-density housing and vast open spaces contribute to its secluded feel.
Where is Calvin?
Situated in Cavalier County, Calvin lies in northern North Dakota, close to the Canadian border. Its remote location is accentuated by the surrounding fields and lack of major roads.
Getting to Calvin involves a drive through expansive farmlands, often without encountering much traffic. This seclusion provides a peaceful environment that’s perfect for anyone looking to escape into the countryside.
4. The Quiet Village of Wales
Wales is a small village with a population of about 31, offering a glimpse into traditional rural living. I enjoy the simplicity of life here, surrounded by vast farmlands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Agriculture is the mainstay, with residents deeply connected to the land. The town’s seclusion is defined by its sparse development and the tranquility that comes from being enveloped by nature.
Where is Wales?
Located in Cavalier County, Wales sits near North Dakota’s northern edge. The village’s remote location amid extensive agricultural areas enhances its secluded character. Traveling to Wales means venturing off major highways onto country roads less traveled.
This journey emphasizes the quiet and peace that the village offers, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude.
3. Ambrose: Where Time Stands Still
Ambrose, with a population of around 26, feels like a place where time has gracefully paused. I find charm in its historic buildings and the stories they tell. The town doesn’t have prominent industries, but the sense of history and community is palpable.
Ambrose’s seclusion is due to its sparse population and location away from bustling urban areas, offering a quiet retreat steeped in nostalgia.
Where is Ambrose?
Ambrose is located in Divide County in northwestern North Dakota, near the Canadian border. Its remote position contributes significantly to its secluded ambiance. To reach Ambrose, I travel through scenic countryside that underscores the town’s isolation.
This distance from major cities ensures that Ambrose remains a peaceful enclave where one can truly unplug.
2. Alamo: A Peaceful Prairie Retreat
Alamo, home to about 40 residents, is surrounded by the vast rolling fields that define the North Dakota prairie. The quiet community offers a serene backdrop for experiencing the region’s natural beauty.
While agriculture is the primary industry, I enjoy exploring the open landscapes and watching the sunsets that paint the sky. Alamo’s seclusion is a result of both its small population and its distance from larger towns.
Where is Alamo?
Situated in Williams County in northwestern North Dakota, Alamo is nestled away from major highways and urban centers. The town’s location amid expansive prairies accentuates its peaceful atmosphere.
Getting there involves a drive through undulating fields, which I find both calming and inspiring. This isolation makes Alamo a perfect retreat for those seeking simplicity and quiet.
1. The Hidden Hamlet of Fortuna
At the top of my list is Fortuna, a tiny town near the Canadian border with a population of around 22. The expansive open spaces surrounding Fortuna offer a sense of freedom and solitude that’s unparalleled.
While there aren’t significant industries, the town’s proximity to natural attractions provides opportunities for outdoor exploration. I cherish the quiet walks and the chance to truly disconnect.
Fortuna’s secluded nature is due to its minimal population and the vast distances separating it from larger communities.
Where is Fortuna?
Fortuna is located in Divide County in the extreme northwestern corner of North Dakota. Its position near the Canadian border and far from major metropolitan areas enhances its hidden charm.
Reaching Fortuna requires a journey through wide-open landscapes, often under the expansive prairie sky. This remoteness ensures that Fortuna remains a haven for those like me who seek a peaceful escape into nature.