The Remote Small Town in Iowa Locals Don’t Want You to Find

Where do we go when we really want to get away from it all? It's great to find a town that's truly in the middle of nowhere, and it doesn't get more middle-of-nowhere than the north of Iowa. This is the area of Iowa, near the Minnesota border, that is the furthest away from Iowa's big cities and top tourist attractions - but that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting. To the contrary, the most remote small town in Iowa, Northwood, is a great under-the-radar destination.

Perfectly laid back and a little bit retro, Northwood is one of those small towns that just feels like home. This charming town of just over 2,000 is often referred to as "The Top of Iowa," and it's home to a quirky visitor's center, a beautiful park, and a delicious supper club. It's the perfect place to kick back after a long drive and disappear into small town life, in a world that the locals have come to love.

The signature attraction in Northwood, located on the rural outskirts of the town, is the Top of Iowa Welcome Center. It has often been called the best welcome center in Iowa, and it's easy to see why. The center is a two-story wonder shaped like a barn and painted bright red. Inside, you'll find a little museum and snack bar, plus amazing Iowa and farm-themed decor.

For those seeking outdoor recreation, head to the town's beautiful county natural area, Swensrud Park. As the name hints, you'll find some Scandinavian touches in the park, as well as several charming small trails to explore.

For dining, it doesn't get more delicious than Signatures Supper Club—a decidedly retro steakhouse with a frequently changing menu. No matter what's on offer during the season, the menu always trends towards hearty Iowa comfort food with influences from Minnesota, whose border is only a few short miles away.

Have you visited Northwood, the most remote small town in Iowa? Tell us about your visit, and let us know your favorite hidden-gem small towns in the Hawkeye State in the comments section! You can visit the Northwood town website for more details on this charming small town, and check out the website of Signatures Supper Club for more info on this unique destination. Northwood is also home to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Northwood, only minutes away from the visitor's center.

Want to visit other far reaches in Iowa? Check out this unique park in the northwestern part of the state, this delicious barbecue joint at Iowa's southeast corner, or the iconic Pike's Peak State Park in the remote northeast corner of Iowa's Driftless Area. What are some other remote places in Iowa that we should be exploring? Let us know on our Nomination page.

If you're feeling inspired to explore all the Hawkeye State has to offer, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner