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There are a few places in my home state of Iowa that you could consider remote, like places along the Missouri border in the southernmost part of the Hawkeye State. But when I think about what’s remote in Iowa, my mind tends to drift toward… well, the Driftless Area. My mind especially wanders toward Allamakee County, where the few small towns that aren’t folded into the region’s valleys are squeezed between the Mississippi River on one side and its towering bluffs on the other, leaving little room to grow or expand (or for many major roads). All of these communities-Hanover, Dorchester, New Albin, and even the county seat of Waukon-have their own unique personalities. One that I’ve always found to be a particularly charming remote town in Iowa, though, is the Mississippi River burg of Lansing.
Located in extreme northeastern Iowa, the community of Lansing is shaped largely by the towering bluffs that rise above it and the Mississippi River that has carved them out over the last several millennia. With only a couple of state highways running into town, it is relatively isolated compared to other villages in the Hawkeye State.
Despite its relatively laid-back vibe, it’s a bustling community, with a historic, brick downtown area that’s home to several local businesses and eateries. For many years, one of its most prominent-if not iconic-sights was the historic Black Hawk Bridge. However, the bridge closed in 2024 to permit construction of its replacement to get underway. The new Mississippi River bridge at Lansing is scheduled to open sometime in 2027.
Lansing is also located within half an hour of some the most beautiful places in the Hawkeye State. This makes the town an excellent spot to set up base camp for exploring this stretch of the Great River Road, as well as iconic Iowa wonders like the Yellow River State Forest, Pikes Peak State Park, and Effigy Mounds National Monument.
If you decide to make a weekend of your visit to this part of the Hawkeye State, you could do much worse than a stay at this incredible riverfront Airbnb. With three bedrooms, two baths, and five beds, up to seven of your closest friends can join you – or you could just tuck yourself onto the porch with an adult beverage and your favorite traveling companion and watch the boats drift by.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed spending a day or two in laid-back Lansing, especially with all that the surrounding area has to offer, where you’ll also find some of the state’s most dramatic scenery in the Driftless Area. Have you visited Lansing? What did you think? Tell us about your favorite remote towns in Iowa on our Nomination page.
If you’re ready to begin thinking about your next adventure in the Hawkeye State, try using Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner to find inspiration.
