11 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In The United States
Across the United States, the best off-grid towns are tucked into mountain ranges like the San Juans and Cascades, set along barrier islands, and framed by the red-rock desert country of the Southwest. Everglades City, Florida, leans into life on the water, where airboat rides slip through mangroves toward the 10,000 Islands and wildlife sightings. Marfa, Texas, offers a completely different kind of escape, with wide-open Chihuahuan Desert horizons and minimalist art spaces that feel perfectly at home in the emptiness. Places like these hint at the range this list covers, from alpine lakes and hot springs districts to cliffside trails above the Pacific. These 11 tiny communities offer seclusion, character, and settings that feel fully rooted in their surroundings!
Marfa, Texas
This town in West Texas’ Chihuahuan Desert is a major center for contemporary art. Located 60 miles from the Mexican border between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park, it’s immediately evident why so many artists and craftspeople are drawn to this community. The rugged and diverse landscape of grasslands, mountains, and high desert provide a starkly beautiful backdrop for creativity and innovation.
Best known for its minimalist art scene, galleries like the Chinati Foundation feature large-scale art installations that are inextricably linked to the landscape that surrounds them, while the Judd Foundation offers guided tours of the residence and studios of Donald Judd, the town’s most famous local artist. One of the town’s most iconic art projects is Prada Marfa, a faux store along the highway in the middle of the desert, has become a popular tourist destination for art lovers, fashion afficionados, and international celebrities.
Marfa is located within the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, which is recognized as the world's largest certified International Dark Sky Reserve. Thus, it's an excellent destination for stargazing. The nearby McDonald Observatory is a great spot to both learn about and take in the majesty of the desert stars. The celestial light show isn’t the only one in town either. The Marfa Lights are a mysterious, unexplained phenomenon that many locals have reported seeing on the horizon southeast of the town. There is an official viewing area on US Route 90, where you can try to catch a glimpse yourself, and each August, the town hosts an annual Marfa Lights Festival with a parade, live entertainment, and music.
Lake City, Colorado
Hidden in a remote and scenic valley in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains at the confluence of Henson Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, this former mining town is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Lake City’s main attraction is the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Five of Colorado’s 58 "fourteeners" — mountain peak that rise to at least 14,000 feet — are located nearby, including Handies Peak, commonly cited as one of the best fourteener hikes for beginners and families.
Off-roading enthusiasts flock to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, a network of rough four-by-four roads that connect Lake City to the nearby towns of Ouray and Silverton. Lake San Cristobal, the second-largest natural lake in the state, is a short drive from town and a popular destination for boating, fishing, and ice skating when the lake freezes over. If you do happen to pass through in winter, there are still plenty of things to do like ice climbing at the Lake City Ice Park or skiing at the Lake City Ski Hill.
If you prefer to stay closer to civilization, Gunnison Avenue, the main road through town, is lined with restaurants, breweries, and stores selling hand-made goods and souvenirs. Old West history buffs will love visiting the Hinsdale County Museum and the Hard Tack Mine to learn about the area’s mining heyday. One of the town’s most unique events is the annual Ducky Derby in July, when thousands of rubber ducks are raced down the Gunnison River through town.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Located on Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, no bridges or commercial airlines connect this town to the outside world. Passenger ferries from the mainland or Hatteras are the most convenient and affordable way to travel to the island, but the isolation is part of what makes the tiny seaside so charming. Full of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries, Ocracoke is easily navigable by foot, bike, or golf cart, allowing you to enjoy all the island has to offer at a more relaxed pace.
Beyond the commercial activities in the village, Ocracoke has a rich history, dating back to the early 1700s, when the barrier island served as the hideout for Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard. The island still wears its swashbuckling past proudly, with numerous attractions named after or alluding to the famous pirate.
The Ocracoke Preservation Society, a small museum that contains artifacts and exhibits pertaining to island life and culture, is a great way to dive deeper into the islands storied past. Just across Silver Lake Harbor, you can visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating light station in North Carolina and the second-oldest working lighthouse in the nation, according to the National Park Service. Since it is still in operation, climbing is not permitted, but the base is open to the public during the summer months.
The majority of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and these federally protected beaches and marshland are teeming with hiking trails, kayaking routes, and diverse wildlife. The lack of commercial development makes the Atlantic shore an ideal nesting site for sea turtles. While seeing a natural hatching is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime event, the National Park Service does hold educational nest excavations in August and September where the public can watch biologists dig up recently hatched nests to collect data about these endangered creatures.
Leavenworth, Washington
This alpine village sits on the banks of the Wenatchee River as it flows through the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington. But as you walk through its quiet, charming streets, you may feel as though you’ve stepped through a portal to Germany. Leavenworth is modeled after a Bavarian-village, and the walkable downtown area adopts the aesthetic wholeheartedly. Restaurants serve authentic German cuisine and locally brewed German-style beer, and the town hosts traditional festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest every year in May and October respectively.
But the winter holidays are when Leavenworth really comes to life, when the town is transformed into Christmastown during its Village of Lights Festival. Over half a million twinkling lights adorn the trees and buildings and the sound of Christmas carols fill the air. You can dive deeper into the holiday spirit by visiting the Nutcracker Museum, which houses one of the largest collection of nutcrackers in the world, or by spending some quality time with Santa’s sleigh bearers at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.
Leavenworth is also a great destination for travelers looking to explore the Cascades. The trailhead for hiking The Enchantments, is just a short drive from town. A natural paradise of crystalline, alpine lakes, granite spires, and towering peaks, this hike is a bucket list item for most hikers, and one of the most stunning hikes in the country.
Mendocino, California
Driving up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco will take you to the small artists’ colony of Mendocino. Perched on a headland jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque seaside community is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The town is full of vibrant and perfectly preserved buildings in a variety of architectural styles. Highlights include the Gothic Revival-style Mendocino Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest continuously used Protestant churches in the state, and the Kwan Tai Temple, both of which are California Historical Landmarks.
The architecture is complemented perfectly by the natural scenery. Mendocino Headlands State Park surrounds the village and features well-maintained cliff-side trails, rocky coastline, and secluded beaches just a quick walk away from the heart of town. Further up the coast, the Point Cabrillo Light Station is another popular attraction. The lighthouse still uses its original Fresnel lens, and the surrounding buildings feature a restored lighthouse keeper’s house and museum, a marine science exhibit with a saltwater aquarium, and rentable vacation homes for visitors interested in living out their Wickie fantasies.
Kanab, Utah
Just north of the Arizona border, in the stunning red rock landscape of Southern Utah, lies the town of Kanab. From its humble beginnings as a remote fort in the 19th century, Kanab has grown from one of the most hard-to-reach towns in the country, to a thriving high-desert community surrounded by some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. Kanab’s proximity to National Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon make it a popular hub for hikers and backpackers traveling to these heavily trafficked destinations, but there are plenty of outdoor attractions much closer by.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a quick 30-minute drive from the town center, is a sea of shifting red sands that contrasts starkly with the wide-open azure skies. For a more rugged adventure, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers nearly 2 million acres of diverse landscapes including slot canyons, plateaus, sheer cliffs, and arid badlands that can be explored on foot or in an off-road vehicle.
Kanab’s extensive history can be explored in depth at the Kanab Museum, which features artifacts and exhibits ranging from the Ancestral Puebloans to the first Mormon settlers to the golden age of filmmaking. The areas distinctive scenery made it a frequently used location in western films, and the Little Hollywood Museum preserves several old movie sets to tell the tale of how Kanab came to be the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s greatest stories.
Whitefish, Montana
West of the Continental Divide in the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana, Whitefish is situated on the southern shore of Whitefish Lake at the base of the Whitefish Range in the Northern Rockies. The town is a study in contrasts — a vibrant, thriving downtown area set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and untamed wilderness.
Whitefish hosts several festivals throughout the year including the Whitefish Winter Carnival in February, where attendees can take the Penguin Plunge in the frozen lake, watch the grand parade make its way through the heart of town, or simply bask in the merriment while partaking in excellent food and drink. In August, Whitefish pays tribute to the state fruit of Montana with the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, which showcases hundreds of art and food vendors and features a huckleberry dessert contest.
A huge part of the appeal of Whitefish lies in its proximity to fantastic outdoor recreation. The town is a gateway to nearby Glacier National Park, a stunning expanse of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, and smooth mountain lakes. The Whitefish Mountain Resort on the northeast side of the lake provides 3,000 acres world class skiing and snowboarding runs in the winter and hiking and biking trails in the summer. You could even make an argument that Whitefish is a beach town! City Beach, located just a short walk from the downtown area near Whitefish Lake’s outflow, offers designated swimming areas, docks, and boat launches with views of the mountains to the north.
Camden, Maine
This quiet bayfront town in the Midcoast region of Maine is one of the few places on the Eastern Seaboard where mountains meet the sea. Straddling US Route 1 where the Megunticook River flows into the Penobscot Bay, Camden’s history stretches back to the colonial era. One of the oldest still-standing structures in the area, The Conway House, is maintained by the Camden-Rockport Historical Society and is open for tours seasonally. The 19th century saw the town develop into an important industrial center in the region with mills, shipbuilding, textile manufacturing, and lime production growing the population.
Today the town is a charming four-season destination for snow sports, maritime recreation, award-winning cuisine, and outdoor adventures. Camden Hills State Park offers sweeping views of the town, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands from the top of Mount Battie, a literary landmark that inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay to compose her poem “Renascence,” according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.
The historic Camden Public Library keeps this literary reputation alive by hosting the Camden Shakespeare Festival every summer. When winter snows begin to fall, the Camden Snow Bowl provides pristine runs for skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers. Several charters out of Camden Harbor provide scenic day cruises of Penobscot Bay, which feature sweeping views of the rolling coastline, surrounding islands, and the Curtis Island Light Station off Ogier Point. This 25-foot tower can also be reached by kayak or paddleboard or viewed from several locations on the mainland.
Bisbee, Arizona
Tucked away in the Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona, the town of Bisbee got its start as a mining town in the 1880s after gold, silver, and copper were discovered in the surrounding hills. Since then, it has grown into a colorful and artistic destination, whose historic downtown is full of distinctive buildings, like the Art-Deco-style Cochise County Courthouse, art galleries, and local restaurants.
Take a trip back in time to the days of the Arizona Territory by visiting the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated repository of artifacts and exhibits from the town’s mining heyday tells the story of Bisbee’s role in the rapid industrialization of the country in the early 20th century.
After learning about the life of a miner, you can experience it for yourself by donning a hardhat and headlamp and venturing 1,500 feet underground into the Copper Queen Mine. Former mine workers lead the guided tours, where the stories, dangers, and techniques of copper mining come to life. Back above ground, explore the desert southwest by hiking local trails like the Mule Pass Trail to Fissure Peak, which provides panoramic views and gorgeous sunsets.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
It’s easy to blow right by this resort town as you drive through the Rio Grande Valley in south central New Mexico. If you do stop here, you’ll be treated to a charming desert community full of art galleries, public sculptures and murals, and ample opportunity for rest and relaxation. Besides its unique name, Truth or Consequences is known for its geothermal hot springs. These mineral rich waters feed ten commercial bathhouses in the easily walkable Historic Hot Springs & Commercial District, a great place to unwind and recharge after a long day.
Once fully restored by the water’s healing properties, explore the district on foot to see attractions like Las Palomas Plaza, a small public park full of surreal ceramic sculptures. The nearby Geronimo Springs Museum houses a large collection of prehistoric pottery, fossils, and Native American artifacts, as well as western artwork from New Mexico artists and historic newspapers.
For a quick escape into the surrounding area, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a popular destination for paddle sports, jet skiing, fishing, and birdwatching. The park also hosts the annual Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta every August, where you can watch hot air balloons rise into the clear desert sky over the reservoir, balloon to boat relay races, and balloon glows in the evenings.
Everglades City, Florida
This tiny fishing village sits on the Barron River at Chokoloskee Bay in southwestern Florida. Everglades City is, as the name implies, surrounded by the Everglades, the vast area of flooded grasslands and mangrove swamps that cover most of the southern third of the state. The town is the gateway to the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is known for its sport fishing, ecotourism opportunities, and fresh seafood, particularly stone crab claws.
One of the best things to do in Everglades City is take an airboat tour of the Everglades. Several companies in town offer airboat adventures, one of the best ways to experience the wonder of the river of grass. These tours provide a thrilling and educational ride through the fragile ecosystem and the potential for incredible wildlife sightings. Alligators, roseate spoonbills, and manatees all call these waters home.
Other noteworthy attractions like the Museum of the Everglades in the heart of town and the Historic Smallwood Store on Chokoloskee Island provide fascinating insight into the areas 2,000-year history and the difficulties in settling the southwest of Florida. As you leave town on the Tamiami Trail, stop by the roadside Ochopee Post Office, to send a postcard from the smallest post office in the country.
A Different Side of the USA
The US has enough small towns to keep you traveling for years, each with its own rich history, storied traditions, and unforgettable scenery. While exploring these off-grid towns, you may find yourself face-to-face with manatees in the Everglades, encountering mysterious lights in the Chihuahuan Desert, or gazing out at the world below from 14,000-foot summits. No matter what kind of travel experiences you seek there’s something for everyone hiding in the secluded valleys and remote islands across the country.
