America’s 10 Smallest Towns You Should See

Big cities often grab the spotlight, but some of America’s 10 smallest towns can give you the most memorable experiences. These quiet corners of the country reveal character, history, and charm that can’t be found in crowded destinations. From mountain hamlets to desert hideaways, the smallest towns in America offer travelers a chance to slow down, connect with locals, and discover the heart of small-town life. Here are ten of the tiniest American towns that are well worth a visit.

Buford, Wyoming

With a population of just one, Buford is officially the smallest town in the United States. Located along Interstate 80, this roadside stop between Cheyenne and Laramie is both quirky and historic. Founded in the 1860s during the construction of the transcontinental railroad, Buford once served as a bustling trading post.

Why Visit Buford

Travelers stop in Buford for the novelty of seeing a one-person town, but it’s also a reminder of how vast and open Wyoming truly is. The surrounding plains and mountain views make for a perfect quick photo stop on a cross-country drive.

Monowi, Nebraska

Monowi is another town famous for its population of one. Its sole resident, Elsie Eiler, has become a living legend for running the town’s bar, library, and municipal affairs. Visitors often come to meet her, grab a burger and a drink, and experience the warm hospitality that defines rural Nebraska.

Why Visit Monowi

Visiting Monowi is like stepping into a living piece of Americana. It’s small-town resilience at its finest—a reminder that community spirit can thrive even in the most unlikely places.

Lost Springs, Wyoming

Lost Springs once claimed a population of four. Though tiny, this town has a big heart and an interesting past tied to mining and ranching. The sign welcoming visitors proudly announces its size, making it a popular stop for travelers seeking unique roadside attractions.

Why Visit Lost Springs

The town captures the essence of Wyoming’s wide-open landscapes and enduring frontier spirit. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, take photos, and imagine life in a town where everyone truly knows everyone.

Supai, Arizona

Deep in the Grand Canyon, Supai is one of the most remote inhabited places in the continental United States. Home to the Havasupai Tribe, it can only be reached by hiking, horseback, or helicopter. The reward for making the journey is extraordinary—turquoise waterfalls, red rock cliffs, and a culture deeply connected to nature.

Why Visit Supai

Supai offers an experience few travelers ever forget. The Havasu Falls area, with its stunning blue-green pools, is among the most photographed destinations in the Southwest. Visitors must secure permits well in advance, as tourism is tightly controlled to protect the land.

Hillsboro, New Mexico

With fewer than 200 residents, Hillsboro sits along New Mexico’s scenic Highway 152. Once a booming mining town, it’s now a haven for artists and history buffs. Visitors find historic buildings, quiet streets, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from modern life.

Why Visit Hillsboro

Hillsboro’s combination of art galleries, old adobe architecture, and desert landscapes make it a perfect stop on a southern New Mexico road trip. The town’s charm lies in its authenticity and slower pace.

Luverne, North Dakota

Luverne, with around 30 residents, represents the heart of small-town North Dakota. Surrounded by farmland and prairie, it’s a snapshot of rural life where time seems to stand still. The community remains close-knit, hosting local events that draw visitors from nearby towns.

Why Visit Luverne

It’s an ideal stop for travelers exploring the Midwest who want to experience life far from tourist crowds. The surrounding countryside offers wide skies, quiet roads, and the kind of hospitality that defines the Great Plains.

St. Mary, Montana

On the edge of Glacier National Park, St. Mary has fewer than 50 permanent residents but sees thousands of travelers pass through each summer. The town’s small size and incredible scenery make it a gateway to one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

Why Visit St. Mary

Stay overnight to enjoy early morning views of Glacier’s peaks without the crowds. Local lodges and restaurants cater to visitors who want small-town comfort next to wilderness adventure.

Whittier, Alaska

Whittier stands out not for its population—about 250 people—but for the fact that nearly all residents live in the same building. The Begich Towers serve as homes, offices, and even the post office. The town, surrounded by glaciers and fjords, can be reached only through a one-way tunnel or by boat.

Why Visit Whittier

Whittier’s unusual setup makes it one of Alaska’s most fascinating communities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, glacier cruises, and some of the state’s best scenery within minutes of arrival.

Oatman, Arizona

Once a thriving gold mining town on Route 66, Oatman now has a population of around 100—and a herd of friendly wild burros that roam its streets. Wooden boardwalks, rustic shops, and daily Old West-style gunfight shows bring history to life.

Why Visit Oatman

Oatman combines humor, history, and charm in a way few places can. It’s a perfect detour for Route 66 travelers looking for a taste of vintage Americana.

Terlingua, Texas

Tucked near Big Bend National Park, Terlingua is a ghost town that has reinvented itself as a hub for artists and adventurers. Its old mining ruins stand beside quirky bars, local galleries, and desert landscapes that glow at sunset.

Why Visit Terlingua

Terlingua captures the wild, untamed essence of West Texas. Each November, the town hosts the legendary Chili Cookoff, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate food, music, and desert life.

Why Small Towns Capture Big Hearts

Small towns remind travelers that adventure doesn’t always mean crowds or skyscrapers. These places reveal the diversity and depth of American life—quiet corners filled with stories, landscapes, and people who make visitors feel welcome. Whether it’s the one-person town of Monowi, the canyon village of Supai, or the desert mystique of Terlingua, each destination proves that small-town travel offers some of the country’s biggest experiences.

When you take the time to explore these tiny communities, you discover a slower rhythm and a different perspective on what makes America special. The country’s smallest towns may not have big attractions, but they have something better: authenticity, warmth, and unforgettable charm.

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