Six Small Population Towns Experiencing Revival

With 2019 drawing to a close, we’re looking back on these great small towns we’ve been able to highlight over this past year. You’ll notice all of these towns have populations less than 5,500 — proof that no town is too small for revival! (Just look at New Providence, Iowa.) Our travels have taken us to all these locations and it’s so fun to experience the revival happening here firsthand. These towns are setting a great example of what’s possible all across rural America and there’s a lot we can learn from them. So, if you haven’t had a chance to check these places out yet, or if you have plans for reviving your small town in the new year, these are some great places to visit and learn from!

01. Vian, Oklahoma

After two fires, Vian, Oklahoma (pop. 1,466) is on their way to rebuilding their downtown and seeing a lifetime of dreams come true for their community. A new generation of entrepreneurs is repurposing hundred-year-old buildings that have sat vacant for years, with nine new businesses opening in the past five years.

Explore more:

WELCOME TO VIAN, OKLAHOMA

VIAN: MAKING THIS TOWN WHAT WE DREAMED IT COULD BE

A HEART FOR COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STEM & LEAF: A FLORAL DESIGN CO.

EPISODE 49 // LYNDSEY SULLIVAN OF THE FIELD HOUSE

VIAN T-SHIRT COMPANY: COMING HOME TO VIAN

03. Harrington, Washington

Located in the heart of wheat country, Harrington, Washington (pop. 424) embodies the best of everything you would expect from a rural, agricultural community — and more. With a strong school district and a historic downtown revival attractive to new residents and future businesses, they’re not only honoring the town’s history but staying relevant while moving forward together.

Explore more:

WELCOME TO HARRINGTON, WASHINGTON

EPISODE 61 // JUSTIN AND HEATHER SLACK OF THE POST & OFFICE

THE VALUE OF HARD WORK AND A HANDSHAKE

A FIRST GENERATION WHEAT FARM

AG SWAG FOR THE AGVOCATE

THERE IS ART IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EARTH

WHEAT AND ROSES AT AX BAR RANCH

EPISODE 62 // KAREN ALLEN OF HOTEL LINCOLN, THE ELECTRIC HOTEL

05. Columbia Falls, Montana

Once a major manufacturing community, a new generation has seen a vision of the rebirth for downtown – after mills were shuttered for a decade – revitalizing the Columbia Falls, Montana (pop. 4,710) area in the last five years.

Explore more:

WELCOME TO COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA

EPISODE 65 // ALYSON DOOR OF THE RED BARN

THE SHOPS AT STATION 8

02. Corning, Iowa

The thriving scene in Corning, Iowa (pop. 1,635) is the result of a forward-thinking community that is full of vision for their small town, with virtually no empty buildings on their main street. From award-winning shops and restaurants to a floating winery and unlimited recreational opportunities, there is something here for everyone all year round.

Explore more:

WELCOME TO CORNING, IOWA

WOLF WASH: CLEAN CARS IN A THRIVING COMMUNITY

CITY DINING IN A SMALL TOWN

LAKE ICARIA: YOUR NEXT SMALL TOWN LAKE VACATION DESTINATION

EPISODE 52 // ANNE GREENWALT OF CARVER'S RIDGE

FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS TO A FULL-SERVICE SALON

A HEART FOR PEOPLE AND A HEAD FOR PROGRESS

04. Pawhuska, Oklahoma

Pawhuska (pop. 3,377) just happens to be the home of Ree Drummond — The Pioneer Woman, and with the arrival of the Pioneer Woman Mercantile, this town has literally been revived overnight. Pawhuska is constantly changing as it continues to grow and expand as a hot tourist destination and a great place to live and work.

Explore more:

EPISODE 35 // JONI NASH OF THE PAWHUSKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EPISODE 43 // LUKE & KENYON LOMAX OF PRAIRIE SKY JEWELRY CO.

EPISODE 56 // STEVEN AND TIFFANY POE OF THE GRANDVIEW INN

EPISODE 57 // EMILY MYERS OF LANTANA MADE

EPISODE 64 // CALLIE LEE OF OSAGE OUTFITTERS

06. Red Oak, Iowa

With five retail stores opening up in the past year in and around their historic downtown square and a growing arts scene, plus some incredible historic home renovations, facade improvements, and efforts to welcome even more entrepreneurs, Red Oak, Iowa (pop. 5,415) is quickly becoming one of Iowa’s hottest destinations — and a great place to work, play, and live.

Explore more:

WELCOME TO RED OAK, IOWA

EPISODE 73 // DARIC AND JILL O'NEAL OF JMERCANTILE AND ALLEY POYNER MACCHIETTO ARCHITECTURE

THE LALA PROJECT: MORE THAN A PUMPKIN PATCH

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE REAL STARS OF THE SHOW AT RED OAK GRAND THEATRE

POPPING UP AT FIVE ONE 8

TAKING RED OAK FABRICATION INTO THE FUTURE


It’s an honor to recognize the people of these towns for all their hard work and efforts and we look forward to featuring even more towns experiencing revival in 2020!

Know a town we should consider for a feature? Tell us more here!


Looking for more? Check out these towns featured in 2018:

MANNING, IOWA

HOLSTEIN, IOWA

NEW PROVIDENCE, IOWA

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Rural Revival Yearbook 2019

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Episode 75 // Cassie Everson of Wanderlust Skulls