10 Iowa Town Names That’ll Make Your GPS Have an Existential Crisis

Iowa is famous for its rolling fields and friendly small towns, but some of its town names are so quirky, confusing, or downright bizarre that even the most advanced GPS might pause for a moment of self-reflection. Here are ten Iowa town names that stand out for their oddity, humor, or head-scratching origins:

1. What Cheer

A perennial favorite on any list of strange town names, What Cheer sounds more like a Victorian greeting than a place on the map. Its name comes from an old English expression of joy, and it’s pronounced either “WAT-cheer” or “WUH-cheer”.

2. Correctionville

This town’s name conjures images of red pens and mistakes, but it actually refers to a “correction line” used by surveyors to account for the Earth’s curvature. It’s also Iowa’s longest town name.

3. Lost Nation

The mysterious-sounding Lost Nation is said to be named after a long-lost Native American settlement, though the true origin is still debated. The name alone is enough to make you wonder if your GPS has lost its way.

4. Climax

This unincorporated community in Mills County was named by optimistic founders who saw it as the “pinnacle” of opportunity. The name, however, is a source of endless jokes and double takes.

5. Gravity

Located in Taylor County, Gravity’s name is as weighty as it is puzzling. The town’s moniker is a magnet for puns about things “coming down” in Iowa.

6. Defiance

Originally named Marmon, the town’s residents changed the name to Defiance after being snubbed by the railroad. The new name reflected their rebellious spirit.

7. Beaver

A small town in Boone County, Beaver’s name is a straightforward nod to local wildlife, but it never fails to elicit a giggle or two.

8. Cumming

This tiny town south of Des Moines is named after a local family, but its name is a frequent source of amusement for visitors and passersby.

9. Zwingle

Named after Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss Protestant reformer, Zwingle is unusual not just for its name but also for straddling two counties.

10. Crab Town

Now a ghost town, Crab Town was named after the Crab family, not the crustacean. Its name is especially odd given Iowa’s distance from the sea.

Honorable Mentions

Jamaica: Not a tropical paradise, but a small Iowa town.
Sac City: Named after the Sac tribe, but often the butt of “bag” jokes.
Cool: Because, why not?
Toeterville: No explanation needed—just toes.
Unique: Iowa is, indeed, unique.

These names are a testament to Iowa’s colorful history and the creativity (or sense of humor) of its early settlers. Whether you’re road-tripping or just browsing a map, these towns are sure to make you smile—and maybe make your GPS question reality.

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