Minnesota is home to a quirky collection of town names that can stump even the most sophisticated GPS-or at least make you do a double-take. Here are ten of the most unusual, confusing, or downright hilarious town names in the state, along with a bit about what makes each one unique or befuddling.
1. Climax
- Located in Polk County, Climax is infamous for its double entendre. The name actually comes from a chewing tobacco company, but that doesn’t stop the jokes.
2. Fertile
- Just a short drive from Climax, Fertile’s name only adds to the amusement. With a population of around 800, it’s not quite as “fertile” as the name might suggest.
3. Nimrod
- One of the smallest incorporated towns in Minnesota, Nimrod’s name comes from a biblical figure known as a mighty hunter, but modern usage often makes it sound like an insult.
4. Embarrass
- Known as the coldest place in Minnesota, Embarrass gets its name from French explorers frustrated by the tricky river navigation. The French word “embarrasser” means to hinder or complicate.
5. Ball Club
- This unincorporated community’s name is said to come from a Native American lacrosse stick. Still, it’s hard not to snicker when you see it on a map.
6. Blue Earth
- Here’s where things get confusing: Blue Earth is a city in Faribault County, not in Blue Earth County. The city and county names don’t match up, confounding both locals and visitors.
7. Faribault
- To add to the confusion, the city of Faribault is actually in Rice County, not Faribault County. The mismatched city-county pairs are a Minnesota classic.
8. Sleepy Eye
- Named for a Dakota chief known for his droopy eyelid, Sleepy Eye is both a unique name and a challenge for out-of-towners to believe it’s real.
9. Nowthen
- Yes, there really is a town called Nowthen. The name reportedly came from a local’s catchphrase, and it’s as perplexing as it is amusing.
10. Welcome
- Only in Minnesota would you find a town named Welcome. It’s as friendly as it sounds, but your GPS might wonder if it’s actually a destination or just a greeting.
These towns are just the tip of the iceberg-Minnesota has plenty more where these came from. Whether it’s the suggestive, the confusing, or the just plain odd, these names are sure to make any road trip or GPS navigation a memorable adventure.
Sources:
- https://www.startribune.com/how-did-these-11-minnesota-towns-get-their-unusual-names/511631001
- https://quickcountry.com/the-most-confusing-city-and-county-names-in-minnesota/
- https://b105country.com/26-dirtiest-sounding-town-names-in-minnesota/
- https://minnesotasnewcountry.com/10-wacky-minnesota-town-names-how-many-do-you-know/
- https://river967.com/some-of-the-most-unusual-town-names-in-minnesota-and-where-their-name-comes-from/
- https://wjon.com/some-of-the-most-unusual-town-names-in-minnesota-and-where-their-name-comes-from/