Illinois is home to some of the most perplexing, oddly named towns in America—places that will leave your GPS (and your sense of direction) in existential crisis. Here are ten Illinois town names that will have you questioning reality, pronunciation, and, sometimes, the sense of humor of early settlers:
8. Oblong
The only town in the United States with this name, Oblong was named for its original location on an oblong-shaped prairie. It was almost called “Henpeck,” but the unique geometry won out.
2. Boody
This small town has become a minor internet sensation thanks to its name, which inspires giggles and has even spawned a Facebook page dedicated to its water tower.
3. Bone Gap
Named after a literal gap in the trees filled with animal bones, Bone Gap sounds more like a medical diagnosis than a village. The name’s origin traces back to the Piankeshaw Indians and early settlers.
4. Chittyville
A name that sounds like a punchline, Chittyville is a real place in Illinois and regularly makes lists of the state’s funniest or most “over the top” town names.
5. Dongola
While it may sound risqué to outsiders, Dongola is a legitimate village in southern Illinois. The name’s origin is less clear, but it’s a favorite on lists of odd town names.
6. Moweaqua
Often cited as one of Illinois’ most mispronounced towns, Moweaqua (“moh-WEEK-wuh”) is a farming community whose name stumps even locals and confuses GPS voice assistants everywhere.
7. Loogootee
Pronounced “LOH-guh-TEE,” this town’s spelling and pronunciation are so mismatched that even lifelong Illinoisans get it wrong.
8. Goofy Ridge
Yes, this is a real place. Goofy Ridge is as whimsical as its name suggests and is often cited as one of Illinois’ strangest town names.
9. Sandwich
No, it’s not a joke—Sandwich is a city in Illinois. The name is a conversation starter and a source of endless puns about lunch and directions.
10. Timewell
This town’s name sounds like a motivational slogan or a productivity app, but it’s a real community in Illinois that regularly confounds first-time visitors and GPS systems alike.
These towns are more than just punchlines—they’re real places with their own histories and communities. But if your GPS hesitates or mispronounces them, don’t blame the technology: blame Illinois’ delightfully eccentric approach to naming its towns.
Sources:
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-bizarrely-named-towns-in-illinois.html
- https://97zokonline.com/illinois-10-most-over-the-top-town-names/
- https://1440wrok.com/did-you-know-these-15-very-unusual-town-names-in-illinois-existed/