Iowa may be known for cornfields, the Iowa State Fair, and the first-in-the-nation caucuses, but its true test of residency is knowing how to pronounce its town names. With a mix of Native American, French, and Midwestern influences, many of these names look confusing, sound nothing like they’re spelled, and will instantly out you as an outsider if you get them wrong. If you can pronounce them all without hesitation, congratulations—you might just be a true Iowan.
14 Words Only True Iowans Can Pronounce
Iowa (EYE-oh-wuh)
If you’re saying “Ioway,” go ahead and pack your bags.
Des Moines (Duh-MOIN)
Silent “s” at the end, just like in French (but not in Iowa Nice).
Boone (BOON)
Simple, but if you haven’t been to the county fair here, are you even Iowan?
Oskaloosa (Oss-kuh-LOO-suh)
If you say “Oss-ka-lo-sa,” just stop while you’re ahead.
Keokuk (KEE-oh-kuk
If you can say it fast, you’ve passed the test.
Wapello (Wuh-PEL-oh)
Don’t be tempted to overcomplicate this one.
Nevada (Nuh-VAY-duh)
This is Iowa, not the gambling state. Say it like a local.
Madrid (MAD-rid)
Not like the Spanish capital. Iowa does things its own way.
Monticello (Mont-uh-SELL-oh)
Thomas Jefferson would be disappointed, but we’re sticking with it.
Maquoketa (Muh-COH-kuh-tuh)
It looks like a typo but sounds perfectly Iowan.
Sigourney (SIG-ur-nee)
Named after a writer, pronounced like a mystery.
Elkader (El-KAY-der)
If you say “El-KAH-der,” you’re outing yourself.
What Cheer (WUT-cheer)
The most optimistic town name in America, if you can say it right.
Storm Lake (STORM Lake)
Not hard to pronounce, but a true Iowan knows how wild the weather gets there.
If you got all of these right, you’ve officially earned your place among the cornfields and small-town festivals. You know the smell of manure means money, Casey’s breakfast pizza is elite, and you’ve had at least one argument about whether Maid-Rites are actually good. For everyone else, just smile, nod, and let the locals handle the talking—preferably over a pork tenderloin sandwich.
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