The state of Wisconsin has a strong Native American tradition.  It has numerous cities, towns, and landmarks with Native American names that are some of the most unique, poetic, and downright un-pronounceable on earth.  I know this because the woman I just talked to with Lowe’s customer service was absolutely tongue-tied trying to guide me to store locations across Wisconsin.  She wasn’t dumb – the names of towns in my state simply are hard to say out loud if no one has ever steered you in the right direction.  There are lots of “W’s,” “U’s,” and “O’s” in Native American names so they make great tongue twisters. 

This conversation got me thinking.  Here’s my list of top ten most un-pronounceable Wisconsin names:

1. Oconomowoc (city half-way between Milwaukee and Madison)

2. Wauwatosa (city in Milwaukee County)

3. Kinnickinnic (river in southeastern Wisconsin)

4. Waukesha (city just west of Milwaukee)

5. Chequamegon (national forest in north central Wisconsin)

6. Weyauwega (city west of Appleton)

7. Winneconne (just south of Weyauwega)

8. Kewaskum (north of West Bend)

9. Kaukauna (near Appleton)

10. Minocqua (north central Wisconsin)