Athol. Blunt. Highmore. No, these aren’t a bunch of odd jokes (or are they?), but actual South Dakota towns that have silly names! Are you ready to check ’em out? Let’s go!
1. Athol
Anyone who has anything mean to say about this charming community of 66 is a true athol! Originally called Myrtle City, Athol is a historic Chicago and North Western Railroad town that is the epitome of tiny town, America!
2. Blunt
Get your mind out of the gutter people... this isn't Colorado! Blunt is a small suburb of Pierre that was named for Chicago and North Western Railway official John E. Blunt and is still home to a friendly 350.
3. Highmore
After Blunt comes, of course, Highmore; "A Great Place To Live, Work, And Play" that was not named for someone, but instead for its high elevation.
4. Hooker
No need to explain why the name of this unincorporated Turner County town is funny... (In case you were wondering, the town is named for its founder, the late and great pioneer settler John Hooker.)
5. Bonesteel
Don't let the tough sounding name fool you; Bonesteel is actually a very welcoming place! Established in 1902, Bonesteel was named for H. E. Bonesteel, who was an old a freight forwarder in south-central SoDak.
6. Johnson Siding
What sounds like some kind of a small home improvement company is actually a Rapid City-area community that may only house 700, but still boasts its own volunteer fire department, deli, and casino!
7. Gayville
It's a happy place, okay?! Located in Yankton County, Gayville was originally settled by Scandinavian farmers and is known as the "Hay Capital of the World!" Need another reason to visit? Gayville also has a number of restaurants, stores, and more.
8. Peever
One of my biggest pet peevers is people who have never heard of Peever, South Dakota! Named for one of its original settlers (F. H. Peever), Peever is currently home to an estimated 166 residents.
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