These 12 Nevada Towns Have The Silliest Names But Are So Worth A Visit

Located in the southern tip of Nye County just 60 miles west of Las Vegas, Pahrump was named "Pah-Rimpi" (which translates to "water rock") by the Paiute Tribe after the vast number of artesian wells in the area. With a population of nearly 37,000, Pahrump, while it may sound like a body part, has blossomed into a wonderful town with numerous hotels, outdoor activities, restaurants, casinos, beautiful desert scenery, and a spectacular winery with its own award-winning restaurant. If you've never been, Pahrump is the perfect weekend getaway.

This tiny border town is located in southern Clark County near, where else, Arizona and California. This 2.3-mile town was founded in 1965 by Slim and Nancy Kimball who still own the town today, The Kidwells, essentially, built the town from the ground up: obtaining permits for electricity, natural gas, and water; establishing a post office; and building a motel, casino, diner, airstrip, community center, and RV park. Approximately 350 people call Cal-Nevi-Ari home, and there are rental properties available. Oh yeah, and you can purchase the town for a cool $8 million.

This tiny living ghost town is an unincorporated community in Elko County with a population of 28. You can learn more about this delightful little town here.

This once-thriving mining town approximately 60 miles south of Tonopah is little more than a ghost town today, but you could spend hours exploring it and the nearby mine.

This small town in Eureka County is incorrectly described as a ghost town. In reality, Beowawe (pronounced "bay-ə-wah-wee) is the site of a geothermal power plant and mining operation. The town's name is a mystery, however, The local Shoshone translate it to "one who has a big posterior" while the Paiute assert it means "gate" due to the shape of the nearby mountains. Regardless, Beowawe was founded in 1868 thanks to the railroad expansion, and its peak population was 60 in 1881. If you visit, be sure to check out the cemetery and the famous Maiden's Grave marker; a 20-foot high cross that commemorates Lucinda Duncan, a grandma of about 70 years of age who died on the California Trail in 1863. A fire demolished most of the town in 1931.

Lovelock is the only incorporated town in Pershing County and was originally a stop for settlers en route to California and, later, a train depot.

Named for Paiute Chief Winnemucca, this town is the county seat for Humboldt County. There is so much to see and do in this picturesque and quintessential Western town, and once you visit, you'll understand why Winnemucca is called "the friendliest town in Nevada." With excellent restaurants, gaming, lodging, and endless recreational opportunities, if you've never visited Winnemucca, what are you waiting for?

Where else but in Nevada would you find a town named Jackpot? Located in Elko County not far from the Idaho border (47 miles south of Twin Falls, to be exact), Jackpot is a very popular gambling town for Idaho residents. Jackpot was founded in 1954 by "Cactus Pete" Piersanti and Don French who--after Idaho outlawed all casino gaming--moved their slot business south of the border. Originally named Horse Shu by the Elko County Commissioners, after a spat with Cactus Pete, and a short time as "Unincorporated Town No. 1," everyone compromised and, voila, Jackpot was born in 1959. This nearly four-square-mile town has a population of around 1,200.

Another delightful town near the Idaho border with an interesting name is Jarbidge, gateway to the stunning Jarbidge Wilderness.

This small unincorporated town in Pershing County has a population of around 171 people. Imlay is largely known for its truly unique Thunder Mountain Monument. To learn more about Imlay, check out this article.

Named for the 13th U.S. Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz, this quaint little town is located on the Walker River Paiute Reservation in Mineral County in west-central Nevada. One of the biggest attractions in this cute town is the Rock Chuck Gem and Mineral shop where you can learn about all of the natural treasures in the area.

Located in Pershing County slightly north of Mill City, Puckerbrush is so small that it's neither on the map nor has any Census information. According to the sign, it has a population of 28 and boasts a travel center/truck stop. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, stop by, fill up your car, grab a snack, and then go to Mill City or Imlay. But at least you can say you were in Puckerbrush.