What’s in a name? A lot, or not so much, depending on how you look at it. Most of these towns in Wyoming have an associated meaning connected to it, but some towns were obviously named right off the cuff without much forethought. Here is a list of 10 towns in Wyoming that have the strangest names you’ll ever see:

1. Ten Sleep
Flickr/mr_t_77
You have to admit; Ten Sleep is a pretty unusual name for a town. There was an old Sioux camp on Platte River near Casper and another one in Bridger, Montana on Clarks Fork River. Halfway between these two camps is Ten Sleep. Indigenous people came up with this name because it took ten sleeps to get to each of these camps from this in-between point.

Just outside of town, you’ll find a fascinating canyon that’s worth a visit.
2. Chugwater
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Drink much? Chugwater isn't your typical name for a town. It is said that the name stems from a bison hunt. Hunters drove bison over this particular cliff during a hunt. When the animals fell below to the stream at the base of the cliff, it was reported that a chugging sound was heard by the hunters. This area is known as "the place where the buffalo chug." Hmmm....OK. Today, the town is known as the birthplace of Chugwater Chili and it is home to the oldest soda fountain in the state.

This little town may be the foodie capital of the state!
3. Jay Em
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This town's name is probably the strangest of them all. Jay Em was named after James Moore, a man who owned a ranch in this area. Jay Em is even on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located near the Nebraska border, and it's pretty much considered a ghost town.
4. Crowheart
Flickr/Remko Tanis
Another unusual name is Crowheart. The name stems from the story of a duel between Chief Washakie of the Shoshone and Chief Big Robber of the Crow. They were fighting to see which one would win the rights to the Wind River hunting grounds. Chief Washakie won, but it is said that he admired his opponent so much that instead of abandoning his opponent, he cut Big Robber's heart out and placed it on the end of his lance.
5. West Thumb
Flickr/Tjflex2
This town is named after a body part. West Thumb is on the west side of Yellowstone Lake. Supposedly, the bay looks a little like a thumb. If you view it from space, that might be the case, but it's always just looked like a lake to us.

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6. Medicine Bow
Flickr/Mike Coghlan
What does medicine (something that heals) have to do with a bow (something that kills)? Medicine Bow is named after the Medicine Bow River. Native Americans made their bows using material from the river. Anything good was considered medicine to them.

The town is the gateway to the stunning Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
7. Recluse
Flickr/Ralph Combs
Here is a lone tractor in the town of Recluse. Recluse is an unincorporated community in Campbell County. The name came about in reference to a lone and abandoned post office in western South Dakota on an Indian Reservation. Sorry, that explanation is even weird. At least most of us here in Wyoming can relate to being labeled "recluse"...
8. Meeteetse
Flickr/Derek Bruff
Meet.....what? Meeteetse is a town in Park County. The name was derived from an Indian term for "meeting place." This tiny town is right between Thermopolis and Cody, and many people drive by on their road trips to Yellowstone without even realizing they're passing the best chocolateir in the state.

Read more about it right here.
9. Story
Flickr/Bill Walsh
Let me tell you a story about a town named Story. Story is named after Charles B. Story, a rancher who established a post office in this area. It was the first building, (other than tents) in the area. Today, Story is a beautiful community at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.
10. Wamsutter
Flickr/apoici
Sheets? Um....no. Wamsutter is a town in Sweetwater County that is named after a Union Pacific bridge engineer. The town is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, between Rawlins and Rock Springs.

Nearby, Wyoming’s Red Desert calls to travelers.

Can you think of any other towns in Wyoming that have the strangest names? Comment below if you can and we’ll be sure to dig up the meanings behind their names!

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More to Explore

Towns In Wyoming That Have The Strangest Names

Kim Magaraci | May 07, 2021

What is the most scenic town in Wyoming?

Pinedale may be the most scenic town in Wyoming. Located at the foothills of the Wind River Range, the town's visitors and residents have access to remarkable backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, and other rugged activities in the mountains. Closer to town, Fremont Lake serves as a year-round recreation destination.

What is the most unique town in Wyoming?

Thermopolis seems like it's on another planet, and it may be the most unique town in Wyoming. Not only is this town home to the world's largest mineral hot spring - which you can visit in Hot Spring State Park - but it has a public hot spring bathhouse and pool, and it's the dinosaur capital of the state! Visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center to look straight back in the past. You can even go on a guided dig with a paleontologist.

What are the most beautiful places in Wyoming?

Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are the two most popular scenic spots in Wyoming, but there are dozens of other noteworthy natural wonders to see in the Cowboy State. Across the state, Devils Tower is a standout to anyone interested in odd geologic formations. Sinks Canyon, in Lander, is a gorgeous state park, and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a wonderland of mountains and towering trees.

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Featured Addresses
Ten Sleep, WY 82442, USA
Chugwater, WY 82210, USA
Jay Em, WY 82219, USA
Crowheart, WY 82512, USA
West Thumb, WY 82190, USA
Medicine Bow, WY 82329, USA
Recluse, WY, USA
Meeteetse, WY 82433, USA
Story, WY, USA
Wamsutter, WY 82336, USA