1. Walnut
There is nothing quite like being named after what is most definitely the most superior nut. Walnut is a small town with a population of 785 people (as of the 2010 census). It is located on Interstate 80 and is well known for its antiques, and more recently, its status as a regional center for wind turbine electrical generation.
2. Macedonia
Not to be confused with its European namesake, Macedonia, Iowa is host to about 244 people as of 2013. Interestingly enough, the town was named after the region of Macedonia, which was once conquered by Alexander the Great.
3. Doon
Historically known as a railway town, Doon is located on the eastern bank of the Rock River and was named after the River Doon in Scotland. Home to 587 people, Doon has three different railways passing through it.
4. Appanoose County
Located in Southern Iowa, Appanoose County was named after Meswaki Chief Appanoose, who advocated peace by not going to war with Chief Black Hawk. Though the county was once a major coal-mining region, it now has one of the highest unemployment rates in Iowa.
5. Pisgah
The peculiar name of the town was chosen by Mormons who lived in a settlement near a hill they called Mount Pisgah. It is the birthplace of the famous Old Home Café and is home to 244 people.
6. Fruitland
Though the name boasts a reputation for stellar produce, Fruitland is best known for being a part of the Muscatine Metropolitan Statistical Area and with a population of 977 people, it one of the most populated cities on this list.
7. Mingo
Another peculiar name, Mingo is located in Jasper County and was, like many of its neighboring cities, originally set up as a coal-mining town. The town gets its name from the Iroquoian Mingo tribe.
8. Otho (not to be confused with Oto, another town… in Iowa)
Though Otho and Oto have very similar spelling (barring the use of one letter), Otho is located in Webster County whereas Oto is located in nearby Woodbury County. Both boast small populations.
9. Zwingle
It may be hard to believe that there are people who get to say, “I’m from Zwingle,” the city is host to a whopping 91 people as of 2013. Originally created by settlers from Pennsylvania, Zwingle is in Dubuque and Jackson counties.
10. Durango
With a total area of .04 square miles and a population equivalent to the average class size at Augustana, Durango is home to 24 people and is located in Dubuque County.