Here are 11 Wisconsin places you most likely can’t say correctly on your first try:
1. Waunakee
Pronounced WAH-nuh-kee. Many say “WANNA-kee,” which immediately outs them as non-locals.
2. Ashwaubenon
Pronounced ASH-wah-buh-non. It’s home to the Green Bay stadium district, but tricky to nail first try.
3. Menomonie
Pronounced meh-NOM-uh-nee. Commonly mispronounced as “Meh-NO-min-nee,” which locals quickly correct.
4. Mukwonago
Pronounced muck-WAHN-uh-go. Saying it “Muck-won-AH-go” like a magical spell won’t help with locals.
5. Minocqua
Pronounced min-AH-kwuh. Not “Min-oh-qua” as many outsiders say—an easy stumble.
6. Wauwatosa
Pronounced wah-wuh-TOE-sah but often shortened to “Tosa” by residents who get tired of the full name.
7. Manitowoc
Pronounced MAN-ih-tuh-walk. Adding extra syllables like “Mani-toe-wok” earns you side-eyes from natives.
8. Kaukauna
Pronounced kuh-KAW-nuh. If you can’t pronounce it right, chances are you don’t know the famous Kaukauna cheese either.
9. Oconomowoc
Pronounced oh-KON-uh-moh-wok. The ultimate mouthful and a true Wisconsin pronunciation test.
10. Prairie du Chien
Pronounced preh-ree doo SHEEN. No French skills needed, but spelling it right helps.
11. Menominee
Pronounced meh-nuh-MEE-nee. Often confused with Menomonie, but very different towns with similar-sounding names.
Mastering these pronunciations is a rite of passage for Wisconsin natives and a challenge for newcomers. Saying them right on the first try? Most likely not going to happen.
Sources
(https://97zokonline.com/hardest-wisconsin-towns-to-pronounce/)
(https://www.wbanewsroom.org/wisconsin-pronunciation-guide/)
(https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/2019/06/20/wisconsin-words-youre-probably-mispronouncing/1487416001/)
(https://www.sco.wisc.edu/2025/04/28/new-version-of-pronounce-wisconsin-released/)
(https://www.sco.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pronounce_Wisconsin_2014.pdf)
