Bremen – "A Good Town"
Starting with a classic that hits close to home. Bremen, my hometown, proudly carries the slogan “A Good Town.” While it might not sound flashy or particularly exciting, there’s something endearing about its simplicity. Sometimes, it’s the humble approach that wins people over. While you might think, “What’s so great about a good town?” my answer is: It’s certainly better than their slogan from the 1980s, “Visit Our Library.” And, who doesn’t want to live in a "good" town, right?
Churubusco – "Turtle Town, U.S.A."
In a state where nicknames can be just as quirky as the towns themselves, Churubusco takes the prize for the most reptilian. Known as "Turtle Town, U.S.A.," this northern Indiana spot embraced its shelled friend by naming itself after the turtle.
As the story goes, in 1898, a farmer named Oscar Fulk spotted a massive turtle in a seven-acre lake on his property. He ran to Churubusco and told others about the small dinosaur-sized turtle, but no one believed him. It wasn’t until July 1948 when the turtle was reportedly seen again, this time by Ora Blue and Charley Wilson. The town gained national attention because of the enormous snapping turtle that was dubbed the “Beast of Busco.” A month-long hunt ensued, drawing crowds from all over to search for the elusive creature. Though the Beast was never found, the legend of the giant turtle remains a beloved piece of local history, adding even more charm to this unique nickname. If you’re a turtle enthusiast, Churubusco hosts its annual Turtle Days Festival every June!
Kokomo – "City of Firsts"
Kokomo earned its nickname "City of Firsts" due to its rich history of technological innovation. The city was at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking advancements, including the first pneumatic rubber tire, the first automotive carburetor, and the first mechanical corn picker. Most notably, Kokomo is home to the first commercially built automobile, designed by Elwood Haynes in 1886. But, considering it also shares a name with an infamous 1988 hit song by The Beach Boys, you can’t help but wonder if "Kokomo" could have been marketed differently!
Carmel – "Roundabout Capital of the World"
While Carmel’s official motto is "A Partnership for Tomorrow," locals (and anyone familiar with the 317 area code) tend to refer to it as the "Roundabout Capital of the World." With over 150 roundabouts, more than any other city in the United States, Carmel has embraced its traffic-saving, European design. Driving through Carmel, you'll encounter a maze of roundabouts that have not only helped ease traffic congestion but have also added a unique charm to the city.
Evansville – "The Pocket City"
While Evansville is known for a slew of different nicknames and slogans, the most intriguing is “The Pocket City.” The nickname dates back over 200 years and refers to Evansville’s location in the southwestern corner of the state, nestled in what was once considered a “pocket” of Indiana. While it’s not used as frequently as some other city nicknames, it’s still proudly embraced by local sports teams in Pocket City Basketball and the Pocket Athletic Conference, which includes 13 high schools – more than any other conference in Indiana.
Peru – "Circus Capital of the World"
Who would have guessed that Peru, Indiana, would lay claim to the title of "Circus Capital of the World"? Starting in 1884, Ben Wallace set up shop and began making Peru the winter home for his growing circus empire. With the help of the Peru and Indianapolis Railroad, Wallace’s circus quickly grew to rival Ringling Bros., and by the 1920s, Peru was home to the largest circus winter quarters in the country. Peru’s legacy shines at the International Circus Hall of Fame, and the magic of the big top lives on at its annual Circus City Festival every third week of July.
Columbus – "Athens of the Prairie"
Columbus is known worldwide as "The Athens of the Prairie," a nickname that locals embraced and has been celebrated in publications like Forbes and The New York Times. The town earned this title thanks to its remarkable collection of modern architecture, which rivals some of the world's best-known cities. Locals affectionately called it "The Athens of the Prairie," and that reputation continues to this day. While you may not see any togas while you’re there, Columbus’ stunning buildings and design history are enough to make you feel like you're walking through an architectural wonderland.
Mishawaka – "The Princess City"
Mishawaka, also known as "The Princess City," is named after a fascinating mix of history and legend. One popular story ties the name to an Indian princess, the daughter of Shawnee Chief Elkhart, who was supposedly abducted by her suitor, Greywolf, after falling in love with a white fur trapper known only as "Deadshot." While this romantic tale might sound like the stuff of legend, it’s likely a fictional story created to attract tourists to the city. Regardless of the truth behind the name, Mishawaka’s regal title has stuck, and today, the city proudly carries its moniker as "The Princess City."
Indiana’s towns prove that a good name can do more than just identify a place, it can celebrate local pride, playfully poke fun at a city’s history, or capture a certain vibe. From the names that make you smile or laugh to those that leave you scratching your head, these slogans and nicknames are part of what makes the Hoosier State so wonderfully unique.
