Those of us who call Metro Detroit home like to think we have pretty healthy senses of humor. After all, there’s nothing worse than going through life without the capacity for lighthearted fun – and we’re not afraid to laugh at ourselves. When it comes to towns and cities around Detroit, there are plenty of decidedly unique and amusing monikers that keep us giggling. No matter how many times you’ve seen these strange town names near Detroit, you’ll find yourself smiling.
- Hell
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM We’d be remiss not to mention Hell, which has gained attention from Michiganders and out-of-staters alike for its original name and atmosphere. The town plays into its name with full force, offering guests the chance to check out devilishly fun locales like Hell Saloon, horror-themed gift and ice cream shops, and plenty of photo ops. You’ll have a blast checking out this not-so-hellish spot. Hell, MI 48169, USA
- Zilwaukee
Wikimedia Commons/lfmuth No, not Milwaukee – Zilwaukee! Situated approximately 90 minutes by car from Detroit, this tiny town houses just over 1,600 people and is said to have gained its name in an effort to attract immigrants who mistakenly believed they had arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whether or not this legend is true, the name stuck and Zilwaukee continues to delight those who drop by. Zilwaukee, MI, USA
- Grape
Flickr/Anders Ljungberg There’s such a simple silliness in this name: just plain ol’ Grape. Located in Monroe County, Grape is more of a neighborhood than a full-blown town, but its position near the River Raisin makes its moniker more than appropriate. You won’t necessarily find an abundance of grapes in the area, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting during your next jaunt outside the Motor City. Grape, Raisinville Township, MI 48162, USA
- Climax
Wikimedia Commons/Charles W. Chapman We’ll let you draw your own conclusions about why this particular town name amuses us… but it simply had to be included on the list. Climax is actually a village, situated about one hour and 50 minutes from Detroit by car in Kalamazoo County. There are plenty of attractions in and around town, ranging from antique malls to golf courses. Have you checked out Climax during past visits to the area? Climax, MI 49034, USA
- Maybee
Facebook/Village of Maybee Should you check out this town? Maybee! We kid, we kid – Maybee is a historic community that you should certainly check out if you’re looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its history is rooted in railroad lines that began running through the city back in the 19th century, and trains still pass through today. Drop in at the Little Brown Jug for a drink, a bite to eat, and a real taste of Maybee charm. Maybee, MI, USA
- Disco
Google Maps While Disco no longer technically exists, this so-called “lost town” was situated near Van Dyke Road and modern-day 24 Mile Road in Macomb County. While the exact origins are unknown, the town is said to have been named for either a Latin term meaning “learn” or even an abbreviation of “District of Columbia.” In its heyday during the mid-to-late 1800s, the town had everything from general stores to an assortment of mills. While the town ultimately dispersed and is considered “lost,” its history (and funny name) remain. Macomb County, MI, USA
Have you checked out any of these towns with silly names near Detroit? What were your experiences? We always love to hear from our readers, so share your thoughts with us in the Facebook comments or tell us about other strange town names near Detroit or in Michigan as a whole by completing our nomination form.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
We’d be remiss not to mention Hell, which has gained attention from Michiganders and out-of-staters alike for its original name and atmosphere. The town plays into its name with full force, offering guests the chance to check out devilishly fun locales like Hell Saloon, horror-themed gift and ice cream shops, and plenty of photo ops. You’ll have a blast checking out this not-so-hellish spot.
Hell, MI 48169, USA
Wikimedia Commons/lfmuth
No, not Milwaukee – Zilwaukee! Situated approximately 90 minutes by car from Detroit, this tiny town houses just over 1,600 people and is said to have gained its name in an effort to attract immigrants who mistakenly believed they had arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whether or not this legend is true, the name stuck and Zilwaukee continues to delight those who drop by.
Zilwaukee, MI, USA
Flickr/Anders Ljungberg
There’s such a simple silliness in this name: just plain ol’ Grape. Located in Monroe County, Grape is more of a neighborhood than a full-blown town, but its position near the River Raisin makes its moniker more than appropriate. You won’t necessarily find an abundance of grapes in the area, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting during your next jaunt outside the Motor City.
Grape, Raisinville Township, MI 48162, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Charles W. Chapman
We’ll let you draw your own conclusions about why this particular town name amuses us… but it simply had to be included on the list. Climax is actually a village, situated about one hour and 50 minutes from Detroit by car in Kalamazoo County. There are plenty of attractions in and around town, ranging from antique malls to golf courses. Have you checked out Climax during past visits to the area?
Climax, MI 49034, USA
Facebook/Village of Maybee
Should you check out this town? Maybee! We kid, we kid – Maybee is a historic community that you should certainly check out if you’re looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its history is rooted in railroad lines that began running through the city back in the 19th century, and trains still pass through today. Drop in at the Little Brown Jug for a drink, a bite to eat, and a real taste of Maybee charm.
Maybee, MI, USA
Google Maps
While Disco no longer technically exists, this so-called “lost town” was situated near Van Dyke Road and modern-day 24 Mile Road in Macomb County. While the exact origins are unknown, the town is said to have been named for either a Latin term meaning “learn” or even an abbreviation of “District of Columbia.” In its heyday during the mid-to-late 1800s, the town had everything from general stores to an assortment of mills. While the town ultimately dispersed and is considered “lost,” its history (and funny name) remain.
Macomb County, MI, USA
Looking for a fun family adventure in the area? Read about this open-air train ride in Detroit.
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