Have you ever looked at a map of the Midwest, come across a town, and had no idea how to pronounce it? If so, you’re not alone.
A recent study and map highlighted by Mental Floss has officially identified the “hardest town to pronounce” in every state, including the particular Illinois town of Benld.
The ranking comes from a national analysis conducted by Preply, a language-learning website that examined tricky town names across all 50 states.
From Michigan coastal town “Sault Ste. Marie” (pronounced SOO Saint ma-REE) to Wisconsin’s tongue-twister “Oconomowoc” (pronounced oh-KON-oh-moh-wok), the study highlights just how imaginative—and confusing—town names can be.
For Illinois, the standout was Benld.
So… how do you say Benld?
According to Preply’s list, locals will tell you Benld is pronounced Ben-ELD, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Things to do in Benld, IL
This small town, with a population of around 1,000, is situated in the heart of Macoupin County and surrounded by rolling hills and extensive forests. The natural setting attracts visitors to engage in outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.
The downtown is filled with historic stores, restaurants, and cafes that have been around for decades.
Getting there from Chicago
Benld is just about four hours from Chicago by car, making it an ideal weekend if you’re looking for a new nature spot to explore.