The Most Confusing City And County Names In Minnesota

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While I'm not a Minnesota native, I've been a fully-naturalized resident of the Bold North for over a decade now and have prided myself on learning the geography of our fine state. But what's up with these confusing Minnesota cities and counties' names?!?

I'm talking specifically about Blue Earth and Faribault, specifically. Both the cities and the counties. Because that's where things get confusing-- at least to a non-Minnesota native, like me. And maybe to you, too.

Check this out: There is, of course, both a city of Blue Earth, as well as a county of Blue Earth here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, right? So is the city of Blue Earth the county seat of Blue Earth County? You might think so, right, because that would only make sense.

READ MORE: These Are The 10 Naughtiest-Sounding Names in Minnesota

As strange as my home state of Wisconsin can sometimes be, at least their city and county names line up. For instance, years ago, I used to live in the city of Eau Claire. Which is, conveniently, also located in Eau Claire County.

Same deal with the city of La Crosse, which is located in La Crosse County. As is the city of Milwaukee, which is located smack dab in the middle of Milwaukee County. Even the city of Chippewa Falls is located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin.

So it would seem to make sense here in the Gopher State that the city of Blue Earth might also be located in Blue Earth County, right?

Wrong!

The city of Blue Earth, Minnesota, is actually located in (and is the county seat of)... wait for it... Faribault County. So, Blue Earth is in Faribault County?!? Why wouldn't it be located IN BLUE EARTH COUNTY?!? How does that make any sense?!?

But it gets even more confusing. If the city of Blue Earth is located in Faribault County, where does that leave the CITY of Faribault?!?  Well, duh-- it's the county seat of... wait for it... RICE COUNTY!!!

Because THAT makes sense, right?!?

At least there's not a city named 'Rice' here in Minnesota. Although if there was, I'm guessing it wouldn't be located in Rice County, it would have to be located... in... Dakota County?!? Come on, man! Who NAMED these cities and counties?!?

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