There’s a Balaton in the USA – and it might be named after the “Hungarian Sea”
Hidden in the heart of Minnesota lies a tiny American town that shares its name with Hungary’s beloved lake: Balaton. With fewer than 600 residents (as of 202) and located thousands of kilometres from Lake Balaton, this Midwestern village carries a name—and perhaps a legacy—that warms many Hungarian hearts.
Founded in 1879 during the construction of the Dakota Central Railroad and officially established as a town in 1892, Balaton, Minnesota, sits on the shores of Lake Yankton. Although significantly smaller than its Hungarian namesake, it boasts a similar lakeside charm and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The post office in the city of Balaton:
Was the town really named after Lake Balaton?
According to Promotions, the origin of the town’s name remains a topic of local debate. One theory suggests it was named after Hungary’s scenic Lake Balaton, once dubbed “the most beautiful lake in the world” by a travel agent who supposedly inspired the renaming of the town from its original name, Belltown. Another version of the story credits a mysterious railroad shareholder named Mr. Balaton. However, many now believe the Hungarian connection is the most likely explanation.
Despite its modest size, Balaton, MN, is full of life—especially during the annual Balaton Fun Fest, held the first weekend of July. The event features boat parades, street festivals, and community activities that bring residents and visitors together. The town also offers recreational options like parks, campgrounds, volleyball courts, and even a golf course.
More Hungarian names in the USA
Balaton is not the only U.S. location with a Hungarian name. A significant wave of Hungarian immigration between the late 19th century and the 1920s left cultural imprints across the country. For example, Buda, Texas, renamed in 1887, and Buda, Illinois, founded in 1854 and reportedly named in honour of Hungarian revolutionary leader Lajos Kossuth, reflect these strong Hungarian roots. There’s even a Budapest in Missouri and two American towns named Kossuth, in Mississippi and Wisconsin, 24.hu wrote in an article back in 2017.
According to the 2021 American Community Survey One-Year Estimates, 1,221,273 respondents claimed Hungarian ancestry in the USA. From architecture to place names, the legacy of Hungarian immigrants continues to shape communities far from their homeland.
The city of Balaton on the map:
So, while the shores of Lake Balaton in Hungary may be a world away from Minnesota’s quiet countryside, their shared name will always remind us of a cultural bond that spans continents.
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