World's Biggest Ball of Twine
A Comparison of the Minnesota and Kansas Unnatural Wonders
There are two competing twine balls vying for the title of world's biggest. This article is a comparison of the Darwin, MN and the Cawker City, KS twine balls.
There’s something indescribably patriotic about Americans who spend the vast of majority of their lives doing something weird.
Those familiar with Weird Al Yankovich may have been among the five people who saw his movie UHF. One of the songs in that memorable movie was entitled “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota.” For the true offbeat adventurer, this song could easily act as a travel anthem. In it, Weird Al lists a plethora of unique adventure ideas, but the mecca of them all is truly the world’s biggest ball of sisal twine.
The actual biggest ball of twine in the world is in Cawker City, KS. It was begun by Frank Stoeber in an attempt to unseat the then current biggest ball of twine, which is, indeed, in Minnesota. However, Frank died before he could complete his task. The town rallied around his dream and added to the twine ball until it became the largest ball of twine in the world. Across from the twine ball is a souvenir gift shop where the discerning shopper can purchase bumper stickers, post cards, t-shirts and, perhaps best of all, houseware items such as salt and pepper shakers or teapots in the shape of the twine ball. Down the road from the gift shop is the Twine Ball Inn. Visitors can also follow a painted line of “twine” on the sidewalk that leads you around town where you can take in pictures painted on the buildings and try to find the hidden twine ball in each. The most exciting thing about Cawker City is that the third Friday in August they have a Twine-a-thon, during which visitors and townsfolk alike come together to add to the twine ball. Those who add to the ball are officially dubbed Twine Winders. On Saturday they cap of the festivities with a parade and picnic.
If you do decide to visit Cawker City, you can email Linda Clover (clover@nckcn.com) and she will have twine available so you can add to the twine ball during your visit.
In comparison to Cawker City, the biggest ball of sisal twine rolled by a single man, Francis A. Johnson, in Darwin, MN doesn’t stand up. Not only is the Darwin twine ensconced in a pagoda rendering visitors unable to touch it, the city doesn’t have much going for it either. There are the remnants of an old Twine Ball Inn, now abandoned. The highlight of the Darwin ball is signing your name to the guest book, an option also available in Cawker City.
The true offbeat adventurers will take the time to see both. The journey to both towns involves a good amount of time driving through the middle of nowhere, counting cows for fun, but whether you go to Darwin, MN to see the World's Biggest Ball of Twine by One Man or you go to Cawker City, KS to see the World's Biggest Ball of Twine there's plenty of twine goodness in both towns.
Directions to the Twine
Darwin, MN: Off of US-12. Drive until you reach Darwin, MN. There will be large signs in the town pointing to the twine ball.
Cawker City, KS: KS-181 to US-24/Morgan St./KS-9/State St. Follow US-24 to Cawker City, the road will drive you right past the twine.
Links
Cawker City’s Twine Ball Website
Weird Al Yankovich’s Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota Song
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