World's Largest Twine Ball, Darwin, Minnesota

Across from the Post Office, in the heart of Darwin, Minnesota, you will see this enclosed display of the World's Largest Twine Ball.

Before coming to Darwin I had already taken my grandchildren to see the "World's Largest Ball of Twine" in Cawker City, Kansas. Frankly the two twine balls look approximately the same size to me. I understand that each has alternately held title to being the "World's Largest." However, I learned that this one is undisputedly the world's largest ball of twine made by ONE MAN. Many people have helped to build the competing ball of twine in Kansas. The Darwin twine ball was created by Francis A. Johnson between 1950 and 1979. It weighs 17,400 pounds and is about 40 feet around.

Such odd ball roadside attractions are one of the things that makes road tripping in America so much fun. Movie goers may remember that actor Chevy Chase in the movie "Family Vacation" stopped on a cross country road trip to show his kids the "World's Largest Ball of Twine." It's all in fun, and you'll have a "ball" here in Darwin, Minnesota.