World's Largest Twine Ball - Darwin, Minn.
Posted by: 
msrubble
N 45° 05.782 W 094° 24.610
15T E 389043 N 4994622
Eight-ton ball of twine was one man's hobby.
Waymark Code: WMKKNK
Location: Minnesota, United States
Date Posted: 04/27/2014
Views: 2
In the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest, this ball of twine was added on to by Minnesota carpenter Francis Johnson for 29 years, until it grew so large that it could only be handled with a block and tackle. For a time, the twine ball was displayed outdoors under a metal canopy at Johnson's home east of Darwin. After his death, the twine ball was moved to Darwin, where it is the centerpiece of a historical museum.
The twine ball is on display 24 hours a day, outdoors, in a wood and plexiglas shed. The Twine Ball Museum (free admission) has limited hours. There is a guestbook outside. Twine ball souvenirs can be also be purchased at the Blue Moose, across the street, when the museum is closed.
Weird Al Yankovic sang about a visit to this roadside attraction.
Vital Statistics:
- Number of builders: 1
- Years to build: 29
- Circumference: about 40 feet
- Height: 11 feet
- Weight: 17, 400 pounds