Cawker City, Kansas: World's Largest Ball of Twine

The World's Largest Ball of Twine was the main reason I took a motorcycle trip around the country! Well, it was one of the reasons....

The ball of twine is impressive, but I think I was a little saddened by its display - it just sits under what looks like a "rest stop" shelter. Still, it was cool to see in person -- one of the iconic US roadside attractions. Don't forget to sign the guest book in the mailbox!

The World's Biggest Ball of Twine is still going strong in Cawker City. An added bonus is all of the twine-related parodies of famous paintings in the storefront windows around town. There's also a Ball of Twine Inn across the street. Not sure about the accommodations.

This free attraction really deserves a stop for anyone heading thru North Central Kansas. Started in 1953 as a way [for Frank Stoeber] to keep his twine in an organized ball, now this town keeps itself organized by adding on to the World's Largest Ball of Twine every year at the annual Twine-A-Thon. While visiting the ball year round is free, it might be even better to visit during the festival to wind some twine yourself. The Twine-A-Thon, a picnic and parade are on the third Saturday in August, with the twine winding being held the Friday before.

There were a few people visiting it while we were there, but there is always time and room to get a picture of the big ball for yourself.

A nice lady named Lottie runs an antique shop across from the Ball of Twine. She also sells Ball of Twine souvenirs, and the best part is that she makes most of them herself! I got some lovely ceramic salt and pepper shakers and some magnets and my niece got a Christmas ornament. She also has some t-shirts and sweat shirts.