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

The late Frank Stoeber's giant twine ball continues to grow, added to by visitors with the help of Cawker City residents.

The World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas, was struck by an unexpected twine shortage this summer that slowed, but did not stop, its growth. According to Twine Ball caretaker Linda Clover, the ball, which broke the 10-ton barrier last year, is now up to 20,324 pounds and 8,180,078 feet of sisal twine. Donations from local farmers helped end the drought, and Linda told us that a family from Mongolia and "a couple guys from Antarctica," recently stopped by to add to the Ball.

"Thanks to people like you," Linda said, "the whole world knows about our Ball of Twine." Aw, thanks, Linda -- that tugs at our heart twine.

BTDT! Got the t-shirt! You gotta make your own excitement over the best piece of roadside americana. I even contributed to the mass! The phone number will get you the one and only clerk at city hall who has postcards and t-shirts for sale, along with a piece of twine to add.

Be sure to call Linda, the keeper of the twine, if you want to add twine to the World's Largest Ball of Twine. She was super nice and we enjoyed learning about the history of the twine ball and Cawker City.

Souvenirs are available at Lottie Herod's home, which is located a few blocks away. Approximately 20 paintings [each featuring the twine ball] are displayed in storefronts, but many of the buildings are closed. I'm hopeful that this little town can survive and take pride in the ball of twine that has put Cawker City on the map.

We really loved the fact that this wondrous roadside attraction was decorated for Halloween!