Blog Post

World's Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man, world record in Darwin, Minnesota

March 4, 2024

Darwin, Minnesota, United States--The Twine Ball made by one man, Francis A. Johnson, on display in Darwin, Minnesota, is 4 meters (13 ft) in diameter, 40 ft in circumference, and weighs 17,400 pounds (7,900 kg), and sets the world record for being the World's Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/Darwin MN Twine Ball

"Larger twine balls may exist, but Minnesota farmer Francis Johnson’s is the largest rolled by a single individual. His efforts have inspired copycats, but none yet have succeeded in breaking the record set by this visionary, who started the twine ball in 1950 and continued rolling it until 1979. The twine ball measures 12 feet in diameter, a whopping 17,400 lbs, and took 29 years to make, with Johnson toiling four hours a day," the Atlas Obscura says.

"He was an independent craftsman - he even carved his own tweezers to pull the twine, some of which are on display in the tiny museum adjacent to the ball’s gazebo. The ball was moved here after Johnson’s death; during his lifetime, it resided in a round open air shed on his lawn.

"In the end, the twine ball is a symbol of folly, the ultimate waste of time, but at the same time the creation of something that brings joy to everyone who views it. A comment book is stored in a mailbox next to the twine ball. Virtually every comment–from visitors worldwide–suggests delight and good humor. The twine ball is an experience not to be missed."

"Darwin, Minnesota is the home of a the largest Twine Ball in the World made by one man, Francis A. Johnson. The Twine Ball is 4 meters (13 ft) in diameter, 40 ft in circumference, and weighs 17,400 pounds (7,900 kg)," the official website says.

"Francis A. Johnson started his obsession in March of 1950 and wrapped for 4 hours every day for 23 weeks. Francis lifted it with a crane to continue proper wrapping as he went along. For 39 years, this magnificent sphere evolved at Johnson's farm. Eventually the ball was moved to a circular open air shed on his front lawn.

"When Francis died in 1989, the city of Darwin moved the ball onto a special city lot across from the park on Main Street. The gazebo that shelters it today allows viewing from all sides through Plexiglas panels."

"Museum displaying items related to the World's Largest Ball of Twine made by one man. Also holds and displays items relating to the history of the Darwin, MN area," the Explore Minnesota says.

"The World's Largest Ball of Twine by one man is on display every day of the year. Museum hours are dependent on volunteer availability or by appointment. Please contact via phone, email, or Facebook (Darwin MN Twine Ball)."

"Darwin, Minnesota, is the home of a ball of baler twine rolled by Francis A. Johnson. It is 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and weighs 17,400 pounds (7,900 kg; 8.7 short tons). Johnson began rolling the twine in March 1950, and wrapped four hours every day for 29 years.

"It is currently housed in an enclosed gazebo across from the town park on Main Street at (45.096332°N 94.410276°W) to prevent the public from touching it. The town celebrates "Twine Ball Day" on the second Saturday in August every year. An adjacent volunteer-run, free to visit museum and gift shop has information on the history of the ball, as well as selling a variety of souvenirs.

"It was the long-standing holder of the "biggest ball of twine" title in the Guinness Book of World Records, holding the title from its completion in 1979 until 1994, and was referenced by "Weird Al" Yankovic in his 1989 song "The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota." (Wikipedia)

"Darwin, Minnesota, population 350, is known for being the home of the World's Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man. It is on display inside a protective gazebo that sits along the town's main street," the USA Today says.

"Francis Johnson started rolling twine in 1950. Twenty-nine years later, he wound up with a 12-foot-tall ball of twine, 40 feet in circumference and weighing 17,400 pounds.

"Over the course of his life, Francis Johnson rolled what is now known as the largest ball of twine rolled by one man. Francis Johnson used a railroad jack to turn his twine ball to ensure it kept its round form."

"OK, so there are three other Midwest twine balls also claiming to be the largest, but Darwin maintains it has the 'Largest Built by One Person' – Francis A Johnson wrapped the 17,400lb whopper on his farm over the course of 29 years. Gawk at it in the town gazebo. Darwin is 60 miles west of Minneapolis on Hwy 12," the Lonely Planet says.

"Located beside the big twine ball, the museum tells its backstory and has a fun gift shop."

"What started as a simple way to pass the time for one man became a decades-long project that grew into one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the state — if not the country," the St. Cloud Times says.

"Darwin, Minnesota, population 350, is known for being the home of the World's Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man. And Francis Johnson — its creator — was more than just persistent and dedicated to his project.

""Over the course of his life, Francis rolled the twine ball, and he put in about four hours a day, every day, for 29 years," Darwin Mayor Josh Johnson said."

"Darwin, Minnesota, is the home of a ball of baler twine rolled by Francis A. Johnson. It is 12 feet in diameter and weighs 17,400 pounds. Johnson began rolling the twine in March 1950, and wrapped four hours every day for 29 years," the Roadtrippers says.

"It is currently housed in a specially made gazebo across from the town park on Main Street, and the town celebrates "Twine Ball Day" on the second Saturday in August every year.

"An adjacent volunteer-run, free to visit museum and gift shop has information on the history of the ball, as well as selling a variety of souvenirs."

"The World’s Largest Twine Ball…built by one man…resides in the small central Minnesota town of Darwin. This is one quirky (and free) roadside attraction you just can’t miss. It’s fun, bizarre and totally cool!" the Jack and Kitty says.

"Constructed by Francis A. Johnson, he started the project one cold afternoon in March of 1950…and didn’t complete his masterpiece of twine until 1979. It’s said he wrapped twine for about four hours every single day. Eventually his twine ball got so big he hoisted it up with a crane so he could continue wrapping the twine ball properly.

"When it got too massive for the crane, Johnson moved the ball to a circular open air shed he built on his front lawn. The twine ball would make any cat drool with envy: it weighs 17,400 pounds (7,900 kg)…and is approximately 40 feet in circumference."

Darwin’s Twine Ball Days

"Always held on the 2nd Saturday of August. Don’t miss this small-town festival, focused around the quirky attraction that makes Darwin “famous,” the world’s largest ball of twine made by one man," the Litchfield Visitors Bureau says.