World's Largest Ball of Twine
Cawker City, KS
Over 8 million feet of sisal twine and still growing. Visitors are invited to add a strand at the annual Twine-a-thon.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine stands in downtown Cawker City, Kansas, on U.S. 24 under an open pavilion. The farmer Frank Stoeber began winding sisal twine on December 24, 1953. By 1961 the ball had grown so large that it was moved into town and given a shelter. According to a sign from March 2025, it measures about 14 meters (46 feet) around, consists of 8,507,430 feet (about 2,590 km or 1,610 miles) of twine and weighs more than 27,000 pounds, or just over 12 metric tons.
After Stoeber’s death in 1974, the community kept the ball growing. Every year on the third weekend of August the “Twine-a-thon” takes place, where visitors add twine. You can also get twine at City Hall during the day. Admission is free, and Kansas Sampler lists no fixed opening hours.
The ball sits right by the road in the town center and makes a quick photo stop on a drive through Kansas.
- Nearest town
- Cawker City, KS
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 39.5092, -98.4337
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Glen Elder State Park Kaw CampgroundCampsite4 mi from World's Largest Ball of Twine
- Glen Elder State Park Kiowa CampgroundCampsite5 mi from World's Largest Ball of Twine
- Glen Elder State Park Kanza CampgroundCampsite5 mi from World's Largest Ball of Twine
- Glen Elder State Park Cheyenne CampgroundCampsite5 mi from World's Largest Ball of Twine
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is World's Largest Ball of Twine?
World's Largest Ball of Twine is in Cawker City, KS, at GPS 39.5092, -98.4337. It is about 32 mi from Lucas.
Can you camp near World's Largest Ball of Twine?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Glen Elder State Park Kaw Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near World's Largest Ball of Twine?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mushroom Rock State Park (58 mi), Sternberg Museum of Natural History (61 mi), Coronado Heights (72 mi) and Cheyenne Bottoms (73 mi).
When is the best time to visit World's Largest Ball of Twine?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)