Each year the entire town celebrates "Twine Ball Days" on the second Saturday in August - Be sure to join us!
News on the Annual Twine Ball Day Celebration
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 circumfrance, and weighs 17,400 pounds (7,900 kg).
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.
The museum is a volunteer-run museum and gift shop that offers key information on the ball's history as well many unique souvenirs.
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