The Weirdest Things Five Small Towns Are Famous For

Small towns often harbor unique charm and character, setting them apart from bustling cities. Among these quaint locales, some towns have embraced their quirks, becoming famous for the most peculiar reasons. Let's tour some of the weirdest claims to fame that small towns across North America proudly boast. Yes, proudly.

The Largest Ball of Twine - Cawker City, Kansas (population 500)

Cawker City, Kansas, is home to an enormous ball of twine, a quirky icon that has garnered national attention. Started by Frank Stoeber in 1953, the ball has grown to over 8 million feet of twine and continues to expand as visitors contribute to its mass. The annual Twine-a-thon celebrates this peculiar attraction, inviting twine enthusiasts to add their own pieces. This community-driven marvel exemplifies how a simple idea can grow into a beloved symbol of local pride. Oh and, "twine enthusiasts"? It turns out there are way more of them than we thought, and apparently their dinner conversations are absolutely riveting.

Bet they never thought they'd need to expand a building sometwine down the road. https://www.travelks.com/listing/worlds-largest-ball-of-twine/2344/

The World's Largest Frying Pan - Rose Hill, North Carolina (population 1500)

Rose Hill, North Carolina, proudly boasts the world's largest frying pan, a massive cooking utensil used for local events. It's 176 square feet, 15 feet in diameter, weighs 2 tons, operates on 40 propane burners, can cook 3000 chicken dinners, and holds 200 gallons of oil (if you happen to be on a diet, might we recommend adding literally any other place to your travel itinerary?). This giant pan has become a symbol of the town's culinary heritage and draws visitors eager to see it in action. You know what? Scrap what we said above, this is totally something to be proud of.

Don't worry vegans, there should be enough space to separate your stuff from the meat. https://www.uncorkduplin.com/attractions/worlds-largest-frying-pan-at-the-town-square/

The Big Blue Whale - Catoosa, Oklahoma (population 7400)

Catoosa, Oklahoma, is home to the Big Blue Whale, a whimsical roadside attraction that delights visitors of all ages. Originally built as a swimming platform, this cheerful blue whale has become an iconic symbol of Route 66. 20 feet tall? Check. 80 feet long? Check. Two years to make using hand-mixed cement, one five-gallon bucket at a time? Check. Super exciting for kids yet kind of creepy for parents who have to look at it while their children frolic? Check.

https://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.653#listing-menu-tabs

The World's Largest Beagle - Cottonwood, Idaho (population 820)

Cottonwood, Idaho, boasts the world's largest beagle standing 30 feet tall, a giant sculpture that at one point doubled as a bed and breakfast. Dog Bark Park has been a popular roadside attraction since its creation in 2003. Dennis and Frances, originators and owners of Dog Bark Park, have been carving sculptures for over 40 years (that's like, 280 dog years!) and while the B&B has closed, its former gift shop now serves as a free casual museum showcasing their creative work.

https://www.worldrecordacademy.org/2023/12/worlds-first-beagle-shaped-bed-and-breakfast-world-record-in-cottonwood-idaho-423595

The Gopher Hole Museum - Torrington, Alberta (population 190)

Torrington, Alberta, is home to the Gopher Hole Museum, a charming and slightly bizarre museum offers a humorous glimpse into gopher life and local culture. And just how exactly does this unique establishment do so, you ask? Well, I'm sorry you did. It does so by exhibits featuring stuffed gophers in various dioramas. Stuffed. Gophers. In. Dioramas. 47 of them to be precise, scenes in which stuffed gophers fish, serve and protect, preach, and hunt (thanks for joining us, irony). Oh, and the taxidermy, "gophers" featured? They're not even gophers, rather regular old ground squirrels. Phew. That's way less creepy.

https://www.gopherholemuseum.org/