Kylie Whitcomb Some towns chase fame with award-winning museums or grand civic projects. Others go big. All across the U.S., small communities have leaned into the quirky charm of claiming “the world’s largest” version of something, whether that’s a piece of candy, a pitchfork, or something you’ve never even heard of.
These supersized oddities often draw curious travelers off the highway and stories about local pride through clever marketing and a little bit of fun. Here’s a look at some of the most beloved giants in America’s roadside hall of fame.
A Candy Counter That Just Keeps Going
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Littleton, New Hampshire, has your spot. The town’s pride and joy is Chutters, home to the World’s Largest Candy Counter. At over 100 feet long, this place showcases jar after jar of jelly beans, licorice, gummies, and old-school treats. What began as a charming general store in a small town in New Hampshire has become a must-visit destination for tourists looking to indulge.
The Twine That Binds in Kansas
In Cawker City, Kansas, the claim to fame is as tangled as it is tenacious: the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Started by one man, Frank Stoeber, in 1953, the massive ball has become a living monument to communal obsession. Residents add to it each year during the town’s Twine-a-Thon, and it currently weighs in at over 20,000 pounds.
Casey, Illinois: Town of Titans
You’d be hard-pressed to find a town that leans into the “world’s largest” theme more than Casey, Illinois. This village of around 2,500 people has over a dozen Guinness World Record holders. Think a 56-foot rocking chair, a working mailbox big enough to stand inside, and a pitchfork that towers 60 feet in the air.
The Tallest Ketchup Bottle You’ll Ever See
Collinsville, Illinois, still holds bragging rights to the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle. This 170-foot-tall water tower was built in 1949 for the Brooks ketchup factory and has since become a beloved landmark. Luckily, it was saved from demolition in the 1990s by devoted locals, so people can enjoy it today.
Philadelphia’s Giant Paintbrush Stroke of Genius
You don’t have to leave the city for your fix of oversized flair. In Philadelphia, the World’s Largest Paintbrush leans dramatically against the side of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The steel structure, 53 feet tall, even features a glowing red “bristle” tip to mimic a fresh stroke of paint.
A Toy Story Told in Square Feet
Branson, Missouri, is no stranger to family entertainment, and it also happens to house the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex. This sprawling space covers over 26,000 square feet and includes six museums in one.
Opening Bottles, Breaking Records in Seaside
If you’ve never heard of a cap snaffler, you’re not alone. In Seaside, Oregon, the term is spoken with pride. A cap snaffler is a type of bottle opener, and the one mounted in Seaside is reportedly the world’s largest. It’s an endearing example of how even the smallest objects can make a big impression with the right twist.
Why We Love the Big and Bizarre
These oversized curiosities provide something that’s distinctly, charmingly yours. They’re great for tourism, but they also represent a sense of local identity. They make people stop. They make people smile. And they give small towns a larger-than-life reason to be proud.
So the next time you’re on a road trip and see a sign for the world’s largest something-or-other, don’t keep driving. Pull over. Take the picture, and celebrate the delightful weirdness that makes these places unforgettable.
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