JFK’s World Famous Ball of Twine

James Frank Kotera spent more than four decades creating this giant ball of twine in Lake Nebagamon because God told him to. Kotera, known locally as “JFK,” transformed ordinary baler twine into one of Wisconsin’s most unforgettable roadside attractions. Working steadily from 1979 until his death in 2023, Kotera hand-wrapped every strand himself, creating a colossal ball of twine measuring approximately 22 feet wide, 10 feet high, and weighing more than 24,100 pounds. The project began after Kotera, struggling with alcoholism, said he prayed for a reason to quit drinking and believed God answered by telling him his future was in twine. Visitors from across the United States and around the world came to meet the charismatic creator, who loved greeting guests with his trademark line: “I’m having a ball.”

JFK’s creation earned international recognition when Guinness World Records certified it as the largest ball of twine in the world in 1993. It has also been recognized by the World Record Academy as the world’s heaviest ball of twine, setting it apart from the famous twine balls in Minnesota and Kansas. Kotera carefully tracked its growing weight by weighing every bag of twine before adding it to the giant sphere, ultimately spending tens of thousands of hours on his life’s work. He even created a 47-pound companion known as “Junior,” which visitors could hold for memorable photos while hearing the remarkable story behind the attraction.

After Kotera passed away in 2023, friends, neighbors, and supporters rallied to preserve his legacy rather than let the iconic landmark disappear. Following a community fundraising effort, the massive twine ball was carefully relocated to a permanent public display outside the JFK Transfer Station, where Kotera had worked for nearly 50 years. The attraction was officially dedicated in February 2024, ensuring future generations can continue experiencing one of Wisconsin’s quirkiest world-record attractions. Today, visitors can admire the enormous twine ball, browse memorabilia displayed nearby, and sign the same guest book that has recorded visitors from dozens of states and numerous countries who made the pilgrimage to see the legendary creation for themselves.