Sac City Archives - Olio in Iowa

December 30, 2016

Olio in Iowa’s 2017 Bucket List

I have a confession: I did a horrible job checking locations and attractions off of my 2016 bucket list. Of all the attractions I hoped to see this year, I only made it to one.

But looking back at all of the places I did travel to in 2016, it’s hard to be too disappointed. So when I sat down to plan out my 2017 travel bucket list, I decided to be slightly more realistic. Not only did that mean seeking out some new places to explore, but it also meant working trips I’m already planning into the mix.

Iowa

Field of Dreams…Again (Dyersville)

Even though I’ve been to the Field of Dreams twice since moving to Iowa, it looks like I’ll be heading back again in 2017. Organizers at the Field of Dreams movie site announced in October that for the first time tourists will be allowed inside the lower level of the farmhouse in this Iowa classic.Continue Reading…

June 13, 2016

A Sticky Saga: A History of Sac City’s World’s Largest Popcorn Ball

When I compiled my list of Iowa’s “world’s largest” things, I strongly considered highlighting Sac City’s World’s Largest Popcorn Ball. But then I learned that the Iowa version lost its gigantic title to the Indiana State Fair in 2013, and while the reigning “world’s largest” ball no longer exists, I decided to go in a different direction.Continue Reading…

October 16, 2013

World’s Largest Ball of Popcorn

While it’s a little tricky to see through the glare of the window, this tiny shed in Sac City, Iowa houses the world’s largest ball of popcorn. Fun fact: this 2,175-population town is home to the Noble Popcorn Farms, “one of the finest popcorn growing areas in the world” according to the company’s website.

In 2009, the good people of Sac City built the more than 5,000-pound popcorn ball using 900 pounds of popcorn combined with a sickening amount of sugar and dry syrup. It took them more than 12 hours and the ball stands at just over eight feet tall. While that all sounds—and looks—pretty unappetizing, the popcorn ball is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records and is definitely worth a visit.

The popcorn ball is located right next door to the Sac City Museum—open only four hours a week from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Though we arrived during these hours, the museum was unfortunately closed, but you can still wander its grounds and admire the many barn quilts Sac City is famous for (more on those later).

World’s Largest Ball of Popcorn, 13th and Main streets in Sac City, IA