14 Guinness World Records Iowa holds
From the largest pickleball paddle to the shortest bull to the biggest collection of pencils, discover the Guinness World Records Iowa and its residents hold.
The first edition of The Guinness Book of Records (now referred to as Guinness World Records) was published in 1955, and since then, “officially amazing” groups and individuals across the globe have earned recognition for their unique talents and astonishing accomplishments.
Iowa is home to plenty of talented people who have made it into the record books with their special skills, interesting hobbies, and quirky collections. Some Iowa records involve large groups of people gathering to do a specific activity—like dancing, playing games, etc.—while others feature comically oversized—or undersized—items, impressive physical feats, or businesses that have stood the test of time.
Keep reading to discover some of the most interesting Guinness World Records held by the Hawkeye State and those who call it home.
1. Most people scratching scratch cards simultaneously
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Iowa Lottery brought together more than 1,000 people in Des Moines for an event that set a Guinness World Record. On Aug. 14, 2025, 1,380 individuals got together to scratch lottery scratch cards at the same time.
2. Oldest continuously operating cinema theater
Iowa is home to many notable landmarks and attractions, including a record-breaking movie theater. The State Theatre in Washington has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating movie theater. The theater opened on May 14, 1897, and tickets for the first movie shown there ranged in price from 15 to 35 cents.
3. Largest pickleball paddle
As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., it should come as no surprise that there are many Guinness World Records involving pickleball. On Aug. 28, 2018, sports center Smash Park and pickleball paddle manufacturer Paddletek teamed up to create a giant record-setting pickleball paddle. The paddle measured more than 13 feet long and six feet wide and was made from enough material to make about 180 regular-sized paddles.
4. Longest video game marathon playing games in the Mario Kart series
Pickleball isn’t the only game Iowans are setting records playing. The Guinness World Record for the longest Mario Kart series video game marathon was set in Iowa City by Ben Fick, Anthony Lehnertz, and Hunter Nierman. The marathon, which began on Nov. 2 and ended on Nov. 3, lasted a total of 40 hours. It took place at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and patients and staff members were invited to participate.
5. Farthest distance to throw a rolling pin
Lori La Deane Adams set a Guinness World Record using a tool commonly used for baking—a rolling pin. At the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 21, 1979, she threw a two-pound rolling pin a distance of 175 feet and 5 inches.
6. Largest clog dance
While many Guinness World Records are set by individuals, some require bringing large groups of people together to achieve. On May 8, 2010, more than 2,000 people gathered at the Tulip Time festival in Pella to break the record for the largest clog dance. The event was organized by the Pella Historical Society, and 2,605 dancers participated.
7. Most people planting flower bulbs simultaneously
An Oct. 18, 2016, record set by the Lee County Economic Development Group also involved a large group of people working together. The group gathered 1,463 people at Montrose’s Lee County Conservation Center to simultaneously plant flower bulbs for about 30 minutes. Each participant planted five tulip bulbs.
8. Most premature baby
Nash Keen set a Guinness World Record for the most premature baby. Keen was born at 21 weeks of gestation, or 147 days, which meant he was 133 days premature. He was born on July 5, 2024, at Iowa City’s University of Iowa Health Care, weighing just 10 ounces and measuring 9.5 inches long. Keen remained in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit for about six months after his birth.
9. Largest collection of nativity sets
Washington’s Michael Zahs set a record for having the biggest collection of nativity sets on Jan. 15, 2023. His collection, which consists of 2,324 sets, was put on display for the public to see in December 2022 in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene.
10. Largest collection of pencils
Nativity sets aren’t the only item Iowans love to collect. Aaron Bartholmey’s pencil collection set a world record in Colfax on July 1, 2023. The collection includes 69,255 pencils, some of which Bartholmey began collecting in first grade.
11. Greatest distance waterskied on both hands
While some Guinness World Records involve common or everyday activities, such as playing video games or sports, others highlight strange or unique hobbies and pursuits. Matt Shatek earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for waterskiing on both hands for a distance of 5,541 feet and 4 inches in Cedar River on Aug. 3, 2019.
12. Shortest bull ever
Humphrey, a miniature Zebu bull owned by Joe and Michelle Gardner, set a record for being the shortest bull ever. Humphrey measured 26.6 inches tall at Kalona Veterinary Clinic on April 27, 2018.
13. First college basketball game
This Guinness World Record is the oldest one Iowa currently holds. The record for the first college basketball game was set on Jan. 18, 1896. The game pitted the University of Iowa against the University of Chicago and took place at Iowa City Armory. In addition to being the first college basketball game, this matchup was notable because it featured five players on each team, whereas games were previously played with seven, eight, or nine players per team. Chicago won the game 15-12.
14. Largest hokey cokey dance
A record-setting 7,384 participants gathered at FRY fest in Coralville on Sept. 3, 2010, to dance the hokey cokey and earn a spot in the Guinness World Records. The dance was led by legendary University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry.
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