Tucked away in Monroe Township, Madison County, you’ll find Alexandria, Indiana; a small city with a population hovering around 5,000 people.
Located about 48 miles northeast of Indianapolis, this unassuming community might seem like just another dot on the map at first glance.
But Alexandria holds a quirky claim to fame that has captured the attention of curious travelers and record enthusiasts from around the globe.
The town is home to the World’s Largest Ball of Paint, a colorful attraction that started as a simple baseball and has grown into a massive sphere of layered paint over decades.
This unusual landmark reflects the creative spirit and dedication of one local resident who transformed an ordinary object into something extraordinary.
Beyond this famous painted orb, Alexandria offers a glimpse into small-town Indiana life with its friendly residents, historic charm, and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Whether you’re a roadside attraction enthusiast or simply curious about unique American treasures, Alexandria’s story is one worth exploring.
The Ball Started as a Simple Baseball in 1977
Mike Carmichael, a local Alexandria resident, began this incredible project on January 1, 1977, with nothing more than an ordinary baseball and a can of paint. What started as a fun New Year’s Day activity with his young son quickly transformed into a lifelong passion and a world-record-breaking endeavor.
The idea was simple: coat the baseball with a layer of paint, then keep adding more layers over time to see how large it could grow.
The first coat was applied in Mike’s modest home, and neither he nor his family could have predicted that this simple act would eventually attract visitors from across the country and around the world. The baseball served as the perfect starting point because of its size and solid construction, providing a sturdy core that could support thousands of paint layers without falling apart.
Over the years, the ball has been coated with every color imaginable, from bright neon shades to subtle pastels.
Each layer tells a story, marking birthdays, holidays, visits from friends, and memorable moments in the Carmichael family’s history. Mike kept detailed records of each coat, documenting the date, color, and sometimes even the person who applied it.
This meticulous record-keeping has helped verify the ball’s authenticity and secure its place in record books. Today, what once fit in the palm of a hand now requires a massive steel structure to support its incredible volume.
More Than 30,000 Coats of Paint Have Been Applied
Since that first coat in 1977, the World’s Largest Ball of Paint has received over 30,000 individual layers of paint, and the number continues to climb with each passing year. This staggering figure represents nearly five decades of dedication, patience, and the contributions of thousands of visitors who have made the pilgrimage to Alexandria to add their own personal touch.
Each coat is carefully applied by hand, ensuring that the paint covers the entire surface evenly and adds to the ball’s ever-expanding circumference, which now nears 19 feet.
Mike Carmichael and his family have meticulously documented every single layer, keeping notebooks filled with dates, colors, and notes about who applied each coat. This incredible attention to detail has made it possible to verify the ball’s authenticity and track its growth over the years.
Some coats were applied during special occasions, such as family birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, making the ball a living timeline of the Carmichael family’s life and the community of Alexandria.
The variety of colors used is truly remarkable, ranging from classic reds and blues to unusual metallic shades and glow-in-the-dark paints. The process of applying a new coat can take significant time to dry, as the surface area has expanded to the size of a small vehicle.
Despite the logistical challenges, the Carmichael family remains committed to the project, welcoming visitors and encouraging them to participate in this unique tradition that spans generations.
The Ball Weighs More Than 11,500 Pounds
What began as a baseball weighing just five ounces has transformed into a colossal sphere tipping the scales at over 11,500 pounds as of 2026. This massive weight; nearly six tons, is a testament to the cumulative effect of tens of thousands of paint layers.
As the ball grew, it became too heavy for standard supports, eventually requiring the installation of an industrial steel beam and a reinforced “Ball House” to safely display the landmark.
The ball’s weight has increased significantly in recent years as the surface area grows, requiring more paint for every single layer. Early on, the ball could still be lifted by hand, but those days are long gone.
Today, the ball’s mass is comparable to that of two large SUVs, and it demonstrates fascinating principles of physics regarding how thousands of thin liquid layers can coalesce into a solid, incredibly heavy object.
Despite its massive size and weight, the ball continues to accept new coats of paint, with the Carmichaels carefully monitoring its structural integrity and making adjustments as needed. The 11,500-pound milestone is just one of many records the ball has achieved, and it serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through consistent effort over time.
Every pound represents hours of work, gallons of paint, and the contributions of countless individuals who have left their mark on this extraordinary creation.
Visitors Can Add Their Own Layer of Paint
One of the most appealing aspects of the World’s Largest Ball of Paint is that it’s not just a passive attraction to observe; visitors are actively encouraged to participate by adding their own layer of paint to the ever-growing sphere. This interactive experience has made the ball a beloved destination for families, travelers, and curious adventurers who want to leave their personal mark on a world record.
Mike Carmichael welcomes guests by appointment, providing them with paint, brushes, and guidance on how to apply their coat properly. Before you go, be sure to use the World’s Largest Ball of Paint Official Site to find contact information and schedule your visit.
The experience of painting the ball is surprisingly moving for many visitors, who describe feeling a sense of connection to the thousands of people who have come before them and the countless more who will follow. Children especially love the hands-on nature of the activity, and many families make it a special tradition to return year after year to add new colors.
After a visitor finishes their coat, Mike records the color and the person’s name in his official logbooks, and guests often receive a certificate to commemorate their contribution to this Guinness World Record-holding masterpiece.
Beyond the paint itself, a visit to the ball house offers a chance to meet the Carmichael family and hear firsthand stories about the ball’s history and the people who have visited from all over the world. The walls of the building are covered in signatures and photos, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the quirks of American roadside culture.
It is a reminder that even the simplest idea, when nurtured with decades of dedication, can grow into something that captures the imagination of thousands. Whether you choose a bright neon green or a classic navy blue, your layer becomes a permanent part of this 11,500-pound monument to persistence and creativity.
Alexandria Offers Small-Town Charm Beyond the Paint Ball
While the World’s Largest Ball of Paint is undoubtedly Alexandria’s most famous attraction, this small Indiana town offers plenty of other reasons to visit and explore its welcoming streets and friendly atmosphere. With a population of around 5,000 residents, Alexandria embodies the classic small-town American experience, where neighbors know each other by name and community events bring everyone together.
The downtown area features historic buildings, local businesses, and a slower pace of life that provides a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Indianapolis.
Visitors who come for the paint ball often discover that Alexandria itself is worth exploring, with charming streets lined with well-maintained homes and local shops that reflect the town’s pride and character. The community hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, parades, and gatherings that showcase local talent and traditions.
These events provide opportunities for visitors to interact with residents and experience authentic Hoosier hospitality firsthand.
Alexandria’s location in Madison County makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring central Indiana, and its proximity to Indianapolis means visitors can easily combine a trip to the paint ball with other regional attractions. The town’s parks and recreational facilities offer pleasant spots for picnics and relaxation, making it easy to spend a few hours or even a full day in the area.
Local restaurants and cafés serve home-style cooking and classic American fare, providing sustenance and a taste of local flavor.
The town’s sense of community and genuine warmth make visitors feel welcome and appreciated, turning what might have been a quick photo opportunity into a more meaningful travel experience. Alexandria proves that small towns have much to offer beyond their marquee attractions, and that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
The town’s authentic character and unpretentious nature make it a refreshing alternative to more commercialized tourist destinations.
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