If you love quirky roadside attractions, Indiana is home to one of the most colorful stops in the country: the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. Tucked away in Alexandria in Madison County, this hidden gem isn’t just something you look at… it’s something you become part of.

The First Layer

What started on January 1, 1977, as a baseball covered in house paint has grown into a massive, record-holding sphere weighing more than 11,000 pounds. Created by Michael Carmichael and his family, the project began as a fun father-son activity. Decades later, it has transformed into a towering ball made up of tens of thousands of individual paint layers, each one applied by visitors from around the world.

Be Part Of The Fun

Here’s what makes this attraction truly special: you can paint it yourself.

Unlike most roadside oddities where you snap a quick photo and move on, the World’s Largest Ball of Paint is interactive. Visitors schedule an appointment in advance since it’s located on private property, and when you arrive, you’ll be handed a brush or roller and invited to choose a color. Then comes the fun part of adding your very own layer to this ever-growing masterpiece.

After you finish painting, you’ll receive a certificate documenting your contribution, including the official layer number you added. It’s a simple but meaningful souvenir that proves you left your mark on one of Indiana’s most unique attractions.

Continuing To Grow

The ball itself is housed inside a dedicated structure affectionately called the “Ball House,” where the walls are covered with photos, signatures, and stories from past visitors. The experience feels less like a tourist stop and more like visiting a long-running community art project built on decades of creativity and tradition.