From giant boots to supersized books, Texas doesn’t just live up to its reputation—it dominates it. With over 550 Guinness World Records to its name, the Lone Star State has earned global recognition for feats that are massive, quirky, and distinctly Texan. Whether it’s a 24-foot fire hydrant or the world’s largest Bowie knife, these records showcase the state’s boundless creativity and pride. Here’s a roundup of Texas’ most eye-popping, jaw-dropping, and picture-worthy Guinness World Records.
Texas’ Supersized Pride
- “I Am Texas” — Largest Published Book
Created by Texas schoolchildren and unveiled in 2022, this gigantic book measures 7 ft tall by 11 ft wide and weighs nearly 500 lb. It’s officially the largest published book in the world. - San Jacinto Monument — Tallest Monumental Column
Standing proudly at 567.31 ft near Galveston, this towering memorial narrowly surpasses even the Washington Monument and has held its Guinness title since 1939. - Largest Working Fire Hydrant
In Beaumont, a 24-foot-tall Disney-donated hydrant blasts 1,500 gallons per minute. While no longer the absolute largest, it’s the only fully functional Guinness-recognized hydrant.
Cowboy Classics and Colossal Sculptures
- Giant Cowboy Boots in San Antonio
Bob “Daddy o” Wade’s immense 35-foot-tall boots now greet shoppers at North Star Mall, cementing their place in the record book. - Lampasas World’s Largest Spur
This 33-foot, 10.75-inch steel spur stands in Lampasas and has held its Guinness title since 2017. - North Texas Bowie Knife
A 20-foot, 6-inch Bowie knife towers in Bowie, Texas—an iconic roadside photo magnet.
When Food Becomes a Record
- “The Bus” Pizza (Burleson)
Burleson’s Moontower Pizza Bar bakes and sells “The Bus”—an 8-foot by 2.75-foot pizza requiring 48 hours’ notice and about $300 to devour. - Giant Chili
At the 2017 Spirit of Texas Festival, College Station chefs cooked a 4,800-pound pot of chili—1,500 pounds of beef included—with no beans in sight. - Ball of Dog Fur
In 2012, Austin’s Texas Hearing & Service Dogs formed “Fur-O-Sphere”—a revoltingly impressive 201-pound ball of canine fur.
Strange and Wacky Records
- Tallest Bluebonnet
A Texas bluebonnet flower reached an astonishing 64.75 inches in Big Bend National Park. - Most People Dressed as Turkeys
In 2011, 661 turkey-costumed participants gathered at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot—a feathery world record. - Fastest Sandwich Made with Feet
In November 2000, Austin’s Rob Williams assembled a sandwich using only his feet—complete with bread, lettuce, pickles, mustard, mayo and olives—in just 1 minute and 57 seconds.
Quirky Attractions Worth a Selfie
- Burton Hydrant, Beaumont – 24-foot Disney hydrant
- Beer Can House, Houston – Over 50,000 cans
- Biggest Horseshoe, Marfa
- Blue Crab, Rockport
- Giant Jackrabbit, Ralls
- Giant Watermelon, Luling
Why It Matters
Texas has more than 550 Guinness records—ranging from monumental art to unlikely personal feats—making it a playground for both attention-grabbing landmarks and heartfelt community challenges. These records blend Texas pride, creativity, and a wry sense of humor, turning everyday and eccentric ideas into global notoriety.
Must-Visit Map
These standout road-trip stops are perfect for selfies, big-grin moments, and bragging rights:
- I Am Texas book – Bryan Museum, Galveston
- San Jacinto Monument – Historic battleground, La Porte
- Giant hydrant – Fire Museum of Texas, Beaumont
- Cowboy boots – North Star Mall, San Antonio
- Giant spur – Lampasas, Texas
- 20-foot Bowie knife – Bowie, Texas
- “The Bus” pizza – Moontower Pizza Bar, Burleson
