1

Most Big Mac burgers eaten in a lifetime

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Sure, we all enjoy a delicious burger every now and then, but 34,000? That's the total number of Big Macs a 70-year-old retired prison officer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has consumed in his lifetime. Recently, after eating 728 more burgers throughout 2023, Donald Gorske has extended his world record.

On May 17, 1972, Gorske had his first Big Mac and from then on, he never stopped. Every day, he skips breakfast and goes straight for one burger at lunch and one at dinner, accompanied by fries or fruit. Gorske said he used to drive to McDonald's every day, but since retiring, he buys the burgers twice a week in batches and then heats them up in the microwave. What about you? If you had to choose just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

2

Farthest distance to blow a pea

Image: Elena Leya

Some use the power of their lungs to run marathons, while others use it to break curious world records. On October 8, 2022, David Rush set out to accomplish a feat that, while unusual, required great precision and breathing control: the greatest distance traveled by a blown pea.

With a mixture of concentration and dexterity, Rush managed to blow a single green pea an impressive 84 feet, 11 inches. What makes this record even more remarkable is that he achieved this distance with a single breath. This accomplishment is just one more in the extensive list of Guinness World Records that the Boise, Idaho, resident has achieved in his lifetime; in fact, in August 2024, Rush became the world's top record breaker with 181 titles.

3

Largest collection of teddy bears

Image: MirelaSchenk

Not long ago, an American woman named Jackie Miley held the title for the largest collection of teddy bears. In her home in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jackie zealously guarded more than 8,000 teddy bears. The collection consisted of at least one bear representing each of the U.S. states and 29 different countries. She got her first bear during a vacation in 2000, and it wasn't until she reached 3,000 bears that she contacted Guinness World Records.

Unfortunately for Jackie, her record was beaten in 2019 by a Hungarian woman named Istvánné Arnóczki, who owns a total of 20,367 teddy bears. However, as far as stuffed animals go, the United States remains on the podium. In 2024, a 27-year-old from Mascoutah, Illinois, entered the Guinness World Records for having an impressive collection of 1,523 Squishmallows, a brand of stuffed toy launched in 2017 that boasts 3,000 different styles.

4

Longest birthday

Image: jarmoluk

Many of us wish our birthdays lasted a little longer than just 24 hours. Well, one young Hawaii native made that dream come true. On February 3, 2018, Paul Morgan celebrated his 28th birthday in a totally original way: by making it the longest birthday ever recorded. But how did he do it? He simply took advantage of the difference in time zones around the world! In doing so, he extended his special day to a total of 48 hours, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest birthday in history.

Morgan began his epic celebration in Apia, Samoa, one of the first places in the world to welcome each new day. From there, he flew to Auckland, New Zealand, before heading to Los Angeles, and finally landing in Kauai, Hawaii. This carefully planned trip allowed him to cross several time zones and extend his birthday to twice as long as normal. Clever, huh?

5

Most candles on a cake

Image: Tim Cooper

And if we talk about birthdays, we can't miss cake! As we get older, candles multiply, but you'll never guess what the largest number of candles on a cake ever recorded is. In 2016, members of the Sri Chinmoy Center in New York, an Eastern philosophy spiritual group, achieved the world record for the most candles lit on a birthday cake.

They burned 72,585 candles for 40 seconds on a huge cake measuring 80.5 feet long and 2 feet wide. It took 100 volunteers to light them and a couple of fire extinguishers to put them out safely. We are not sure if the attendees were able to eat the delicious vanilla mousse sponge cake after such a blaze, but the video of the feat can be seen on YouTube. As of today, it has already been viewed by more than 220,000 people!

6

Most tricks performed by a cow in one minute

Image: leppäkerttu

It's not just humans who break world records, animals do too! In March 2023, a four-year-old Charolais cow named Ghost broke a Guinness World Record by performing 10 tricks in just one minute. This record, which might seem more fitting for a dog or a horse, is the sole merit of her owner’s ingenuity, Nebraskan Megan Reimann, who applied horse training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, to teach her a series of amazing skills.

Among Ghost’s incredible talents are her ability to come when called, turn, nod her head, give kisses, and even bow—all in just 60 seconds. The success of the "world's smartest cow" is not only a testament to her intelligence but also to the potential all animals have to learn and perform exceptional feats.

7

Highest number counted out loud

Image: Mishelved

This Guinness World Record is probably the exact opposite of counting sheep to sleep. In the summer of 2007, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, named Jeremy Harper embarked on a feat that would test both his physical and mental endurance: counting out loud to the number one million without leaving his apartment.

For four months in a row, Harper live-streamed his quest on YouTube, capturing an audience of thousands around the world who tuned in to watch him recite more than 11,000 numbers a day. After 89 long days without breaks, sunlight, or privacy, Harper finally reached his goal and set the Guinness World Record for the highest number ever counted out loud.

8

Most bobby pins in a beard

Image: Alf van Beem, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Surely, when San Francisco-based cosmetics manufacturer Luis Marcus invented bobby pins in the early 20th century, he never imagined that a hundred years later they would be part of a world record. On July 21, 2021, Dean Banowetz, a California hairstylist, set out to accomplish a feat few would have imagined: placing the most bobby pins in a beard.

With precision and dedication, Banowetz managed to attach a total of 4,831 bobby pins to his own beard, surpassing all expectations and setting a unique world record. This stylist, who was already known as the Hollywood Hair Guy, proved that his skill goes beyond traditional hairdressing techniques, exploring the creative potential of something as simple as a bobby pin.

9

Heaviest kale

Image: Monika Borys

If humans and animals can break world records, why can't the vegetable world do it too? In August 2007, Scott Robb, a horticulturist from Palmer, Alaska, presented a kale at the State Fair that left everyone open-mouthed with its colossal size: 105 pounds, 14.5 ounces.

This achievement was no fluke but the result of years of perfecting farming techniques and a passion for growing giant vegetables. Robb is no stranger to the world of horticultural records; he also holds titles for growing the heaviest turnip (39.2 pounds), the heaviest kohlrabi (nearly 97 pounds), and the heaviest green cabbage (138.25 pounds). Robb's dedication has made Palmer, Alaska, a benchmark for gardening enthusiasts and Guinness World Records.

10

Largest hands and feet on a living teenager

Image: KlausHausmann

Eric Kilburn Jr., a 16-year-old from Michigan, has stamped his footprint in the 2025 Guinness World Records book—literally! With feet measuring 13.50 inches and hands just over 7.4 inches, Eric holds the title of "largest hands and feet on a teenager".

His shoe size is an impressive 23 American , while the average for an adult male typically ranges from 8.5 to 9. Before he rose to fame, his mother faced challenges having to get shoes custom-made for him; they cost more than US$ 1,500 a pair. Fortunately, after Eric’s story went viral, brands like Puma and Under Armour offered him custom shoes.

1

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!

1

Youngest president to assume office

Theodore Roosevelt became president at 42 years, 322 days old, making him the youngest to hold the office

Although John F. Kennedy remains the youngest elected (at 43 years old), Roosevelt was the youngest on the day of his ascension in 1901, which followed the assassination of President William McKinley.

2

First to receive a secret service code name

Harry S. Truman, who served from 1945 to 1953, was the first president to be given a Secret Service code name. His code name was "General," and from then on, presidents, their families, and senior staff were all assigned aliases for security.

For example, John F. Kennedy became "Lancer," Dwight Eisenhower was "Providence," and Ronald Reagan (a "Hollywood cowboy") was "Rawhide."

3

Most dogs in the White House

Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the record for the most dogs residing in the White House during a presidency, keeping 11 over his 12 years and one month in office. While his Scottish Terrier, Fala, became a national celebrity, he was hardly the only one.

He also had two red setters, a bullmastiff, a retriever, a bulldog, a Llewellin Setter, a terrier, a Great Dane, a sheepdog, and a German Shepherd.

4

Most handshakes in a single day by a head of state

On January 1, 1907, Theodore Roosevelt reportedly gave 8,513 handshakes in one day at a White House function, claimed to be the most by a head of state. Who would keep count?

This surely reflected Roosevelt’s populist, outgoing personality and the era’s emphasis on personal touch. Such physical engagement would be virtually impossible today with modern security protocols.

5

The oldest president ever elected

Joe Biden was 78 years and 61 days old when inaugurated on January 20, 2021, which made him the oldest person ever elected to the U.S. presidency at the time. On that date, he surpassed the prior record held by Donald Trump, who was 70 at his inauguration.

The plot twist was that, in 2025, Donald Trump once again recovered the title. When he took office for his second nonconsecutive term, he was 78 years and 7 months old.

6

Elected for four terms

Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only U.S. president to be elected to four terms and stay in office from 1933 to 1945, a total of almost 12 years. He led the nation through both the Great Depression and much of World War II. His unprecedented term length prompted the 22nd Amendment, which now limits presidents to two terms.

7

Largest presidential entourage

President Bill Clinton traveled to China in June 1998 with what Guinness World Records logged as the largest presidential entourage ever: 1,200 people. The logistics included Secret Service agents, military personnel, senior delegates, reporters, White House TV crews, all assorted in vans, limousines, and even aircraft.

8

First African-American U.S. President

Barack Obama holds the historic record as the first African-American president of the United States, inaugurated in 2009.

His election represented a pivotal moment in American racial history and identity. Obama’s presidency inspired discussions about diversity, representation, and societal progress.

9

First president on the radio

Warren G. Harding became the first president to deliver a radio address, marking a revolutionary shift in presidential communication in 1922, during the Lincoln Memorial dedication.

This milestone transformed how leaders reached the public: technology now made it possible for their voices to be heard inside people’s own homes.

10

Longest presidential diaries

Many presidents, from George Washington to Joe Biden, have kept personal diaries, offering raw insight into their minds, decisions, and even moods. But John Quincy Adams kept the longest one: a 15,000-page record, including candid habits like skinny-dipping.

11

Most "Time Person of the Year" titles (male)

Franklin D. Roosevelt earned three "Time Person of the Year" titles (in 1932, 1934, and 1941) more than any other male in history. He presided over both the Great Depression and World War II, becoming a dominant public figure, which earned him those recognitions. These awards reflected his central role in shaping national and global events over more than a decade.