Louisiana Holds Quirky World Records, From Twerking to Hamsters

The Bayou State is home to some of the weirdest Guinness World Records, including the largest prison farm and most simultaneous twerkers.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:42pm

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Louisiana is the site of several unusual Guinness World Records, ranging from the largest prison farm and the most family members to graduate from the same university to the largest serving of gumbo and the largest litter of hamsters. The state has also set records for the longest bridge over water and the largest King Cake.

Why it matters

These quirky records showcase Louisiana's unique culture and history, from its correctional system to its beloved culinary traditions. They also highlight the state's ability to think outside the box and set new standards for unusual achievements.

The details

Some of the notable Louisiana world records include the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, being home to the largest prison farm at 28 square miles. The Wayne family from Marion, Louisiana, set the record for the most family members to graduate from the same university, with 40 members graduating from Grambling State University since 1956. Walk-On's in Shreveport cooked the largest serving of gumbo at 6,800 pounds, while 406 people simultaneously twerked in New Orleans to set the record for most people twerking at once. A hamster in Louisiana gave birth to a litter of 26 babies, the largest on record. Louisiana also holds the record for the longest bridge over water, the 23.87-mile-long Second Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, and the largest King Cake, a 4,073-pound, 2,643-foot-long cake baked by Haydel's Bakery.

  • In 1974, a hamster in Louisiana gave birth to a litter of 26 babies, setting the world record.
  • In 2010, 40 members of the Wayne family from Marion, Louisiana, graduated from Grambling State University, setting the record for the most family members to graduate from the same university.
  • On December 27, 2018, Walk-On's in Shreveport cooked the largest serving of gumbo, weighing 6,800 pounds.
  • On November 15, 2014, 406 people simultaneously twerked in New Orleans, setting the record for the most people twerking at once.
  • On September 22, 2010, Haydel's Bakery baked the largest King Cake, weighing over 4,073 pounds and measuring 2,643 feet long.

The players

Louisiana State Penitentiary

Also known as Angola, it is home to the largest prison farm in the world at 28 square miles.

Wayne family

A family from Marion, Louisiana, that set the record for the most family members to graduate from the same university, with 40 members graduating from Grambling State University since 1956.

Walk-On's

A restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana, that cooked the largest serving of gumbo, weighing 6,800 pounds.

Big Freedia and Central City Festival

The event in New Orleans where 406 people simultaneously set the record for the most people twerking at once.

Haydel's Bakery

The bakery that baked the largest King Cake, weighing over 4,073 pounds and measuring 2,643 feet long.

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What they’re saying

“You can literally spend an entire day searching through the Guinness website and along with your giggles and gasps at some of the craziness, you might also learn something.”

— Gary Mccoy, Author

The takeaway

Louisiana's quirky world records showcase the state's unique culture, history, and ability to think outside the box. From its correctional system to its beloved culinary traditions, these records highlight the diversity and creativity that make Louisiana a one-of-a-kind place.