The Illinois State Fair is filled with traditions, from carnival rides and concerts to livestock competitions and plenty of fair food. But for generations of fairgoers, no trip to Springfield is complete without stopping by the Dairy Building to see one of the fair’s most recognizable attractions... the Butter Cow.
The Butter Cow has been an unofficial icon of the Illinois State Fair since the 1920s. Each year, approximately 500 pounds of unsalted butter are carefully sculpted by hand to create the life-sized cow. The process takes several days, transforming an everyday dairy product into a work of art.
While the cow may be the star of the show, a trip to the Dairy Building offers plenty more to explore. Fairgoers can enjoy ice cream, cream puffs and milk while checking out displays featuring Illinois dairy products. The building also showcases prize-winning milk, cheese, ice cream and other products that highlight the role dairy plays in Illinois agriculture.
The Butter Cow is just one piece of the Illinois State Fair’s long connection to agriculture. The first fair was held in Springfield in 1853 with a mission that included showcasing improvements in agriculture and livestock. More than 170 years later, agriculture remains at the heart of the celebration.
This year’s Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13-23 in Springfield, giving visitors plenty of time to experience everything the fair has to offer. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual family tradition, make sure to stop by the Dairy Building and see an Illinois original that has delighted fairgoers for more than a century.
