The 2026 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow has been unveiled, with this year’s sculpture celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Officials revealed the display Wednesday under the theme “Take a Spin on Route 66.”
Along with the traditional Butter Cow, the display features a companion sculpture of a woman and her dog setting out on a Route 66 adventure aboard a classic scooter in search of ice cream.
Sculptor Sarah Pratt said the design combines the longtime popularity of the Butter Cow with Route 66’s centennial and the highway’s history of iconic ice cream stops.
As in previous years, 13 hearts are hidden throughout the display, representing the 13 essential nutrients naturally found in dairy products.
The Butter Cow will remain on display in the Dairy Building throughout the Illinois State Fair, which runs now through August 23rd in Springfield.