Michigan Roadside Attractions on Travel the Mitten highlights our attempts to explore the many interesting things that can be found on the highways, byways and back roads of Michigan, ranging from the interesting to the unusual.

We are always on the hunt for new and unique statues and roadside monuments as we travel around Michigan, and this year we’ve already visited a statue of James Earl Jones and his mentor, a large steel sturgeon sculpture, a Tin Man sculpture in Hart, mascot statues of the Northern Michigan University Wildcat and Michigan Tech Husky, and even a giant Transformer in Mackinaw City! I had heard about a cow statue that had been added to Historic Barns Park in Traverse City recently, so when we found ourselves up there in July I made sure we stopped by to check it out. Today we will look at the story of Colantha, the World Champion cow that used to live at the Traverse City State Hospital, and how you can check out this cow statue the next time you’re in town!

Colantha was a cow that made headlines for her production, and she was cared for by the patients at the state hospital as part of their therapy. Her headstone can be found near the picnic area parking and it lists off some statistics: She lived from 1916 to 1932 and produced more than 200,000 pounds of milk (including more than 22,000 pounds in 1926 alone).

The cow statue is located in the children’s sensory garden area, which looked to still be a work in progress when we visited. It weighs more than 1,000 pounds and is anatomically correct so you can let the little ones see how they measure up to the size of a cow. It came here less than two years ago and is a great addition!

An added detail here is the hoof prints in the sidewalk! Across the path from Colantha is a large community garden. Trails wind through the property and the barns are a popular spot for weddings and other events. Plans for the children’s sensory gardens call for a maze, small amphitheater, chances to learn how to grow and plant, and other educational opportunities.

You’ll find the World Champion Cow statue near the Cathedral Barn. From U.S. 31 north of Meijer, head west on Silver Lake Rd. Turn right at the first light onto Silver Dr. and follow the signs for Historic Barns Park, turning onto Red Dr. and following it to the left and slightly uphill.