The Grave and Statue of Traverse City Asylum's Cow of the Insane

One of Michigan's quirkiest roadside stops is the statue and grave of the “World Champion Cow of the Insane” in Traverse City.

What the heck? Cow of the insane what?

Northern Michigan Asylum opened in Traverse City back in 1885 and gradually became a legendary, mammoth facility. There were orchards & gardens that grew apples, cherries, peaches and tons of vegetables & crops. The area was also overrun with all sorts of livestock…including cows. But there was one cow in particular that stood out, thanks to her massive output of lactate juice.

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The cow was given the name Traverse Colantha Walker, a Grand Champion milker cow who gave a total of 200,114 pounds of milk and 7,525 pounds of butter. When the four-legged, weary-uddered Ms. Walker passed away in 1932, the asylum staff & patients held a commemorative banquet in her honor (was she part of the entree?). No proof of that.

They buried her on the grounds not far from the barn where she set up housekeeping. And now you can visit Colantha's marker.....the final resting place of this champion milkcow. Even though the asylum has been closed for years, the gravestone stands. This area is now known as Grand Traverse Commons with the buildings converted into eateries and shops.

Here's how to locate Colantha: take US-31 north to Traverse City. Hang a left on 11th St., then cross Elmwood Ave. You’ll see the grounds…bear left. Look for Silver Drive that bends to the right. The grave is at the intersection of this and another road. Nearby, the gravestone is under a tree and the statue is just a stone's throw away. This is one of those “gotta see this'un for myself” places that you shouldn't pass up!