SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the 2026 Butter Cow in the Dairy Building today. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, this year’s butter sculpture invites fairgoers to “Take a Spin on Route 66,” highlighting the historic Mother Road.
While the iconic Butter Cow remains the centerpiece of the display, this year’s companion sculpture features a woman and her dog heading out on a Route 66 adventure aboard a classic scooter in search of ice cream (and a pup cup, of course). As in years past, 13 hearts have been hidden throughout the butter display to represent the 13 essential nutrients found naturally in dairy.
“Every summer, the Butter Cow display manages to blend nostalgia with creative new features,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s sculpture beautifully honors the 100th anniversary of Route 66 while celebrating Illinois dairy as well.”
“For generations, families have made the Butter Cow a must-see stop during their visit to the fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This year’s Route 66 theme offers visitors a memorable way to celebrate the centennial anniversary.”
“This year’s sculpture was designed to connect the iconic Butter Cow and its timeless appeal with the excitement of Route 66’s centennial celebration,” said Sarah Pratt, Illinois State Fair Butter Cow sculptor. “As I explored the history of Route 66, I was drawn to the many iconic ice cream stops that became part of the journey for generations of travelers. That made ice cream a natural feature of this year’s sculpture. We hope fairgoers enjoy the whimsy of the display, share memories of their own Route 66 adventures, and remember the important role dairy has played in so many of those journeys.”
“Illinois dairy farmers are proud to continue the tradition of the Butter Cow at the Illinois State Fair,” said Kendra Anderson, Midwest Dairy’s Farmer Relations Manager. “We invite fairgoers to visit the Dairy Building, discover this year’s Route 66-inspired display, hunt for the 13 hidden hearts, relax in the Cozy Cow Lounge, and enjoy a delicious dairy treat like ice cream or a cream puff.”
The sculpture will be on display in the Dairy Building throughout the Illinois State Fair.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois State Fair, August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.
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Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield are on the historic path of Route 66, providing a front-row seat to the 100th anniversary celebrations happening all year. In recognition of a century of Route 66, a road that started in Illinois and helped shape America, Miles of Smiles is the 2026 Illinois State Fair theme. Because that’s what this road and the Illinois State Fair have always delivered. Miles of memories, miles of music, and miles of smiles shared right here in the heart of Illinois. Now through August 20, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit can receive a voucher for one adult weekday admission to the Illinois State Fair. Learn more about Route 66 celebrations here.
