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Butter Cow Statue

Bronze sculpture paying homage to Norma “Duffy” Lyon, famous for creating a life-size cow made of butter at the state fair.

Toledo, Iowa

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Bill Schrier
Bronze sculpture of a cow and a newborn calf, Toledo, Iowa   schrier / Atlas Obscura User
Bronze cow and calf sculpture on a knoll with an old oak tree   schrier / Atlas Obscura User
Sign next to the cow-calf sculpture describing the life of Norma “Duffy” Stong Lyon   schrier / Atlas Obscura User
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This life-size bronze sculpture of a cow and a calf sit on a knoll next to an old oak tree in Toledo, Iowa. The sculpture was cast in homage to Norma “Duffy” Lyon, who, for many years, sculpted the number-one attraction at the Iowa State Fair—a life-sized cow made of butter. Duffy became somewhat of an Iowa celebrity for her work, appearing on national television shows and traveling to create butter sculptures.

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Roadside Attractions Sculptures Cows Bronze

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There is a vacant parking lot at an abandoned business at the foot of the hill, next to the sign describing the life of Norma "Duffy" Stong Lyon.  From the parking lot you can climb the knoll to view the sculpture, which commissioned by the City of Toledo.

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Added By

schrier

Published

June 17, 2025

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