Top Cow: A Quirky Roadside Photo Stop Near Chicago
A gold fiberglass cow with roots in Chicago’s 1999 Cows on Parade exhibition—and an easy five-minute photo stop in the western suburbs.
Where Can You Find Top Cow in Glen Ellyn?
Top Cow stands outside Career Vision at 526 Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
The gold fiberglass cow originally appeared in Chicago’s 1999 Cows on Parade public-art exhibition and now serves as a quick, quirky photo stop for travelers exploring Chicago’s western suburbs.
Looking for a fun roadside attraction near Chicago?
Top Cow in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is an easy-to-miss local landmark with a surprisingly interesting history.
Painted metallic gold and displayed on a pedestal marked “TOP COW,” the sculpture makes a memorable stop for travelers who enjoy unusual public art, roadside attractions and offbeat Midwestern landmarks.
If quirky landmarks and public art are part of your travels too, explore my Street Art Maps and Photo Spots for more places worth adding to your route.
What Is Top Cow in Glen Ellyn?
Top Cow is a gold-painted fiberglass cow created for Chicago’s 1999 Cows on Parade public-art exhibition.
During the exhibition, hundreds of decorated fiberglass cows appeared throughout Chicago.
Contemporary coverage described Top Cow as a golden cow wearing a crown and displayed along the Magnificent Mile.
Top Cow later moved from Chicago to the grounds of Ball Horticultural Company in 2000.
In spring 2013, the sculpture moved again to the Ball Foundation and Career Vision in Glen Ellyn.
According to Downtown Glen Ellyn’s public-art information, proceeds from Top Cow’s purchase benefited the Y-ME breast cancer awareness organization.
Where Is Top Cow Located?
Top Cow is located at Career Vision, 526 Main Street, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
The sculpture is part of Glen Ellyn’s broader collection of public art and is listed on the Downtown Glen Ellyn Public Art page.
This is a quick photo stop rather than a major attraction, so it works best as an add-on while exploring Glen Ellyn or traveling through Chicago’s western suburbs.
Why Is Top Cow Significant?
Top Cow is a surviving piece of one of Chicago’s best-known public-art events.
Chicago’s Cows on Parade brought hundreds of decorated fiberglass cows to streets and public spaces throughout the city in 1999.
The project became a major tourism draw and helped popularize similar citywide public-art programs around the world.
Top Cow’s journey from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to Ball Horticultural and eventually Glen Ellyn gives this small roadside stop a connection to a much larger piece of Chicago public-art history.
What Makes Top Cow Worth Stopping For?
Top Cow is worth a quick stop if you enjoy unusual landmarks, public art or roadside photography.
Painted metallic gold and wearing a distinctive crown-like collar, Top Cow is exactly the kind of unusual roadside discovery I love finding on a road trip.
It is visually distinctive, easy to recognize and has enough history behind it to make the photograph more interesting once you know the story.
How Should You Photograph Top Cow?
Step back far enough to include both the full cow and the “TOP COW” pedestal in your composition.
A vertical photograph works especially well because it lets you include the sculpture, pedestal and surrounding landscaping without cutting off the cow’s shape.
If this is your kind of roadside stop, you might also enjoy my Route 66 Roadside Attractions and Murals adventure through Illinois.
Top Cow Quick Planning Guide
Top Cow FAQ
Was Top Cow part of Chicago’s Cows on Parade?
Yes. Top Cow was part of Chicago’s 1999 Cows on Parade public-art exhibition and was displayed along Michigan Avenue.
Where is Top Cow now?
Top Cow is currently located at Career Vision, 526 Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
How long do you need to visit Top Cow?
About five to ten minutes is enough for most visitors to see the sculpture and take a few photographs.
Why did Top Cow move to Glen Ellyn?
After spending years at Ball Horticultural Company, Top Cow arrived at the Ball Foundation and Career Vision in spring 2013. Downtown Glen Ellyn notes that proceeds from its purchase benefited the Y-ME breast cancer awareness group.
Is Top Cow part of a larger public-art collection?
Yes. Downtown Glen Ellyn includes Top Cow in its public-art collection alongside murals, sculptures and other installations throughout the community.
Is Top Cow Worth Visiting?
Yes—if you are already exploring Glen Ellyn or passing through the area and enjoy quirky roadside attractions.
I would not build an entire trip around Top Cow by itself, but that is part of the appeal.
It is a fast, unusual photo stop with a connection to Chicago public-art history.
Stops like this are perfect for breaking up a driving day and adding something memorable to an otherwise ordinary route.
About Angela
Angela Addington is the travel photographer and writer behind Lenses & Latitudes. She shares firsthand destination guidance and practical photography advice for independent and solo travelers, women over 50, road-trippers and weekend explorers. Learn more about Angela.