Traverse City, Michigan: Cow grave

We've been in a stretch of silly attractions here, and this one fits in nicely. It's the grave of a cow.

Traverse City State Hospital was a sprawling complex that dates back to the late 19th century. It was so big, in fact, that it had its own herd of cows to help supply food and drink. And one cow stood out when it came to production: Traverse Colantha Walker. We're talking 23,000 pounds of milk in a year - off the charts as these things go.

Colantha died in 1938, and the people of the Hospital gave her a big send-off, including the grave marker. The hospital closed in 1988, although there are many buildings in the area used for other uses. In the meantime, there is an annual dairy festival to salute Colantha. The grave is located on a dirt road just off Silver Drive. Look for the sign for "Historic Barns Park," and you'll find the grave just past the area where the pavement ends.

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Traverse Colantha Walker.