Amargosa Valley, Nevada: Alphie: Cow of the Desert

Large fiberglass cow, which you wouldn't expect to see in the desert unless there's a casino involved -- which there is. Stares at a slightly smaller bull statue across the highway.

A beautiful, well-kept dairy cow is out in the middle of nowhere! She stares longingly at the raging bull across the street, but is too scared to cross the highway.

I was told by the manager of the Amargosa Hotel that this was built after a real cow named Herman (I think she said Herman), who lived in their petting zoo nearby. When he died, they built this as a tribute to his memory. Maybe it's a desert tale, but as good as any! Go ahead and gas up and check out the petting zoo near the front of the casino. Right now there's a water buffalo!

She's standing there in total bovine indifference. And she's looking great! Super photo op, especially with the windmill next to her.

The Big Bovine is next to a casino on Nevada 373, not far from the state line with California.