Alton, Illinois: The Piasa Bird
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
The Piasa Bird
- Address:
- Hwy 100, Alton, IL
- Directions:
- On Hwy 100, one mile north of Alton, on the inland side of The Great River Road.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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The human-hungry monster bird of Illini tribal lore has been preserved in a suitably monster-sized painting on a cliff face. With its own parking lot.
Roadsideamerica.com Report... [03/31/2013]Visitor Tips and News About The Piasa Bird
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The legendary Piasa Bird painted on the side of a river bluff is still looking good... and mean... and hungry! Helpful hint: do your research ahead of time. The sandblasted monument inscription is hard to read in an asphalt parking lot with a 95 degree sun beating down on you.
[Mike Gassmann, 09/10/2019]
We finally got up to take a photo of the new piasa bird. The old steel one was removed and local artists invited to help paint the new one. Sited on the cliffs between two entrances to the old slate quarry, the new rendition is very impressive.
[Elaine Lintzenich, 07/26/1999]Nearby Offbeat Places
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October 2005: A new "Piasa Park" was completed and dedicated at the base of the painting.