Even with historical credibility that may be dubious, this was a neat stop on the river road. There’s not a lot to do here, no hiking trails or anything of that nature that I could see. But it was still pretty cool to stop and stretch one’s legs during a long drive.
Nicole B.
Classificação do local: 4 Chicagoland, IL
It’s hard to see a replica of what was once an original painting that we honored as a legend in our area. Nevertheless it is what is left of a past that is very much unknown, for it is a legend that has been handed down through generations. As for our high school, Southwestern, we proudly upheld the legend of the mighty Piasa Bird as our mascot. Still today that bird is represented by a multitude of students coming and going through the school district.
John K.
Classificação do local: 5 Commerce City, CO
1 mile up the Great River Road(a site in an of itself) from the Alton Visitor’s Center, the Piasa Bird park is a monument to the Illini Indian legend of the great Piasa Bird. It is pronounced«Pie-uh-saw». Legend has it that the Piasa Bird«was as large as a calf with horns like a deer, red eyes, a beard like a tiger’s, a face like a man, the body covered with green, red and black scales and a tail so long it passed around the body, over the head and between the legs.» Legend also said that the great winged creature could away a full grown deer and had a taste for human flesh. In 1673, French explorers Pere Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the first Europeans to see and document the images and story of a great creature. While the original Illini painting is long gone, multiple recreations were made at different locations along the bluffs. This current location and park was built in 1998. It’s a must see on your trip through the Alton area because it’s an important part of the area’s history and will explain why multiple businesses have that strange«Pie-ass-uh» name.
Amy D.
Classificação do local: 4 Saint Louis, MO
The Piasa Bird is a large painting on a cliff face on the Mississippi River just north of Alton. The original paintings were discovered in the 17th century, but were destroyed. The bird was repainted and later restored in its current location. The legend of the Piasa Bird is likely a concoction of an American writer, and the original paintings may not have even been birds. However, the Piasa Bird is a part of local tradition and a must-see for anyone traveling on the Great River Road. And bird watchers that travel the road to see bald eagles in the winter will surely want to add the Piasa Bird to their life list.
