Piasa

The limestone cliffs along the Mississippi River display a restored mural depicting a figure with scales, antlers, and a serpentine tail.

French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet first documented this Native American painting during their 1673 voyage down the Mississippi River.

The painting combines elements from different realms of Native American beliefs, representing connections between the upper world, underworld, and human realm.

Regular restoration work maintains the modern reproduction of the original mural, which stands as a notable landmark along the Great River Road.

Two French drawings from the 1600s provide the earliest known documentation of the original artwork before limestone quarrying destroyed it in the 1850s.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 38.89780,-90.19900

Latest update: May 19, 2025 16:33