The Piasa Bird is a legendary creature that was depicted in a mural painted by Native Americans on a cliff above the Mississippi River. Its original location was in Jersey County near present day Elsah, Illinois. The original Piasa illustration no longer exists; a newer version, based partly on 19th century sketches and lithographs, has been placed in Alton, Illinois, several miles southeast of the original location.

The mural was created prior to the arrival of any European explorers in that area. The “Piasa” may also be a representation of the “Uktena,” or underwater panther, which appears in the mythology of many eastern native traditions.