Appropriately named the Alton Flyway Mural, this 3-story tall mural depicts an abstract flock of birds soaring over the Mississippi River in downtown Alton. Designed in 2009 by the late James K. Schmidt of the Studio Art Department at Principia College in Elsah, the original concept art for the Alton Flyway Mural honors the sense of freedom and natural beauty the Mississippi Flyway provides for our community. Overlaying the Mississippi River, the Mississippi Flyway maps the extensive journey that 60% of all north American birds take during spring and north migrations. The Mississippi River provides reliable food and water sources, while the biodiverse forests lining the river provide sanctuary for many species such as gulls and raptors, which are believed to be the inspiration for some of the avian silhouettes on the Alton Flyway Mural.

After 5 weeks and 30 gallons of paint, the Alton Flyway Mural was finally brought to life in October 2023 – a decade after James K. Schmidt’s passing – thanks to a community collaboration between the Audubon Center at Riverlands, Alton Main Street, and Robert Fishbone’s artistic team from On the Wall Productions. Today, you can see the inspiring Alton Flyway Mural for yourself at 136 Front Street in Alton, Illinois.