Big Muddy River
Big Muddy River, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Canoeing & Kayaking
The Big Muddy River shaped Murphysboro’s past, fueling trade, Brownsville’s rise, and coal transport. Once vital for settlers, it now offers scenic beauty, boating, and fishing along its historic banks.
Flowing through Murphysboro, Illinois, the Big Muddy River once served as a vital artery for trade and settlement. Known to early French explorers as Rivière au Vase, it supported the founding of Brownsville in 1818—Jackson County’s original seat and a booming river town. Though Brownsville declined by 1843, the river’s legacy endured through steamboat commerce and early coal transport. Today, the Big Muddy offers scenic beauty, fishing, and boating along its historic banks. Illinois 250
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What's happening nearby...
Murphysboro Mud Monster Obstacle & Mud Challenge
Sep 27 @ 8AM
Experience obstacles along the approximate 5-kilometer route. Obstacles can include mud trenches, ropes, low crawls, slip & slides, teamwork challenges and of course, Mud!
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Big Muddy Monster Brewfest
Riverside Park • Oct 04 @ 12noon
The Big Muddy Monster Brewfest at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, is a Craft beer lovers dream.
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Murphysboro IL Cruise Nights
Smysor Plaza • Oct 04 @ 4PM
First Saturday of each month, April thru September from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Near Smysor Plaza Fountain, Murphysboro.
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Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Murphysboro
Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Read more about Johnson Creek Recreation Area