Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

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

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Murphysboro IL Cruise Nights

Smysor Plaza •  Aug 02 @ 4PM

First Saturday of each month, April thru September from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Near Smysor Plaza Fountain, Murphysboro.

Read more about Murphysboro IL Cruise Nights

Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off

Sep 18 – Sep 20

A qualifying event for the World Food Championships

Read more about Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off

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.

Read more about Big Muddy Monster Brewfest

You might also be interested...

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.