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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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.
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Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off
Sep 18 – Sep 20
A qualifying event for the World Food Championships
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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
Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities.
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