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...
Oak Street Art Fair - Murphysboro
General John A. Logan Museum neighborhood • Apr 25 @ 10AM
The annual Oak Street Art Fair is an all-day art and music party! Visit the General John A. Logan Museum while in the area.
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Murphysboro Apple Festival
Sep 09 – Sep 12
Four-day festival, with numerous activities and events drawing large crowds such as live music, a carnival with concessions, many contests featuring everything from apple pie eating…
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Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off
Sep 24 – Sep 26
A qualifying event for the World Food Championships
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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.
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