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 IL Cruise Nights
Smysor Plaza • May 02 @ 4PM
First Saturday of each month, April thru October from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Near Smysor Plaza Fountain, Murphysboro.
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Big Muddy Monster Festival
Jun 20 @ 10AM
The Big Muddy Monster Festival takes place in June in the city of Murphysboro, Illinois. The businesses along Walnut street, the breweries, the movie theater, restaurants,…
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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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Murphysboro
Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities.
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