Location: Murphysboro
Top Things to do in Murphysboro
Countries
What to do and see in Murphysboro, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Murphysboro is a city in and the county seat of Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,970 at the 2010 census. The city is part of the Metro Lakeland area. The mayor of Murphysboro is Will Stephens. The government consists of the mayor and 10 city aldermen.
Restaurants in Murphysboro
1. Pomona Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By AandE_G - Marion, Illinois
The Pomona Winery is a small family business run by very knowledgeable people. It is a bit out of the way, but it is way better than most of the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail. The wine is actually good - unlike most wineries in the area that just serve generic swill. The location is perfect, even though it is very far out from Carbondale or any other town.
2. Boo Rochman Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Mike W - Illinois
This place is awesome for kids and kids at heart. It is a medieval setting with a "castle" labyrinth play area. The grounds are always clean and well maintained.
There are no admission and the park is open during daylight hours.
I highly recommend visiting with or without kids!
3. Big Muddy Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By TravelinFam3 - Perryville
Visited with a group of friends and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We made use of the back patio area as it was a beautiful day. They have a selection of Big Muddy merchandise and offer a short tour as well. It appears that there was a small selection of snack items (nachos, etc).
4. Lake Murphysboro State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Phone is 618.684.2867
Reviewed By kitnsaly00 - Shawnee, Kansas
The website said fishing and swimming is in the same place which isn't the case. Our group had to split up. The fishers didn't think it was a good fishing area. Those the swam in the lake had a great experience.
5. Pomona Natural Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
The Pomona Natural Bridge, located near Pomona, Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forest, won't make anyone forget the Natural Bridge near Lexington, Virginia. But it is something worth seeing if you are in the vicinity. It is one of many spectacular natural wonders that are abundant in the Shawnee National Forest. It is about 30 meters long, three meters wide and three meters thick. It is a hidden hiking treasure that is located only 15 to 30 minutes drive from several southern Illinois communities such as Carbondale, Cobden, Alto Pass, Murphysboro and Anna. From Murphysboro, take Route 127 south for 9 miles to Pomona Road, then go west for 3 miles. This fascinating stone arch, was formed by the forces of erosion over millions of years. This formation and other rock outcrops in the area consist of sandstone, a fairly soft, erodible bedrock. Water exerted the most powerful effect here, gradually washing away softer, less resistant sandstone leaving a natural rock bridge spanning 90 feet. There is ample parking at the trail head and the actual hiking trail is easily identified with its gravel cover and small blue sign. The area isn't stroller friendly and there is no camping. The Natural Bridge in Virginia is so much taller but the Pomona bridge is just as long if not longer. As the trail descends to the creek bottom an overlook reveals a view of the Pomona bridge from above. There is a great photo spot at the base of the rock bridge where a semicircle of trees and rock outcroppings serve as a beautiful backdrop for this natural wonder. The Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is 215 feet tall and spans 90 feet. Who knows? If Thomas Jefferson hadn't made the Virginia property famous by purchasing it from King George III of England for 20 shillings in 1774, the Pomona Natural Bridge might be the most famous stone arch in the country.
6. SIU Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
It was the first time I had visited SIU Arena since 1967. That's right, 50 years ago. As a young sportswriter for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, I had covered a high school basketball game in the Carbondale Holiday Tournament on Southern Illinois University's home court. On this occasion, I was back on campus to receive a journalism award and I decided to return to SIU Arena. I had heard that the facility, which was opened in 1964, had undergone a $29.9 million renovation in 2010 and I was curious to see what changes had been made. SIU Arena is an 8,339-seat multi-purpose arena on the SIU campus in Carbondale. From the first time I saw it, at a high school supersectional basketball game in 1965, I was impressed with how close the fans were to the action, how they were seated in a circular rather than a rectangular configuration that provides clear sight lines. The renovation included new seating throughout the lower and upper levels, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails in all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and a new scoreboard. But the biggest improvement of all is the newly constructed atrium on the east side of the arena. Inside the atrium, which is now the main entrance to SIU Arena, fans can visit the SIU team store and take a stroll down memory lane with the SIU Hall of Fame. Inside the main walkway, fans are treated to painted murals of famous moments in SIU basketball history. Inside the bowl area, you can recline in a newly furnished chair back seat and look skyward to the domed rooftop where banners are hung to honor Walt Frazier and other SIU basketball stars who went on to play in the NBA and SIU teams that qualified for the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen. When you walk around SIU Arena, you quickly realize that SIU basketball isn't just a game, it's a way of life in Carbondale.
7. Kite Hill Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn B - Hoffman Estates, Illinois
We were there as the winery opened. The owner is very knowledgeable about the wines and everything in the area. He took the time to go over the wine trail, attractions in the area and recommended dining. We spent about an hour there and really appreciate all the time he spent with us. His winery should be a must stop on the trail.
8. Brews Brothers Taproom
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By happyfamilyMacomb_Il - macomb, il
Small local feel, but all are welcome. Nothing fancy, but welcoming and comfortable. No waitress at tables, but easy enough to walk to the bar counter. Also, asked if we wanted to run a tab (with credit card on hold) which was nice. Fun outdoor seating (weather pending I suppose). Very friendly and down to earth owner and staff. Many beers on tap and some great ciders available. Drove 5 hours to see my son play at the Brews Brother in the SIU Jazz band. So impressed they have a relationship to have the group play, and it was a packed house. (I don't know how often they play, but people had come from all over). The room is pretty good sized so imagine they have other bands playing other nights. Great wall of old beer cans on display. I learned they didn't serve food, but literally 15 steps away is an Italian restaurant so we ordered pizza. The bar allows you to order or carry in. What a perfect night for trying some amazing beers while listening to jazz. Can't get any better. I would definitely stop in here on our way through the area again.
9. Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By maggie068 - Merritt Island, Florida
Very nice setting for a golf course. Set back in the woods with running streams, water, fall leaves, etc. Greens are in great shape and challeging course from all tee boxes. Thanks to Mike Curtis and the staff out there for a great day of golf.
10. Molly's Pint Brewpub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By beerstl - Saint Louis, Missouri
The pub itself is situated in an older building with a nice old bar and tin ceiling. The beers were average but they have only been open for a short while so hopefully they will improve with time. Friendly staff.
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