Muddy IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Muddy, Illinois.
1. Ross Cottom Lanes
LOCAL BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Ross Cottom Lanes offers entertaining bowling experiences for visitors to Muddy. Travelers can enjoy this recreational facility while exploring the countryside of southern Illinois. The bowling alley serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists looking for indoor entertainment options.
2. Harrisburg Township Park District
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Harrisburg Township Park District provides various recreational facilities and outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy. The park district features amenities suitable for family outings and community gatherings. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of southern Illinois while taking advantage of the park's offerings.
3. Garden of the Gods
SPECTACULAR ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods showcases breathtaking sandstone formations and panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can hike the observation trail to witness unique rock sculptures created by millions of years of erosion. This natural wonder offers some of the most photographed landscapes in Illinois with formations dating back more than 320 million years.
4. Burden Falls
SCENIC WILDERNESS WATERFALL
Burden Falls features a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls in the Shawnee National Forest. The falls are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience for hikers. Visitors can access this natural attraction via a short hike through the surrounding wilderness area.
5. Bell Smith Springs
NATURAL STONE BRIDGES
Bell Smith Springs offers visitors impressive natural stone bridges, clear streams, and scenic canyons within the Shawnee National Forest. Hikers can explore multiple interconnected trails leading to unique geological features including a natural rock bridge. The crystal-clear springs and swimming holes provide refreshing opportunities during warmer months.
6. Jackson Falls Trail
POPULAR CLIMBING DESTINATION
Jackson Falls Trail leads adventurers to one of southern Illinois' premier rock climbing destinations featuring sandstone bluffs and waterfalls. The area offers over 60 climbing routes along with scenic hiking opportunities through beautiful forest landscapes. Visitors can enjoy both technical climbs and peaceful woodland exploration in this natural recreation area.
7. Old Stone Face
NATURAL ROCK FORMATION
Old Stone Face is a distinctive natural rock formation resembling a human profile on the bluffs of southern Illinois. Visitors can hike to this geological landmark for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and countryside. The formation has been a local landmark for generations and features in many regional legends and stories.
8. Sahara Woods State Fish & Wildlife Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Sahara Woods State Fish & Wildlife Area offers 4,100 acres of reclaimed mining land now dedicated to outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting, and hiking. Visitors can explore diverse habitats including lakes, woodlands, and grasslands that support abundant wildlife. The area represents a successful environmental reclamation project that transformed industrial land into a natural recreation destination.
9. Pounds Hollow Recreation Complex
FOREST LAKE RETREAT
Pounds Hollow Recreation Complex features a beautiful 25-acre lake surrounded by forested hills in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for bass and bluegill, or hiking the scenic trails around the lake. The recreation area includes picnic facilities, making it perfect for family outings in a tranquil forest setting.
10. Stonefort Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
Stonefort Depot Museum preserves the railway heritage of southern Illinois in a restored historic train station. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the importance of railroads to the region's development and economy. The museum offers a glimpse into transportation history with authentic artifacts and memorabilia from the golden age of rail travel.
11. Big Muddy Monster Statue
LEGENDARY CRYPTID MONUMENT
The Big Muddy Monster Statue commemorates a legendary ape-like creature said to have roamed the banks of the Big Muddy River. The monument was designed based on eyewitness accounts of the cryptid that allegedly terrorized local residents. Visitors can take selfies with this unique roadside attraction that celebrates one of southern Illinois' most famous folklore creatures.
12. Fort Massac State Park
HISTORIC MILITARY FORT
Fort Massac State Park preserves Illinois' first state park featuring a reconstructed 1802 American fort overlooking the Ohio River. Visitors can explore the fort replica, visit the interpretive center with exhibits on military and regional history, and enjoy scenic views of the river. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier military life and the early settlement period of Illinois.
13. Big Muddy Monster Disc Golf Course
THEMED OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Big Muddy Monster Disc Golf Course offers an adventurous disc golf experience themed around the local cryptid legend. Players navigate through challenging holes while enjoying the natural landscape of southern Illinois. The course provides both recreational opportunities and a playful nod to the region's unique folklore.
14. Jackson County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Jackson County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural landmark in downtown Murphysboro. Visitors can admire the historic building's design while learning about the region's governmental history. The courthouse serves as both a working government facility and a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts.
15. Ohio River Scenic Byway
RIVERSIDE DRIVING ROUTE
The Ohio River Scenic Byway offers a picturesque driving route along one of America's great rivers through southern Illinois. Travelers can enjoy stunning river views, historic river towns, and numerous natural areas along this designated scenic route. The byway connects various attractions including Fort Massac State Park while showcasing the natural beauty of the Ohio River valley.