How to Spend One Day in Murphysoro, IL
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN MURPHYSBORO, IL
Looking to spend a day in Murphysboro, IL?!? Well look no further than this list! Not only are these my top ten things to do in Murphy but these are by top things in Jackson County even! Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see all TEN things I love to do in Murphy! Whether you are visiting from farther away or a local you will not be disappointed in the town of Murphysboro, IL! Murphysboro is located 5 miles southeast of Kinkaid Lake. Although Murphysboro is only 10 miles east of the Mississippi River, the nearest access point to the river is in Grand Tower, a roughly 30 minute drive southwest. According to online articles, in recent years, business and tourism organizations have been at the front of renewing interest in the town as a center of historical and cultural tourism.
Murphysboro's General John A. Logan Museum, the Murphysboro Tourism Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of Murphysboro have been working together to restore interest in the maintenance of architectural treasures such as the Band Shell in Riverside Park, an example of the type of large-scale project of the Works Progress Administration; the Robert W. Hamilton House, a nearly intact example of 19th-century Carpenter Gothic architecture; and the Liberty Theater, once a $1-movie house now converted into a center for regional film festivals, nostalgia nights, and concerts.
With all of that being said and tiny history lesson let me present to you my TOP 10 THINGS to do in Murphysboro, IL!
Breakfast or Brunch at Faye is a favorite of mine FOR SURE! you will not be disappointed. Whether you are going for a large girls brunch or just to grab coffee they have something for everyone! Looking for a gift? You shop provisions and curate a gift box!
2. Rummage George’s Antique store for all of the good things! I love seeing all the vintage furniture and home decor that you can bring back to life! Something i love to gift in vintage champagne coupes with a bottle of bubbles!
3. Grab a beer from Big Muddy Brewing and check out the local brews! Also kiddo friendly as they make their own homemade root beer alcohol free!
4. Take a walk around Riverside Park! But seriously this park is a HIDDEN GEM! This park does not get enough credit for everything it offers! There is a one mile walking loop all the way around the park that I truly wish was closer so I could access it DAILY! They have a playground, baseball field, dog park, disc golf course, bocce ball courts, and an amphitheater.
5. Grab world famous BBQ from 17th Street BBQ! You can not beat fresh BBQ from 17th street! You also MUST try the pimento cheese with smoked sausage!
6. Enjoy the lunch buffet at Cummare’s but if you go for dinner you MUST order the seafood ravioli with half white/half red sauce!
7. Visit the historical Markers around town! There are several around town be sure to head over to the linked blog post to see which markers are located in Murphysboro, IL . And while exploring them you can view the murals around town and view the incredible architecture.
8. Go shopping at Daniel Deans, Muddy Roots and Hometown Pride. So many cute stores and places to buy gifts for those you love! The best part? You can walk down Murphysboro Main Street and enjoy the historic buildings.
9. Meet your friends for Coffee at Cold Blooded. Meet up with your friends and grab a coffee from cold blooded roastery. The best atmosphere for a mid day pick me up! Cheers as my collaborative and regular to Cold Blooded says!
10. Happy Hour at Brews Brothers (before snagging dinner at Cummare’s)
Truly I love snagging a beer while waiting for my table at Cummare’s! It is the best small town vibes but amazing atmosphere!
