Murphysboro makes the perfect base of operations to enjoy the myriad of outdoor activities that beautiful Southern Illinois has to offer. Surrounded by national forest, state parks, and just generally beautiful rolling countryside, the area offers something for everyone. Whether your interest lies in birding, kayaking, or golf, the  region provides ample opportunities to enjoy your favorite, including:
- Archery
- Golf
- Birding
- Hiking
- Biking
 - Hunting
- Boating
- Horse-Back Riding
- Camping
- Kayaking
- Fishing
Rappelling & Rock Climbing
All Beautiful, All Different
The living beauty of the Shawnee National Forest spreads to the west and south of Murphysboro, with many points of interest only miles away. The forest is topographically diverse, covering 1/4 million richly wooded acres full of natural formations including lakes, ponds, rivers, rock formations, caves, hills and bluffs.
Other natural wonders are nearby. As the Big Muddy River winds its way to the Mississippi, it loops around the Little Grand Canyon National Recreational Trail, where steps carved in stone lead visitors down into a ruggedly scenic valley where ferns and other rare plants grow.
Oakwood Bottoms and Turkey Bayou offer glimpses of a forgotten natural landscape. Remote wilderness and wetlands access gives visitors a close up look at wild animal and plant life through walking trails and scenic overlooks.
The Pomona Natural Bridge is a natural stone formation located only 10 miles south of Murphysboro. The unique sandstone arch was carved by water over thousands of years.
Other notable sites within convenient driving or bicycling distance include Cedar Lake, Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, Giant City State Park or the spectacular stone bluffs of Pine Hill.
These habitats are rich in wildlife of all varieties. Scheduled hunting seasons are available for deer, goose, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel and turkey.
Described as one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Illinois, the waters of Lake Kinkaid cover 2,750 acres. 82 miles of shoreline offer plenty of opportunities for licensed anglers of all sorts. With depths of up to 80 feet, the lake is home to muskies, channel cat, bluegill, bass, crappie and other game fish. Besides fishing, other recreational activities await visitors, including boating, hunting, swimming, and hiking or backpacking on more than 12 miles of recently built nature trails. 77 campsites are available for overnight stays. The Kinkaid Village Marina provides a public boat ramp and 170 boat slips, rented annually. Boat slips are also available at the Port of Ava, at the northwest end of the Lake Kinkaid.
Lake Murphysboro State Park is scenically located on 1,022 acres of rolling hills crowned with groves of oak and hickory. In 1950, the Illinois Division of Fisheries constructed 145-acre Lake Murphysboro, which is surrounded by 7.5 miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of 34 feet. Within these waters, on may find channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish.
At the park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. Pack your lunch for an outdoor family feast at one of the conveniently located picnic areas, or simply buy your refreshments at the concession stand. Hikers can explore nature’s beauty on a three-mile designated trail, or stroll many minor trails which meander through the hilly locale. Fisherman may choose to cast a line from a shady bank, from the handicapped-accessible fishing pier, or from their boat. Rental boats are available near the boat launch and docks. There is a 10 hp limit on outboard motors. Lake Murphysboro State Park also has its own archery range.
Golf
When not roughing it in the forest, one can spend time on the greens. For the golfing enthusiast, tee time is never far away. Three nearby golf courses offer a range of options for players of all levels.
The oldest course in Southern Illinois, the Midland Hills Golf Course, sports 9 holes on its rolling hills. The public course is located on Illinois Route 51, 4 miles south of Carbondale.
Opened in 1993, The Hickory Ridge Family Golf Center lies 3 miles east of Murphysboro (off Airport Road to Glenn Road). The par 72 course features zoysia fairways and cart paths.
Eighteen holes await golfers at the Jackson Country Club, a private course located three miles east of Murphysboro, and one mile south on County Club Road. If arrangements are made with the pro, non-members from out of county are welcome to play.
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