Explore Shawnee Forest Country!
Murphysboro isn’t just the Illinois BBQ capital, it’s also home to the delightfully under-the-radar Big Muddy Brewing. The latter offers the Pumpkin Smasher, made with real pumpkins and savory pumpkin pie spices; the Big Muddy Monster, a cross between an American brown ale and IPA, and the Saluki Dunkeldog, which fuses an American amber with a German dunkel and a hint of chocolate roast.
The Big Muddy Brewery started strictly as a supplier and, as such, has an industrial feel. As a matter of fact, it's in a Murphysboro industrial park, but they do offer tours and tastings each weekend: Brewery Taproom Hours: Friday 4-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 12 - 7pm
They also have a patio area out back and usually have a game of bags (cornhole, toss back, etc.) going when the weather is nice. You can order food from Pat's BBQ and have it delivered while you enjoy craft beer.