WELCOME TO UNFORGETTABLE
The perfect escape from urban life, Unforgettable Forgottonia is nestled in the rustic surroundings of West-Central Illinois’ Lamoine River Valley. Ensconced at the very center of McDonough County, is the city of Macomb featuring an Historic Downtown Square and the home to two institutes of higher learning: Spoon River College and Western Illinois University. This likely informed Realtor.com’s placement of Macomb at #1 on their list of America’s 10 Most Affordable College Towns.
You’ll find state parks, novel retail, outdoor adventuring, exciting recreation, awesome amusements and uncommon historic landmarks, all of which lends further credence to Macomb having earned the distinctions of Most Affordable Small Towns in the U.S.
As a tourist destination, Unforgettable Forgottonia is hard to beat. It is federally designated as an Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area by the National Parks Service and features a Looking For Lincoln Tour including the nation’s only Living Lincoln Topiary Monument, a 10 site artists commissioned murals tour, and on May 9th, 2024 Macomb’s historic downtown Courthouse Square will unveil the World’s Largest Monopoly Game, including giant game pieces, in recognition of Lizzie Magie, the game’s inventor, born in Macomb in 1866.
Just an Amtrak train ride or an easy scenic drive from Chicago, St. Louis or other surrounding urban areas, you’ll arrive in Forgottonia to find a vibrant mix of unique shopping, arts & entertainment, events & attractions, sports & leisure, and a Micro-Brewery rated #11 on the list of Favorite Breweries In The U.S.
All of this is neatly wrapped in a simple small-town charm set against a backdrop of rural splendor and panoramic beauty. Just a stone’s through from the bucolic setting immortalized in poet Edgar Lee Master’s acclaimed Spoon River Anthology, it’s an ideal place to Relax, Refresh & Recharge.
If you’re considering a family trip, planning an event, or just looking for that perfect weekend getaway, Macomb’s Forgottonia is the place to Explore, Experience and Enjoy. See for yourself why Chicago’s WGN radio named Unforgettable Forgottonia Best In The Midwest and you’ll find just what makes Forgottonia so truly Unforgettable.
Our Destination
WEBSITE:
www.visitforgottonia.com
CONTACT:
Jock Hedblade
Executive Director
- info@visitforgottonia.com
- 309-833-1315
- 120 E. Calhoun St. c/o Train Depot, Macomb, IL 61455
DESTINATION SERVICE AREA:
McDonough County
Top Attractions
- Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area
- Looking for Lincoln Tour featuring the world’s only 16 ft. tall Living Lincoln Topiary Monument
- Murals Tour
- Argyle Lake State Park
- Spring Lake Recreation Park
- Home of Civil Rights Pioneer Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian
- Birth Place of Lizzie Magie inventor of the game Monopoly and coming Spring of 2024 the World’s Largest Monopoly Game around Macomb’s historic downtown Square.
Accomplishments
- Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area
- Looking for Lincoln Tour Living Lincoln Topiary Monument
- Murals Tour
- World’s Largest Monopoly Game around Macomb’s historic downtown Square via matching Festival & Attractions grant though the Illinois Office of Tourism.
News Articles
Info & Stats
IL House Legislative District
17
IL Senate Legislative Districts
36
Largest Meeting Facility
Western Illinois University Grand Ballroom
Number of Hotel Rooms
361
Primary Source of Local Funding
Bed Tax
Total Tourism Jobs Supported
371
Regional Tourism Expenditures
$49 Million
Lodging Taxes
$200,000
Local Sales Taxes
$1.8 Million