New Tourism Map and Digital Hub invite visitors to explore Macomb’s role in America’s Story
As the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia (dba as the Macomb Convention and Visitors Bureau/MACVD) is proud to announce that Macomb and McDonough County will play a meaningful role in this once-in-a-generation celebration. The announcement from MACVB Executive Director coincides with the upcoming 200th anniversary of McDonough County, which was officially established on January 26, 1826, and the 100th anniversary of nearby Route 66, which was officially named in 1926.
According to Hedblade, together, these milestones position Macomb and McDonough County as a destination where visitors can experience America’s story through authentic small-town history, culture, and community.
“To celebrate America 250 and McDonough County’s Bicentennial, we’re inviting travelers to see Macomb not just as a place on the map, but as a setting where some of the nation’s most interesting history has its roots,” he shared. “This celebration provides the perfect opportunity to showcase that we are a destination, with deep history, one-ofa- kind experiences and attractions, and the latest resources today’s travelers and visitors want to plan an Unforgettable getaway.”
New Tourism Map Helps Visitors Plan Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia has released a new tourism map, created by Wayward Travel, to help visitors begin planning their trip to Macomb and McDonough County.
“The map serves as a valuable planning resource, highlighting attractions, dining, accommodations, attractions, historic sites and more throughout Macomb and McDonough County,” Hedblade added.
Visitors can find the tourism map, curated itineraries and planning resources at visitforgottonia.com.
America 250 Hub Launches for 2026 Planning
To support the upcoming anniversary, Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia has also launched a new digital hub at visitforgottonia.com/ a250, which serves as the central resource for America 250 activities and events in Macomb. The site will feature historical context, attractions, self-guided experiences and planning tools leading into and throughout 2026.
A Destination Worth Discovering Located in west central Illinois, Macomb offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and hands-on experiences tied to the American story. Macomb is located near the historic Route 66, offering a natural stop on a Midwestern road trip, connecting travelers to the people, places, and stories that shaped a nation.
Explore Macomb & McDonough County Macombopoly, the World’s Largest Monopoly Game, played across Macomb’s historic downtown Courthouse Square. The experience honors Macomb native Elizabeth Magie, creator of The Landlord’s Game, a 1904 invention that served as the foundation for what later became Monopoly. Through a custom mobile app, participants move through realworld spaces that mirror the game board, blending history, storytelling, and playful exploration while highlighting one of America’s most iconic cultural products.
Abraham Lincoln history, as Macomb and McDonough County are recognized through the National Park Service as Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Areas. Visitors can venture to documented sites connected to Lincoln’s legal work, his 1858 Senate campaign and landmarks made in his honor, including the nation’s only Living Lincoln Topiary Monument.
Underground Railroad and Civil Rights history, which highlights McDonough County’s pivotal role in assisting freedom seekers traveling north and earned the county’s designation as a National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom Area. This legacy continued into the 20th century through C.T. Vivian, a Macomb native and key pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement, who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Historic Downtown Macomb, centered around a traditional Courthouse Square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area features preserved 19th-century architecture, locally owned businesses, public art, murals and a famed Courthouse as a centerpiece that reflect the community’s history and character.
Music heritage, rooted in the legacy of saxophonist “Big” Al Sears, a Macomb native who performed with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, as well as other legends including Little Richard and Chuck Berry. His famed career reflects the region’s connection to early jazz through the foundations of Rock & Roll and is demonstrated annually at the Al Sears Music Festival in September.
