Welcome to Unforgettable
Forgottonia, IL
The perfect escape from urban life, Unforgettable Forgottonia is nestled comfortably in the rustic surroundings of West-Central Illinois' Lamoine River Valley. Ensconced at the very center of McDonough County, serving as the county seat 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 combination of academic access and agrarian authenticity most likely informed Realtor.com's placement of Macomb at #1 on their list of America's 10 Most Affordable College Towns.
Macomb also serves as Unforgettable Forgottonia's regional hub. Here 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 (BestLifeOnlin.com) and #4 slot on the list of Top 10 Most Affordable Small Towns Where You Actually Want To Live (Realtor.com)
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 10 site Looking For Lincoln Tour which includes the nation's only 16 foot tall topiary bust of the 16th President displaying a beard of living, flowering plants. In recognition of one of Macomb's favorite sons, a 75-foot showpiece honors Civil Rights leader and pioneer Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian as part of the city's growing collection of artist commissioned murals. Rock & Roll progenitor "Big" Al Sears and famed bacteriologist Dr. Ruth Tunnicliff both called Macomb home, however next Spring the city is set to celebrate and memorialize the life of perhaps its most culturally impactful resident. On May 9th 2024 , the aniversary of her birth, Macomb's historic downtown Courthouse Square witnessed the dedication of Macombopoly: The World's Largest Monopoly Game, which included the unveiling of giant game pieces, in recognition of Lizzie Magie, the game's inventor who was born in Macomb in 1866.
Just a trouble-free 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. (TripsToDiscover.com). When it comes to dining, indulging in one of the celebrated regional delicacies is a must. If it's difficult choosing between a mouth-watering, smothered open-faced “Horseshoe,” or a crisp and juicy, deep fried Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich, the answer is definitely, try both!
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.
