Smiley’s Family Farm, Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Smiley’s Family Farm, Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, located just outside of McDonough County‘s lovely village of Industry, IL, have 15 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. They plant over 7-thousand pumpkin seeds a year, so there’s A LOT of pumpkins for sale; A LOT! They also have pie pumpkins for baking, tractor pulled hay-rack rides, fresh…
Read MoreAllison Organic Farm (W.I.U.)
In 1989, the Agriculture Department at Western Illinois University identified a historically pesticide-free, limited-fertilizer, 80-acre farm located near the WIU campus. The university wanted the land so it would be well-positioned to conduct research related to Low Input Sustainable Agriculture which, at the time, was the USDA’s new research initiative. Allison Organic Farm‘s 80-acre farm are located near…
Read MoreAndrew Carnegie Macomb Public Library
The Macomb City Library was formed by action of the City Council. The Library was organized on November 10, 1881 when the mayor appointed a Library Board of Directors of nine members. The first library opened on April 8, 1882 on the upper floor of the Stocker Building at 109 South Side Square. In 1883…
Read MoreOld Macomb Cemetery
Also called “Old McDonough Cemetery” and more recently known as the “Wigwam Hollow Cemetery,” this cemetery was formally established in 1836 when Robert Garrett sold two acres to McDonough County Commissioners “for the use of the people of McDonough County as a public burial ground.” The site was a burial ground already in 1830, when…
Read MoreHistoric Oakwood Cemetery
Created in 1857, Oakwood Cemetery is remarkably historic. Its founder, William H. Randolph, a former sheriff and state legislator, was the leading Abraham Lincoln supporter in McDonough County. And on two occasions Honest Abe stayed at his Macomb hotel, The Randolph House. With 14,000 burials, Oakwood is by far the largest cemetery in McDonough County. Oakwood was…
Read MoreHistoric Barns of McDonough County
McDonough County’s rich history is steeped in agriculture and farming. Much of the area has been farmland for well over a century. Farming has changed dramatically over the years, but many of the structures have remained, particularly the historic barns. The area surrounding Macomb is home to dozens of these historic buildings, and it invites you…
Read MoreAbraham Lincoln and Macomb
Abraham Lincoln photo by: William Painter Pearson (aka W.P. or T.P. Pearson or Pierson or Tom Pearson), Macomb, IL Date: 26 August 1858 in Macomb, IL Black and white cameo photograph of Abraham Lincoln in 1858 looking directly into the camera. The ambrotype image was taken five days after the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate and a day…
Read MoreYMCA of McDonough County
The YMCA of McDonough County has been serving the residents of this region since 1889 and offers programs and opportunities for infants through senior citizens. The facility hosts an indoor pool, weight room, track, hand ball & racket ball courts, tennis courts, locker rooms and showers, and gymnasium in addition to a senior center, child…
Read MoreWestern Illinois University
Macomb is home to Western Illinois University, a ranked “Best Midwestern College.” W.I.U. was established at the center of McDonough County in 1899 as a teachers college and is still one of the top universities in that field. The university also offers a myriad of spaces to conduct business and hold gatherings. The University Union, with…
Read MoreLakeview Nature Center & Prairie Labyrinth
Lakeview Nature Center is nestled into 350 acres of pure beauty just to the east of Spring Lake Park & Campgrounds and provides a rustic and relaxing environment to host your next event. Whether you desire the great outdoors or the protection of our timber frame building for your baby shower, birthday party, or business…
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