In McDonough, nature ranges from diverse landscape systems to a large lake. There is also original art, historic buildings, and rural heritage. The specific places and what sets them apart give you different ways to shape your trip around your interests.

Nature Between Landscape Systems and a Lake

The Lakeview Nature Area in Macomb, Illinois, covers 80 acres with prairie, wetland, and woodland systems. This combination brings three distinct landscape types into focus. Spring Lake Park in Macomb offers a different emphasis: it is home to 230-acre Spring Lake. This places a nature area with several landscape systems alongside a single lake described by its size as distinct nature attractions.

Activities and watercraft are also among the possible highlights at Spring Lake Park. The park has three mountain biking trails; kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pontoon boats are also available to rent. You can choose between a bike ride and the listed watercraft rentals without combining the two activities into a single itinerary.

Art and History from Different Perspectives

The University Art Gallery is the primary venue for original art for the university and the Macomb community. This connection to two audiences is part of the gallery’s character: it brings art to both the university and the Macomb community.

The McDonough County Courthouse was built in 1872 and features original details in stone, brick, and walnut. The construction year and material details provide two different points of reference: the date establishes when the building was built, while the materials draw attention to its original details.

The Macomb Murals Tour tells another art story. Since 2018, at least one new mural has been unveiled each year in and around Macomb’s Historic Courthouse Square, and the tour grew from this tradition. While the courthouse is associated with a specific construction year and original material details, the murals are distinguished by the repeated unveiling of new works.

The historic barns of McDonough County add rural heritage to these themes. They are presented as rural landmarks that invite a scenic drive. The range therefore extends from original art and historic buildings to rural landmarks, without prescribing a single sightseeing itinerary.

Getting Around on Foot and Practical Information

With Macombopoly, players can download an app powered by eATLAS and explore the Square on foot. This offers a distinctive way to explore the Square: the app explicitly combines gameplay with a walking tour.

Macomb is served by two daily Amtrak round trips from Chicago: the Carl Sandburg and the Illinois Zephyr. Check the schedule before you travel so you can choose a connection that suits your travel plans.

The Western Illinois Museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; visits are also available by appointment. Several hiking trails are available at the Horn Field Campus. The campus facilities can be rented by the general public; all reservations are subject to availability and approval. The trails and rentable facilities offer different ways to include the campus in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Macomb, Cass, Logan, Shelby County, Lee County, Piatt, Morgan, Adams.

Return to the main travel overview: Illinois.