Top 15 Things To Do In Macomb, Illinois

things to do in macomb illinois
Priyanjali
Priyanjali 
Updated
| 6 min read

Inhabited halfway between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the McDonough County is the city of Macomb, home to the Western Illinois University in the USA. First settled in the 19th century, one of the best things about Macomb is its sparse population and the many things to do and see here. Ranging from a plethora of shopping and dining experiences to an all-encompassing rural splendor, a trip to the city would mean all things satisfying, memorable, and sheer fun. Yours may be a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you’ll not run out of options here. Use this list of things to do in Macomb, Illinois and make it an amazing trip for your loved ones and yourself.

1. Indulge in some old-school movie-watching at the Rialto Cinemas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

They're back and ready to hit it... Well, hit lots of people and blow things up. Make plans to see The #HitmansWife's Bodyguard in theaters TODAY! vipcinemas.com

Posted by Rialto Cinemas Macomb on Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Catch a movie at the Rialto Cinemas and enjoy the best old-world movie-watching experience in Macomb with the audiences hooting, cheering, and clapping. Rialto Cinemas is very much reminiscent of movie theatres before the multiplex era, albeit proper maintenance and cleanliness. The ticket prices are slightly lower than the fancier movie halls as well. We strongly recommend you purchase the movie tickets from the cinema’s official website or over the counter to avoid any confusion with the listings and the timings.

Rialto Cinemas

Address: 1405 East Jackson Street Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Rialto Cinemas

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2. Camp at the Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Adam Moss used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If there’s one thing you have got to keep on your to-do list while in Macomb, is camping at the Spring Lake Park. Either pitch a tent or hitch an RV, it’s entirely your call. Although the RVs are stocked with essentials, you can also buy additional stuff from the rental shop on-site. Also, guess what, they have full WiFi connectivity in all parts of the park as well! Check out their website for detailed instructions on the dos and don'ts and guarantee yourself an exciting time in Macomb.

Spring Lake Park

Address: 620 Spring Lake Park Rd. Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Spring Lake Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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3. Ditch the mundane at the Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The course is mini, Your adventures aren't Make new memories this summer at Ball Fore ?

Posted by Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center on Friday, June 4, 2021

Planning to head to Macomb with the kids? Don’t forget to keep a visit to the Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center on your list. Offering facilities like an 18-hole miniature golf course, eight batting cages, a sand volleyball pit, a basketball court, and other play areas, this public park is fantastic for an active day outdoors. Not only kids, but it’s also a great hit with the adults as well. You can enjoy a fun picnic while your little ones devote their energies to some activity.

Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center

Address: 9575 Hwy. 136 Macomb IL 61455

Website: Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center

Opening hours: Thur - Sun: 1pm - 10pm (closed Mon - Wed)

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4. Craft some adorable keepsakes at The Crafty Coop

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Bring out the artistic side in you and spend some time painting objects (pen stands, decorative items, mugs, pots, plates, etc.) for you to carry back home as keepsakes or even as souvenirs. This is something you can seriously consider if you’re accompanied by little ones on your trip. Great way to keep them occupied. The place also keeps hosting workshops on subjects like sign making, palette painting, window painting, and more, so get in touch with them to find out more.

The Crafty Coop

Address: 206 N Lafayette St, Macomb, IL 61455

Website: The Crafty Coop

Opening hours: Thur - Fri: 5:30pm - 8:30pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed Mon - Wed)

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5. Go bowling at the Digger's College City Bowl

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by DIGGER'S COLLEGE CITY BOWL on Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Another thing you can do if you’re in town with little ones is to keep some time aside for an exciting session of bowling at the Digger’s College City Bowl. Packed with spirited school and college goers, the place has plenty of alleys to play in, good music, a lively spirit, and inexpensive drinks as well as snacks. You can also enjoy the video games or a session of pool. However, these activities are only for those aged above 21 years.

Digger's College City Bowl

Address: 123 E Adams St, Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Digger’s College City Bowl

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 3pm - 8pm; Mon: 1pm - 6pm; Fri: 1pm - 11pm; Sat: 4pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 2-4 USD per game (excluding other rentals)

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6. Roller skate at the Fun Quest

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Here’s one more enjoyable activity for kids you can include in your list – roller skating at the Fun Quest. A sports and recreation facility in Macomb, Fun Quest is best known for its fantastic skating rink. Don’t worry, even the parents or caretakers will have an equal amount of fun here. All you need to do is set aside some time!

Fun Quest

Address: 201 Shady Ln Macomb, Illinois 61455

Opening hours: 24/7

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7. Have a tryst with history and culture at the Western Illinois Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Western Illinois Museum on Saturday, September 21, 2019

Encapsulating historical memorabilia of West Central Illinois and the American Civil War with more than 6,000 artifacts within its four walls is the Western Illinois Museum. The museum hosts three or four special exhibits each year that sees a footfall of over 2,500 people! Think you’d want to attend one too? Have a look at their website and plan your trip accordingly. Pay a visit and you’ll find each item telling a story, illustrating its significance in history, making the outing a wholly enriching experience.

Western Illinois Museum

Address: 201 S Lafayette St, Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Western Illinois Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

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8. Appreciate the art exhibits of the Western Illinois University Art Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Spin Series, Olivia Petrides, ink, gouache, newspaper monoprint on paper, 44x30 each Tuesday March 24 will be the last day to view this exhibition.

Posted by Western Illinois University Art Gallery on Monday, March 22, 2021

A university-owned gallery, Western Illinois University Art Gallery has more than 1,200 works of art that you can marvel at. The exhibitions keep changing every now and then, so you’ll probably find something new each time you visit. However, do note that the gallery observes the university calendar, so it remains closed on all days that are part of the university holiday list. Additionally, it may also be shut during certain exhibitions or installation periods, so it’s best you give them a call and check before heading out.

Western Illinois University Art Gallery

Address: 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Western Illinois University Art Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 12pm; 1pm - 4pm; Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

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9. Make a trip to the flourishing Barefoot Gardens

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Barefoot Gardens CSA on Saturday, April 3, 2021

At Barefoot Gardens, you’ll find yourself field amid colorful veggies, fruits, and lush foliage. It is 12,140 square meters (130,670 square ft) of edible gardens that get converted into a market-cum-soiree on Monday evenings, where farming and food enthusiasts gather to spend time socializing, wining and dining from the farm’s produce, and even pick some fresh produce for back home. Else, you can always head there on Thursdays and Saturdays for a relatively quieter yet equally amazing experience.

Barefoot Gardens

Address: 3201 W Adams Rd Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Barefoot Gardens

Opening hours: Mon: 6pm - 8pm; Thu: 8am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 11pm (closed on Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun)

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10. Find yourself a story at the Book Post

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Book Post II on Friday, January 31, 2020

Find stories in the pages of second-hand books at the Book Post in Macomb. Head to this lovely bookstore that has many hundreds of second-hand books up for grabs. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself a sale there! The staff is super friendly and love to help whoever drops by. So don’t hesitate to ask if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Book Post

Address: 107 S Side Square Macomb, Illinois

Website: Book Post

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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11. Hike through the rich tallgrass of the Lakeview Nature Area

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


For those of you comfortable with walking for extended periods of time, a trip to the Lakeview Nature Area would also make for an awesome thing to do. Hike through the large open fields, strewn with wetland, woodland, prairie systems that hide turkeys, groundhogs, deers, and a plethora of birds and insects within them. Else, head to the Lakeview Nature Center within the fields and learn about the flora and fauna of the region or attend workshops that are regularly held there.

Lakeview Nature Area

Address: 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Lakeview Nature Area

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

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12. Catch a live music performance at The Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Head to The Café to experience the best of gastronomical and musical intoxication. Open until the wee hours of the night, The Café is the ‘it place’ for catching superb live musical gigs by local bands in Macomb. Split across two floors, the place has a formal sit-down area on the first floor and a bar on the ground floor where the bands perform. Fork down some of their delicious Mexican fare and gulp down some of their punchy cocktails while enjoying amazing musical performances that make the whole place reverberate with energy.

The Café

Address: 8 W Side Sq Macomb, IL 61455

Website: The Café

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

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13. Have yourself a groovy time at The Ritz

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The RITZ on Monday, January 8, 2018

Macomb’s night scene is fabulous, especially if you find yourself at The Ritz dance and nightclub. Down one of their zingy cocktails, drown yourselves in the pulsating music, and let your hair loose. The place is packed with party animals and the club is also praised for its tight security. Service is fast and servers are attentive. Do we need to say more or are you excited already? Add this to your things to do in Macomb, Illinois list right away!

The Ritz

Address: 215 N Randolph St Macomb, Illinois 61455

Website: The Ritz

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

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14. Catch a live game screening at Buffalo Wild Wings

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Experience community-game-watching at the Buffalo Wild Wings, or BDubs, as the locals like to call it. The restaurant’s highlights are not just its Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings, but also sports’ enthusiasts who gather to catch live screenings of different sports. Shared laughs, tense moments, and victorious conclusions of sports’ matches, you’ll find it all here. It is a restaurant that turns into a large living room during a match. It’s surely going to be a memorable experience, so add it to your things to do in Macomb right away!

Buffalo Wild Wings

Address: 1724 E Jackson St Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Buffalo Wild Wings

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 1am

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15. Grab a quick snack at Chubby's

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Serving up some filling meals is Chubby’s, a quintessentially American bar and restaurant. Popular for its portions and service, Chubby’s makes for a great pitstop for a quick bite. Their menu is quite extensive, so you’ll definitely find something that interests your palate. Some of their dishes that are worth trying ar the pulled pork nachos, open-faced turkey, Cobb salad, and the Korean barbecue steak tacos.

Chubby's

Address: 2 Westside Square Macomb, IL 61455

Website: Chubby’s

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Sun: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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Macomb is an interesting blend of a city

 Sherman Hall, in Macomb, Illinois
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Illini used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Go about the city and you’ll find excellent markets, restaurants, historical landmarks, and culturally enriching experiences. You can keep aside having to do the leg-work and simply use this list of things to do in Macomb, Illinois. Ready yourself for a super experience, we say!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Priyanjali, a writer and traveler, identifies as a self-proclaimed aesthete dedicated to achieving fulfillment in her personal and professional life. Her skill lies in transforming intangible...Read more

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