Where is Macomb, Illinois

Macomb is a city in western Illinois and the county seat of McDonough County. Located about 70 miles west of Peoria, it serves as a regional center for education, government, and agriculture. The city is home to Western Illinois University and is known for its historic courthouse square, Spring Lake Park, campus landmarks, and its location among the rolling farmland of west-central Illinois.

Location Map of Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Macomb in McDonough County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Macomb Map, Illinois

Where is Macomb Located?

Macomb is a city located in McDonough County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in west-central Illinois, about 70 miles west of Peoria and roughly 40 miles east of the Mississippi River. Macomb is located at approximately 40.459° North latitude and 90.671° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 15,051 residents, and the city covers about 11.69 square miles (30.28 sq km). Macomb was founded in 1830 and incorporated as a city in 1841. It became the county seat of McDonough County and later developed into an important educational center after Western Illinois University opened in 1899. The university remains one of the city's defining institutions and brings students, faculty, and visitors from across the region. Macomb's historic downtown centers on the McDonough County Courthouse and includes older commercial buildings, local businesses, and community spaces. Spring Lake Park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking. The surrounding landscape is largely agricultural, with gently rolling farmland typical of western Illinois. A unique feature of Macomb is its combination of county government, higher education, and rural agricultural traditions in one regional center. U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 110 provide connections to Galesburg, Quincy, Peoria, and other communities across western Illinois.

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Macomb City Facts

Distance from Macomb, IL to Nearby Cities

• Good Hope, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Colchester, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Bushnell, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Monmouth, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Galesburg, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Quincy, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Keokuk, IA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Fort Madison, IA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Beardstown, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Canton, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Peoria, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Burlington, IA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Jacksonville, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Springfield, IL – 90 miles (145 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 95 miles (153 km)

Top Attractions in Macomb

• Western Illinois University – A public university and one of Macomb's most important institutions, with a large campus, museums, athletic facilities, and cultural programs.
• Western Illinois Museum – A local museum preserving the history, people, businesses, and cultural heritage of Macomb and McDonough County.
• McDonough County Courthouse – A prominent historic landmark in downtown Macomb and the center of county government.
• Macomb Courthouse Square – The historic downtown area features older architecture, local businesses, restaurants, and community events.
• Spring Lake Park – A large recreation area with two lakes, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and picnic facilities.
• Chadwick Arboretum – A landscaped area on the Western Illinois University campus with trees, gardens, and outdoor walking areas.
• Lakeview Nature Center – A nearby natural area offering opportunities to explore local wildlife and native landscapes.
• Argyle Lake State Park – A nearby state park with hiking trails, fishing, camping, boating, and wooded scenery.

Airports Near Macomb

• Burlington Regional Airport (BRL) – 50 miles
• Quincy Regional Airport (UIN) – 55 miles
• General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) – 75 miles
• Quad City International Airport (MLI) – 90 miles
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Macomb city website and local government records.

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