Head to Macomb—the birthplace of the game’s inventor—to play for yourself.
For more than a century , Monopoly has reigned as one of the most iconic dining table game in history , teaching players about economics and break infinite friendships in its backwash . Now , a super - sized reading of the plot — six age in the fashioning — has open up in the modest western Illinois town of Macomb , in the “ The Republic of Forgottonia , ” where Lizzie Magie invented ‘ The Landlord ’s Game ’ back in 1903 . competently dubbedMacombopoly , it ’s the big Monopoly secret plan board in the world and was unveiled on May 9 , what would have been Magie ’s 158th natal day .
While Magie ’s variation of the biz has evolved over time , getting renamed to Monopoly in 1936 , its role in ruthless edutainment has achieve a global level of fun and infamy . In honor of its bequest , and that of its inventor , the town of Macomb put in a 1 million - square - foot interactional game plank around the historical downtown square , basically creating a larger - than - life edition of the secret plan that visitor can recreate via an app , while interact with sculpture like giant dice and game tokens . More like an immersive art experience , the game is played via an app byeATLAS , wherein visitor circle the township square as if they were circling an genuine board game . Along the way , classic Monopoly spaces reveal themselves on theapp , including the jail square located on the same corner where Macomb ’s original jail actually resist . The lawn also features massive game bit and tokens , include a interpretation of the real game plank , a beaver chapeau , and spin around dice . In honor of its founder , there ’s also a carving of Magie herself .
dissent from the informant fabric , the destination of Macomboly is n’t to financially ruin your loved ones , but to watch facts about the town , complete photo challenge ( like taking selfies with specific statues ) , and test your cognition with Monopoly trifle . useable to downloadhere , or by scanning a QR code at the town square , the app allows players to contend individually , or in teams up to five . As you encounter , points are accrued to earn a speckle on the digital Leaderboard , with available prizes like coupons for local business .
Macombopoly Opening|Photo by Steve Warmowski, Courtesy of Macombopoly
The flamboyant attractor also symbolise a touristry boon for “ The Republic of Forgottonia , ” an unofficial region in westerly Illinois — and the site of a fancied political secession — so named for its longtime lack of substructure and financing , thus feel “ leave ” by the political drag in Springfield . As the local touristry industry essay to make its own mark , play up local legend like Magie are a cardinal part of that mission . Macombopoly is free and available to wager 24/7/365 .
Drive time:3.5 60 minutes from Chicago3 hour from St. Louis3.5 hours from Des Moines4.5 hours from Kansas City
More things to do in MacombNowadays , there are plenty of unforgettable attractions in Forgottonia . Beyond a howling - scale Monopoly board , this is the rare region where travelers can meld Abe Lincoln lore with camels and dinosaurs . indicate as an Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area by the National Parks Service , Forgottonia contains a ego - guidedLooking For Lincoln Tour , with website like a 16 - fundament - improbable Lincoln topiary with a “ beard ” of flowers . QR codes are located at each of the 10 site on the tour , likeOakwood Cemetery , theCivil War Monumentin Chandler Park , and theBlandin House Museum .
When you ’re not looking for Lincoln , you may look for camel . As at thefarm owned by Bill Maloney , who sell John Deere product and originally bought camels as a promotional hook . Now , both bactrian and dromedary camels reside on his farm permanently , and they ’ve become a popular view for passersby on the northerly destruction of Avon along Route 41 . If extinct animals are more your jam , spend some time at theMuseum of Geology . Located on the campus of Western Illinois University , the museum covers ancient chronicle of coal , crude , gas , mineral , rock’n’roll , and other earthly imagination , as well as glaciers , mountain kitchen stove , and fossils of dinosaurs that drift the once - swampy terrain of prehistorical Illinois .
For more reinvigorated air , Argyle Lake State Parkis an haven for fishing , tramp , and tenting . The lake itself , at 93 acres , boasts ample substantial - footage for anglers , surrounded by five miles of forested trails and a 1,700 - Akko campground .
Where to persist in MacombA preserved - in - time B&B really fits the bill for a region so sleepyheaded that its nickname is Forgottonia . AndPlymouth Rock Roost Bed & Breakfastunderstands the assignment . The Queen Anne Victorian house , to begin with built in 1905 , has been bedding and breakfasting since 1988 , in an endearingly rickety abode fit out with efflorescence , antiques , and all way of vintage furnishing . The belongings also operates a nearbyantique store .
Macomb historic downtown square|Courtesy of Macombopoly
In addition to standardbudget - well-disposed hotel chains , like America ’s Best Value Inn and Best Western , Macomb also put up a amazingly niceQuality Inn , with timber ceilings , huge in - way tubs , and a beautiful indoor consortium .
There are alsocampgroundsat Argyle Lake , Spring Lake , and Timberview Lakes . Spring Lake Park , anchored by its 230 - Akko namesake lake , is particularly pastoral , flanked by three mountain bike trails and a cross - rural area run course . bivouacking pick admit tent sites and cabins , while boaters can rent kayaks , canoes , paddle board , and pontoons .
Where to eat in MacombWhen in Rome , do as the Romans do . Or in this fount , wipe out your way along theTenderloin and Horseshoe Trail . A self - channelise food for thought turn , inspired by two noted regional sandwiches , the trail highlights eatery specialise in breaded pork combat zone and the open - faced horseshoe , a Springfield forte typically comprising loot piled with Gallic fries , pith ( usually burger ) , and cheese sauce . Jackson Street Pubspecializes in both , as doesChubby ’s , where diner can swap fries for tater tots on the business firm horseshoe . Adair Cafeis another go - to , specifically renowned for its gargantuan tenderloin sandwich slathered with leaf mustard , pickles , and Allium cepa .
Statue of Lizzie Magie|Courtesy of Macombopoly
In the morning , Bold Brew Houseis the only dress shop drive - thru umber store in the realm , whileCole Street Coffee Houseserves coffee bean — and coffee cake — in cozy surround in Bushnell . The Study , meanwhile , is a Macomb coffee shop that differentiates itself with menu novelties like horchata , churro waffles , and Vietnamese coffee .
by and by , learn outThe Wine Sellers , the only wine bar and nursing bottle store in town . The bustling bar sport hot music on weekends , and the patio overlooks the Historic Downtown Square , as well as the fresh minted Macombopoly board . If craft beer is more your metier , Forgottonia Brewingpours everything from Pilsner and IPAs to stout , porters , sours , and grisettes . On weekends , the outdoor beer garden is live by food trucks .
