McDonough County tourism spending hits record $51 million in 2025

McDonough County posted a record $51 million in direct visitor spending in 2025, according to a new tourism impact report. The county’s visitor economy also supported 569 jobs and generated $89.6 million in total economic activity as local attractions and events continued to draw more travelers.

Why it matters: - McDonough County’s tourism economy set a new high in 2025, signaling that visitor spending is now above both pre-pandemic and previous peak levels. - Tourism activity supported 569 jobs and generated $89.6 million in total economic output, showing impact well beyond hotels and restaurants. - Visitor spending also produced $8.2 million in combined state and local tax revenue, including $3.4 million for local governments.

What happened: - The 2025 Tourism Economic Impact report shows direct visitor spending in McDonough County reached $51 million in 2025. - That total topped the previous record of $49.4 million set in 2023. - Spending rose 6.4% from 2024, the strongest year-over-year increase since the post-pandemic rebound in 2022. - The county’s visitor spending fell to $37.6 million in 2020 before climbing steadily. - By 2025, spending was 7.8% above 2019 levels.

The details: - The report says tourism supported an estimated 569 jobs across the county in 2025. - Total economic output from tourism reached $89.6 million, including indirect and induced activity as visitor dollars moved through the local economy. - The report also places 2025 as the strongest year in the seven-year period analyzed. - The 2025 rebound was the sharpest single-year gain since 2022, according to the report. - Jock Hedblade, executive director of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said more visitors are choosing weekend trips to McDonough County because of its stories, people and places. - Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia points to Macombopoly as one reason the county has more to offer travelers. - Macombopoly is a free, year-round, app-powered interactive experience on Macomb’s Historic Downtown Courthouse Square. - The attraction uses a free app to guide visitors through trivia, local history and oversized game pieces and sculptures. - The experience includes giant dice, a Lincoln stovepipe hat and a life-size sculpture of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie. - More than 2,700 people have actively participated in Macombopoly. - Visitors from 46 states have taken part in the experience. - Macombopoly is a 170,000-square-foot experience on the downtown square. - The attraction pays tribute to Lizzie Magie, the Macomb-born creator of The Landlord’s Game in 1903, the direct predecessor to Monopoly. - The game is powered by eATLAS. - McDonough County also is leaning into small-town weekend getaways, with local restaurants, outdoor recreation, historic attractions, shopping and other experiences. - Festivals and special events continue to drive repeat visitation across Macomb and surrounding communities.

Between the lines: - The report measures outcomes, not every cause behind them, but the timing suggests local promotion and new attractions are helping convert interest into spending. - The county’s recovery is broader than a return to normal. Visitor spending has moved past 2019 levels and established a new peak. - Macombopoly gives McDonough County a signature attraction that blends local history with a hands-on experience, which can help extend visitor stays and encourage repeat trips.

What’s next: - Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia says the county will keep building on its event calendar and weekend-trip appeal. - More festivals, special events and local attractions are expected to keep drawing visitors through the year. - The tourism office is steering travelers to plan trips through VisitForgottonia.com.

The bottom line: - McDonough County’s tourism sector has fully recovered from the pandemic slump and is now growing beyond its previous highs, with new attractions and events helping fuel the momentum.