Monopoly Comes to Life in Macomb, Illinois

Looking for a small-town twist on a classic board game? Welcome to Macomb, Illinois, where the city square has transformed into the world’s largest live-action Monopoly experience, Macombopoly.

Just 230 miles southwest of Chicago, Macomb is more than a charming Midwestern town, it’s the birthplace of Lizzie Magie, the inventor of the original Landlord’s Game, which later inspired Monopoly as we know it today. Now, her hometown is honoring her legacy with an interactive, life-sized game that brings the classic to the streets.

So how does it work?

Visitors simply scan a QR code in town to open the Macombopoly app, powered by EA Atlas. The experience is similar to Monopoly Go, but it trades board game tokens for real-world adventure. Players complete trivia challenges and photo tasks at local spots to earn rewards, including discounts and prizes from Macomb businesses.

Even iconic spaces like “Go to Jail” get a real-world twist. Land on it in the app? Head over to the actual jail bars set up in the square, snap a photo behind them, and continue on your way.

The best part?

Macombopoly is a permanent, free, 24/7 attraction. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast, history buff, or road trip explorer, Macombopoly offers a fun, educational way to experience local history while supporting small businesses.

For more information, visit visitforgottonia.com.