Explore & Experience Woodstock

Welcome to the City of Woodstock, Illinois, in McHenry county.

Woodstock originally started out as Centerville, due to its central location within McHenry County after the county was split to form McHenry and Lake Counties. Subsequently, the county seat was moved from McHenry to Centerville in 1844. The name was then changed to Woodstock in 1845, and the Village of Woodstock was incorporated in 1852.

Early growth came in part from the Chicago & North Western Railroad, which ran through Woodstock in 1855 and helped grow the local agricultural business as well as industry. Post-Civil War growth further helped prompt the move from village to city status in 1873.

Woodstock became known for, of all things, typewriters. City officials donated empty factory buildings in 1896 for the manufacture of the Oliver Typewriter. Then in 1910, the Emerson Typewriter Company also moved to Woodstock to produce typewriters, which in 1919 became the Woodstock Typewriter Company.

Woodstock also has a history in the arts. Orson Welles considered it, if any place was, his “hometown” due to his time at the then Todd School for Boys. Orson Welles also made his American debut as a professional theatre director at the Woodstock Opera House.

Not to be outdone by the stage, Woodstock also served as a backdrop for several scenes from the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This screen appearance also led to being recommended as the location for another famous movie you may have seen over and over and over again, Groundhog Day.

Woodstock also plays another entertaining role, serving as the home of Chester Gould, the creator of “Dick Tracy,” who lived on a farm outside Woodstock in what would later become the Village of Bull Valley.

Woodstock also plays another entertaining role, also serving as the home of Chester Gould, the creator of Dick Tracy,” who lived on a farm outside Woodstock in an area that would later become part of the Village of Bull Valley.

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Dining & Entertainment

NEW!

Kishwaukee Brewing Company

Health & Beauty

My Chiropractic Center

Shopping

McCann Berry Farm

Sun Berry Orchards

Services & Organizations

Real Woodstock


Event Calendar

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NEW!

Woodstock Summer Farmers Market - May 17, 2025

Magazine

Managing the soundboard is a little more challenging in the rain.
By Brian R. Brown
Concerts in the Park season is upon us. From summer to fall, McHenry County is full of outdoor live music options. And if you're looking for your next concert, our Concerts in the Park guide is ready.
American flag flagpole waving in the wind against clouds and blue sky.
By Brian R. Brown
Take some time this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who gave their life serving in our Armed Forces. Check our guide for special Memorial Day ceremonies and parades around McHenry County.
Various tomatoes, corn, and leafy greens.
By Brian R. Brown
Know what's always in season in McHenry County? Farmers' markets! Check out our complete McHenry County Farmers Market Guide for information on local farmer markets. We provide dates, times, locations, as well as additional information and links for the individual farmer markets.
Selection of desserts.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for Mother's Day brunches and other ideas for Mother's Day? Be sure to check out our special McHenry County Mother's Day Guide for ways to celebrate that special someone called mom.
A mix of old and new, domestic and import.
By Brian R. Brown
Get your engine running with our guide to car shows & cruise nights all around McHenry County! From one-off events to recurring shows, we've pulled together a collection car events that will satisfy your inner car enthusiast.
Plastic Easter eggs on lawn.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your Easter baskets and get ready to hunt Easter eggs, snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, or even have breakfast with the Bunny! And we're here to help you find those eggs with our Easter Egg Hunt Guide for McHenry County!