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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  • Owner Claimed Listing
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Dining & Entertainment

Kishwaukee Brewing Company

BBQ King Smokehouse – Woodstock

Woodstock Opera House

Health & Beauty

My Chiropractic Center

Evolve Chiropractic – Woodstock

Shopping

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McCann Berry Farm

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Sun Berry Orchards

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Homestead Orchard

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All Seasons Orchard

Services & Organizations

NEW!

Dan’s Detailing 2


Event Calendar

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Magazine

Enjoying some food sitting in Depot Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market wrapped up the 2023 season with amazing weather and lots of people enjoying the day. Can't ask for much more than that.
Kids and parents riding in the pumpkin barrels.
By Brian R. Brown
Perfect weather marked the 30th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, and what may have been the one of the biggest ones yet.
Trunk or treat event with people in costumes.
By Brian R. Brown
Looking for Trunk-or-Treat fun in McHenry County? Look no further as our guide details trunk or treat, as well as other treating fun events all across the county.
Cars on display at car show.
By Brian R. Brown
Car shows don't always appear at all the usual places. Such was the case when we visited Melody Living for their Car Show to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.
Corn maze entrance at Cody's Farm and Orchard.
By Brian R. Brown
It's our favorite time of year and there are so many things to do in McHenry County during fall! In fact, with so many options, it's hard to keep track, so we decided we should create a guide!
Messy room.
By Brian R. Brown
Have you reached the breaking point on clutter in your life? Been there, done that, and still decluttering. If you've hit your pain point and are wondering how to declutter your home, or even downsize, we've got some tips to help you on your way.