Let Woodstock Welcome You Home.
A nostalgic small-town charm you can’t help but fall in love with, Woodstock is alive with arts, culture, and community spirit. Stroll the picturesque historic Square, catch a show at the world-renowned Opera House, explore unique shops, savor local dining, or enjoy live music and nightlife. With abundant parks and trails, diverse housing options, excellent schools—including dual-language programs—and easy access to Chicago and Milwaukee, Woodstock offers a vibrant, welcoming place to live at any stage of life. Creative, independent, and entrepreneurial, the city attracts artists, small business owners, and manufacturers alike. Proud of its history and confident in its future, Woodstock residents are eager to welcome you home.
Why Woodstock? Here is what Real Woodstock residents, business and community leaders have to say.
It’s easy to fall in love with Woodstock! Abundant shopping, locally owned restaurants and a close-knit community. Woodstock has it all.
Lori Miarecki
Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast
When you’re in Woodstock, you feel at home. Active lifestyles, abundant arts & culture and exceptional education. Woodstock has it all.
Tom Keefe
CEO, Keefe Real Estate
Woodstock is committed to the success of every child. Our dual language program enables all children to learn English and Spanish, connecting cultures to foster unity in our community.
Liz Instefjord
Second Grade Teacher, Westwood Elementary
In Woodstock, independent and locally owned businesses line the charming Square. Creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and hospitality are the cornerstones of our business community.
Arlene Lynes
Read Between the Lynes Bookstore
Learn more about life in Woodstock, Illinois.
Make Woodstock Home
In Woodstock, you’ll find housing choices to fit every lifestyle—rural, suburban, and semi-urban. Looking for a modern apartment or a charming Victorian near downtown and train access? Prefer an executive home on the golf course or a spacious country estate with plenty of land? Woodstock has it all.
Schools
Education shines in Woodstock. District 200 schools offer outstanding programs for students of all ages, and both Woodstock high schools were recently recognized among the top 100 in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report. Woodstock High School ranked No. 57—the best in McHenry County—and Woodstock North ranked No. 98 out of 715 schools
Jobs & Opportunities
No matter where you are in your career path, Woodstock provides a healthy, growing job market with opportunities across many industries.
Transportation & Location
Nestled in the heart of McHenry County, Woodstock combines small-town charm with big-city accessibility. Chicago is just 47 miles away, O’Hare is less than an hour, and the Wisconsin border is only about 30 minutes north. Rockford, Janesville, Milwaukee, and Madison are all within easy reach, putting everything the region has to offer right at your fingertips.
Parks & Recreation
With 550 acres of parkland spread across 23 locations, Woodstock offers endless opportunities to explore, play, and relax. From scenic trails and sports fields to playgrounds and picnic areas, there’s always a new spot to discover. The city’s Recreation and Parks Departments, together with the McHenry County Conservation District, ensure outdoor fun for residents and visitors of all ages.
Annual Events & Things to Do in Woodstock
A nostalgic small-town feel you can’t help but fall in love with, Woodstock is rich with arts, culture, and community spirit. Explore the historic Square, catch a performance at the iconic Opera House, stroll the farmers market, enjoy beautiful parkland, or celebrate local traditions like Groundhog Day. There’s always something to see and do.