Woodstock is a growing, vibrant, and diverse community with strong historic, cultural, educational, entrepreneurial, health conscious, and environmentally friendly values. First established in 1844, and named Centerville, with reference to our central location in McHenry County and recognition that we serve as the county seat.  In 1845, Centerville was renamed Woodstock and has celebrated significant recognition over the years.  Woodstock was named an All America City in 1964, a Certified City in 1987, a National Trust Distinctive Destination in 2007, and a Preserve America Community.  The Woodstock Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and rests in the center of the City’s Historic District.  Icons of the district include the historic Woodstock Opera House, theatrical home of renowned performers Orson Welles, Paul Newman, Betsy Palmer, Tom Bosley, Shelley Berman, Lois Nettleton and Geraldine Page, as well as the Old Courthouse and Sheriffs House, undergoing an extensive preservation and renovation process currently.  Surrounding the Square are several beautifully restored Victorian homes, many of which have been plaqued by the Historic Preservation Commission in recognition of their significance to the City’s history and architectural diversity.

Today the City of Woodstock is home to 25,528 people.  389 businesses.  25 churches.  550 acres of parkland.  Woodstock, Illinois is a true Midwestern city where community and quality of life are values that run deep in our residents.  Woodstock is unique - a place our residents are proud to call home and our visitors fall in love with.  As our City motto states. Woodstock is "True to its past and confident of its future."  Whether visiting for a day, a weekend, or living in Woodstock, we're glad you're here.  Whether visiting for a day, a weekend, or living in Woodstock, we're glad you're here.  Welcome to our home!  We hope the arts and culture, shopping and dining, welcoming vibe, great school and housing, business opportunities, and nostalgic charm give you a million reasons to stay.

With a population of more than 300,000 people, McHenry County is a collar county of Chicago and part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is primarily rural, with excellent interstate and Metra rail access. Woodstock is the county seat. The McHenry County Economic Development Corp serves as the economic development agency for the county, and Visit McHenry County promotes tourism.

Woodstock is easily accessible from downtown Chicago via the Metra Rail on the Union Pacific/Northwest Line. Trains run regularly on weekdays and weekends, and are an affordable option to travel.

Check the Metra schedule to learn when you can hop on a train to Woodstock. If you're new to Metra, see their New Riders Guide.

Whether you're driving from Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison or beyond, we are a quick jaunt away.   Click here from direction from Milwaukee.  Click here for directions from Madison.  Click here for directions from Chicago.