Where is Sycamore, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Sycamore is a city in northern Illinois and the county seat of DeKalb County. Located about 55 miles west of Chicago, the city sits in the fertile farmland of the Fox Valley region. Sycamore is known for its historic courthouse, Victorian-era homes, downtown district, Pumpkin Festival, and nearby forest preserves and recreational trails.

Location Map of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois

Where is Sycamore Located in DeKalb County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Sycamore in DeKalb County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Sycamore Map, Illinois

About Sycamore Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Sycamore in DeKalb County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Sycamore Located?

Sycamore is a city located in DeKalb County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in northern Illinois, about 55 miles west of Chicago and roughly 35 miles southeast of Rockford. DeKalb is about 5 miles south, while Genoa is approximately 15 miles northeast of Sycamore. The city is located at 41.9889° North latitude and 88.6868° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 18,577 residents. Sycamore covers about 10.65 square miles, or approximately 27.58 square kilometers. The surrounding landscape consists of rich farmland, gently rolling prairie, wooded areas, and small streams. Sycamore serves as the county seat of DeKalb County and has a well-preserved downtown with historic civic and commercial buildings. The DeKalb County Courthouse is one of the city's best-known landmarks. Sycamore also hosts the annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, a long-running community event that attracts visitors from throughout northern Illinois. Nearby forest preserves provide hiking, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A unique feature of Sycamore is its combination of a historic county-seat downtown, strong agricultural roots, and easy access to the Chicago metropolitan region.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA Sttae MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map
Looking for a U.S. City?
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information

Sycamore City Facts

FactDetails
CitySycamore
StateIllinois
CountyDeKalb County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorthern Illinois, Fox Valley
Incorporated1851
Founded1835
Total Area10.65 sq mi (27.58 sq km)
Land Area10.56 sq mi (27.35 sq km)
Water Area0.09 sq mi (0.23 sq km)
ElevationAbout 860 ft (262 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 18,500
Population (2020 Census)18,577
Population DensityAbout 1,759 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CST/CDT)
ZIP Codes60178
Area Code815, 779
Major HighwaysIllinois Route 23, Illinois Route 64, Illinois Route 64, Interstate 88
Public TransitVoluntary Action Center transportation services
Major AttractionsDeKalb County Courthouse, Sycamore Historic District, Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, Midwest Museum of Natural History, Sycamore Community Sports Complex
Official Websitehttps://www.sycamoreil.gov/

Distance from Sycamore, IL to Nearby Cities

  • DeKalb, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Genoa, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Hinckley, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Hampshire, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Rochelle, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Belvidere, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • St. Charles, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Elgin, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Batavia, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Geneva, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Rockford, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Yorkville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Aurora, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Naperville, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Joliet, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Waukegan, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Bloomington, IL – 90 miles (145 km)

Top Attractions in Sycamore

  • DeKalb County Courthouse – A historic courthouse in downtown Sycamore and one of the city's most recognizable civic landmarks.
  • Sycamore Historic District – A collection of historic homes, churches, commercial buildings, and public structures reflecting the city's 19th-century growth.
  • Sycamore Pumpkin Festival – An annual fall event featuring decorated pumpkins, parades, community activities, and local traditions.
  • Midwest Museum of Natural History – A nearby museum featuring natural history exhibits, wildlife displays, fossils, and educational programs.
  • Sycamore Community Sports Complex – A large recreation area with athletic fields, open spaces, and facilities for local sports programs.
  • Ellwood House Museum – A historic house museum in nearby DeKalb documenting the history of the Ellwood family and the local community.
  • Prairie Park – A local park with trails, open green space, playgrounds, and recreational areas.
  • Shabbona Lake State Park – A nearby state park offering fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
  • Spitzer Park – A community recreation area with sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and open space.

Airports Near Sycamore, Illinois

  • Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 40 miles
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 50 miles
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 65 miles
  • DuPage Airport (DPA) – 45 miles
  • Aurora Municipal Airport (AUZ) – 40 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Sycamore city website and local government records.

Illinois Related Maps and Info

Illinois MapIllinois County MapIllinois Cities Map
Illinois ZipcodesAirports in IllinoisWhere is Springfield
Illinois Area CodesIllinois Blank MapIllinois River Map
Illinois Physical MapIllinois Road MapWhere is Chicago