Where is Woodstock, Illinois

Woodstock is a historic city in northern Illinois and the county seat of McHenry County. It is located about 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and 35 miles southeast of Rockford. The city is known for its historic courthouse square, charming downtown, Woodstock Opera House, and connection to the movie “Groundhog Day.” Woodstock also offers access to nearby lakes, forest preserves, and outdoor recreation areas.

Location Map of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois

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

Woodstock Map, Illinois

Where is Woodstock Located?

Woodstock is a city located in McHenry County, Illinois, the United States. It is in northern Illinois, about 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, 35 miles southeast of Rockford, and approximately 25 miles west of Elgin. Woodstock lies at approximately 42.315° North latitude and 88.448° West longitude. The city had 25,636 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 13.52 square miles, or 35.02 square kilometers. Woodstock was founded in 1844 and incorporated in 1852. It became the county seat of McHenry County and developed as a regional center for agriculture, commerce, government, and transportation. The city is especially known for its historic Woodstock Square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Woodstock Opera House and courthouse are prominent landmarks around the square. Woodstock gained international attention after its downtown was used as a filming location for the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day.” The surrounding landscape includes farmland, lakes, wetlands, and wooded areas. Nearby outdoor destinations include Bull Valley Golf Club, Emricson Park, and the Kishwaukee River. Illinois Route 47, Illinois Route 120, and nearby U.S. Route 14 provide major transportation connections to Chicago's western and northwestern suburbs, Rockford, and communities throughout northern Illinois.

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Woodstock City Facts

Distance from Woodstock, IL to Nearby Cities

• Wonder Lake, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Crystal Lake, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
• McHenry, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Harvard, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Huntley, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Marengo, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Lake in the Hills, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Algonquin, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Elgin, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Belvidere, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• St. Charles, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Barrington, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Rockford, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Geneva, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Aurora, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Naperville, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Chicago, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Joliet, IL – 60 miles (97 km)

Top Attractions in Woodstock

• Woodstock Square Historic District – The city's historic central square features preserved buildings, local shops, restaurants, the courthouse, and landmarks associated with Woodstock's history.
• Woodstock Opera House – A historic performing arts venue on the courthouse square that hosts concerts, theater, community events, and cultural programs.
• McHenry County Courthouse – A historic courthouse located in the center of Woodstock Square and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
• Groundhog Day Filming Locations – Several locations around Woodstock's historic downtown were featured in the movie “Groundhog Day,” attracting visitors interested in the film's history.
• Emricson Park – A large community park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, ponds, picnic areas, and open recreational space.
• McHenry County Historical Society Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories about McHenry County and the surrounding region.
• Lake Geneva – A popular nearby Wisconsin destination featuring boating, beaches, resorts, hiking, shopping, and scenic lakefront attractions.
• Volo Bog State Natural Area – An Illinois natural area known for its unusual floating bog, wetlands, trails, wildlife, and nature education.
• Chain O'Lakes State Park – A regional recreation area with interconnected lakes, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Illinois Railway Museum – A large railroad museum in nearby Union featuring historic locomotives, passenger cars, railway exhibits, and operating heritage trains.

Airports Near Woodstock, IL

• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 35 miles
• Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) – 65 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 50 miles
• DuPage Airport (DPA) – 45 miles
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 65 miles

Sources:

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

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