Woodstock (Illinois)

Woodstock is a city in Illinois. It is in McHenry County on the eastern edge of the Kishwaukee Valley as the north branch of the river rises right to the south of the city. Its early history was very much influenced by its location on the railroads. Its downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods developed prior to World War II, making it an older, more established community than many others in Chicagoland. Visitors can see many examples of late Victorian architecture to the immediate west and south of the downtown. The outskirts of the community, especially along US 14 and IL 47, feature modern single-family homes.

Entrance to the Square

Woodstock is served by the Metra / Union Pacific Northwest Line. Woodstock is the second to last stop on the line. The train station is not staffed. Metra tickets are available at no additional charge on the train if departing from Woodstock. The train station has a coffee shop (Trax Depot). Train ride time from downtown Chicago is approximately 1 hr 30 min.

Major highways are US Highway 14 and State Highway 120 and 47. Woodstock is 13 miles (approximately 25 minutes) north of Interstate 90 (Huntley exit).

• 🌍 Woodstock railway station, 90 Church St. (updated Jul 2021)

The historic downtown area is easy to walk around.

Pace Bus route 808 (+1 847 364-PACE) is used by commuters between Harvard, Woodstock and Crystal Lake. There is no service M-F between 9:05AM and 2:05PM. Service stops after 5:30PM in Woodstock.

Woodstock's historic square attracts visitors year-round. The cobblestone streets that form the Square are filled with shops and boutiques. The Woodstock Square Park hosts the Woodstock City Band for Wednesday evening concerts in the summer. Other festivals and events on the Square include Fair Diddley (May); Jazz Fest, Folk Festival, Groundhog Days, and DC Cobb's Main Street Musicfest (June).

• 🌍 The Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St, ☏ +1 815 338-4212, operahouse@woodstockil.gov. 

• Ethereal Confections, 140 Cass St., ☏ +1 815-687-0320. 
• Woodstock Public House, 101 Johnson St., ☏ +1 815-337-6060. 
• DC Cobbs, 226 Main St.. Gourmet burgers and 24 craft beers on tap. Live music on the weekends. 

Benton Street just off the Square (across from the train station) has a row of 6 bars including DC Cobbs, the Cabin, and Benton Street Tap.

• Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, +1 815 338-2436 (fax +1 815 334-2927).