Old McHenry County Courthouse

The Old McHenry County Courthouse is a brick county courthouse with limestone trim designed in Renaissance Revival style in Woodstock. Four identical wings extend from a central core and create a Greek cross formation that gives the building its distinctive layout.

Construction of the building was completed in 1857 under architect John M. Van Osdel's design, and it served as the county's administrative center until government offices moved in 1973. The structure remained a landmark in Woodstock after losing its original government function.

The building now houses an art gallery, pottery studio, and the Chester Gould-Dick Tracy Museum featuring comic book collections. These establishments give the structure an active role in the local art community and draw visitors interested in the region's creative traditions.

The courthouse is located in downtown Woodstock as part of the Woodstock Square Historic District and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can combine a stop here with browsing nearby galleries and shops in the historic downtown area.

The building shares architectural similarities with an 1853 Cook County Courthouse that was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. This connection makes the Woodstock courthouse a rare survivor of this particular design approach from that era.

Location: Illinois

Architects: John M. Van Osdel

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.31488,-88.44822

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40