McHenry County

McHenry County is an administrative division in northeastern Illinois with lakes, parks, and recreation areas spread across its territory. The region includes several municipalities with Woodstock serving as the main city, featuring residential communities in the south and more rural areas to the north.

The county was established in 1836 from parts of Cook and LaSalle counties and named after Major William McHenry, a notable officer in the Illinois Militia. This formation reflected the early settlement expansion in the region and the need for separate local governance.

The Historic Woodstock Opera House in the county seat hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. These events reflect the area's commitment to live entertainment and visual arts.

The county is organized around multiple school districts, colleges, and government offices, with public transportation connecting to the Chicago metropolitan area. Visitors should explore local roads to discover the lake landscapes and parks, and use Woodstock's downtown as a central point of reference.

The McHenry County Conservation District manages natural preserves where visitors can observe native wildlife and geological formations shaped by ancient glaciers. These landforms reveal the region's ice age history and create diverse habitats for different plant and animal species.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1836

Capital city: Woodstock

Shares border with: Walworth County, Kenosha County, Lake County, Cook County, Kane County, DeKalb County, Boone County

Website: http://co.mchenry.il.us

GPS coordinates: 42.32000,-88.45000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:37