McHenry County, County seat city in northeastern Illinois, United States
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Illinois).
Illinois Railway Museum
12.1 km
Woodstock Opera House
1.3 km
George Stickney House
6.9 km
Moraine Hills State Park
16.6 km
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
7 kmPlace de la Musique
25.1 km
Old McHenry County Courthouse
588 m
Charles H. Hibbard House
15.6 km
Count's House
14.9 km
Woodstock Square Historic District
630 m
Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House
14.9 km
Terwilliger House
6.9 km
Memorial Hall
21 km
Orson Rogers House
14.9 km
Christian Geister House
21.5 km
Main Beach
13 kmIsland Lake
21.3 km
Woodstock Water Works
1.8 km
Richmond
21 km
Indian Trail Beach
18.6 km
Richardson Maze
25.2 km
West Beach
11.9 kmWinding Creek Park
16.5 km
Lucien Boneparte Covell House
20.8 km
Wonder Center Beach
11.1 km
Petersen Park Beach
14.5 kmSilver Lake
18.6 kmWonder Lake
10.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes