Location: Woodstock
Top Things to do in Woodstock
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10 Things to Do in Woodstock That You Shouldn't Miss
Woodstock is a city in and the county seat of McHenry County, Illinois, United States, located 51 miles (82 km) northwest of Chicago. The population was 25,528 at the start of 2017. The city's downtown includes a historic, turn-of-the-century town square, which is anchored by the landmark Woodstock Opera House and the Old McHenry County Courthouse. The city was named one of the nation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2007 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The fictional town of Hawkins Falls, of the 1950s television soap opera Hawkins Falls, Population 6200, was patterned after Woodstock, Illinois.
Restaurants in Woodstock
1. Illinois Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
The Illinois Railway Museum is the largest museum of its kind in America. Ride historic trains on the museum's five-mile demonstration railroad. See giant steam locomotives, powerful diesels and elegant electric cars on display and in operation. Enjoy educational displays, a train-themed playground for children, and immersive exhibits. Bring a picnic or dine at the Central Avenue Diner. The museum's collection includes such highlights as the "Nebraska Zephyr" streamliner, featured in the movie "A League of Their Own;" the 1941 "Electroliner" train which helped inspire Japan's famous Bullet trains; the last surviving "Green Hornet" streetcar from Chicago; and a 1918 steam locomotive originally built for export to Imperial Russia.
Reviewed By Sonia L - Union, Illinois
My husband and I spent an afternoon here. Lots of nostalgia. Liked the trains you could go through better than the ones you could only view from the outside, but still interesting. Good photo ops for families so bring your phone/camera.
2. Woodstock Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Calmac3 - Crystal Lake, Illinois
The Woodstock Opera House is a beautiful venue--an intimate theater that brings northwest Illinois a multitude of speakers, comedy, singers, dance companies, youth groups, traveling shows and community theater shows. There are two resident community theater groups (WMTC and TSP) and one resident dance company (Judith Svlander) that present quality seasons of shows. The box office may be a little unreliable at times, but staff are always friendly and helpful and the ushers even seem to enjoy being at shows. Balcony seats may be a little tight physically--leg room in that first row-- and views may be restricted at the sides, but prices reflect that. There are discounts for seniors, Students, and groups. Free Parking is available on the street, all along the Square, and there's a small free back lot as well. Stage Left Cafe is attached (enter behind the box office) and serves drinks and small snacks as well as hosts small events. There's a large community reception room that usually presents local art (although December featured the beautiful Christmas tree walk) and the women's bathroom has a gorgeous setee and antique mirror on the main floor and a modern one outside the auditorium. There is an elevator to the main floor but none available to the balcony-just steep stairs. A great entertainment destination not to be missed!
3. Joe Diamond - The 13th Hour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
Joe Diamond is the Mystery Performer everyone is quietly talking about. Some call him a mind reader, others call him psychic, and still more call him a magician. You now have the chance to decide for yourself, up close and personal! Only 13 people will be admitted to his studio in the 'supposedly haunted' Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake for this unique experience. “If you don’t already worship at the feet of Joe Diamond, you should really get on board.” - Varla Ventura, author of “Beyond Bizarre” "Joe Diamond is the Devil" - WGN News "I am totally floored" - You & Me This Morning "That's impossible!" - The Today Show It doesn't matter if you are a believer or a skeptic, we predict you will have a good time!
Reviewed By Carol H - Chicago, Illinois
Joe Diamond's show makes for a very fun, unusual night out. It's especially nice that it's for a smaller size audience, so everything happens close up; there's not a bad seat anywhere. It's obvious that Joe loves his work and loves entertaining; so much thought has gone into his performance, and it's great that he includes the audience as much as possible. We can't wait to return!
4. Classic Cinemas - Woodstock Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By LauraZWoodstock_IL - Woodstock, IL
This movie theater was renovated and expanded recently. There is a large original theater that was restored to its original beauty. The additional theaters offer a chance to see more variety. They have sponsored an International Film Festival each year, but have recently changed the format so that you can see an International Film, Documentary, or Historical Film of Significance on the second Monday of each month. You can purchase your tickets online in advance, because sometimes the movie is SOLD OUT! That is how the community is responding to and supporting their efforts. Thank you Classic Cinemas!
5. All Seasons Orchard
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 44 reviews
All Seasons Orchard is an apple orchard and pumpkin patch with over 30 fun family activities including a 10 acre corn maze, petting zoo and mini zip line park. We also have a restaurant, bakery, cider mill and Farm Market. We are open daily in September and October.
Reviewed By Rachel O
I've been here twice- first time a couple of years ago. It seems that the pricing has gone up a bit for the picking and the activities- expect to spend $$. The apple picking was fun and allowed for a lot of independence. Beware- the early apple season months involve a lot of bees! The bakery had some yummy stuff too!
6. Wondertucky Distillery and Bottling, Inc.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Wondertucky Distillery and Bottling, Inc. is proud to be the first legal distillery in the history of McHenry County. Stop by the tasting room and try a specialty hand-crafted cocktail, or book a tour and learn about the distillation process and sample our whiskey as it comes off the still. And remember, "what happens in Wondertucky, stays in Wondertucky." Cheers! *Tasting Room is open to the public. For distillery tour times, call or "like" us on Facebook. Call 815-308-5271 to reserve space on our tours, or to book an event.
Reviewed By Trav_LN_now - Crystal Lake, Illinois
Passing by on our way to dinner, we stopped here after we ate to check it out. Didn't take the tour but did a free tasting of about eight spirits. Girl was very informative. Then the owner Dave comes out. What a cool guy! Cross between a hippy, biker and master distiller. I mean that in the most complimentary way. Ordered a couple of Peach Palmer's and spent the next hour talking, laughing and story telling with Dave. Very engaging, personable and informative about his business and product. Great time. Give it a try.
7. Colonial Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By biztravelerChicago - Chicago
Most of the dealers here feature a thoughtful and interesting assortment of collectible and antique offerings. Associated with the mall is a restoration center, and there are some beautiful restored pieces, primarily oak. Also a good assortment of furniture hardware, hinges, and pulls. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Clean store and organized booths. Two large floors.
8. Liquid Blues
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Calmac3 - Crystal Lake, Illinois
Liquid Blues is a basement restaurant resplendent with 60’s posters, tie dyed tablecloths, and functioning lava lamps. When seated you are offered a complimentary beer cheese with pretzel sticks and at the end after you’ve eaten, you are offered little dessert pudding shots. Appetizers, especially the deep fried mashed potato ball, are delicious but there are the other usuals (cheddar cheese balls, mozzarella sticks etc.)
Hamburgers come in two sizes with your choice of cheeses and there are chicken tenders, wraps, and other sandwiches with steak and pork. But the Friday Fish Fry is the reason we go back—best fish ever!!! (You can get the dinner or all you can eat.) The fish is cod (your choice of fried or broiled) and comes with potato pancakes and coleslaw.
Prices are moderate. Staff is friendly and efficient. There’s an extensive beer menu and daily specials.
There’s also a separate large bar and pool table in another room, and plenty of local fans. Parking is on the street or on the Woodstock Square—very crowded on Friday nights.
9. Pleasant Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By sos78 - Marengo, Illinois
Pleasant Valley is an awesome place to walk/hike. Never crowded, plenty of trails and well maintained by the McHenry County Conservation District. My only complaint is the amount of dog poop on the trails. If you're going to take your dog...pick up after it. Don't be a moron!
10. The Inebriated Artist Studio
Reignite a passion or start fresh with art. Come to relax, drink, share food, and take an art workshop. Come with friends, dates, families, or by yourself to make new friends. We are here to nurture your creative side and provide an oasis from the struggles of the day. Preregistration is required.
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