Illinois Railway Museum - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Woodstock Opera House, built in 1889, has been lovingly restored and preserved with its stunning architecture intact. It is now used as an entertainment and education venue hosting plays, concerts, lectures, parties and more. The interior features beautiful décor, marbled corridors, intricate stonework stairs, and detailed wooden trim.It is also home to live performances of the Illinois Repertory Ensemble, a professional theater which presents classic works year-round.

Woodstock Square Historic District is a quaint area that is full of character and beauty. Over 100 years old, It encompasses an impressive concentration of Victorian Italianate commercial buildings, along with several churches and other landmarks. With its well-preserved 19th century facades, beautiful park and iconic clock tower, Woodstock Square is truly a sight to see. The exceptional preservation of the square's architecture helps maintain a sense of continuity from the past to present day.

Lippold Park offers beautiful views and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are trails for hiking and biking as well as playgrounds, picnic areas and plenty of wildlife. For the more adventurous types, Lippold Park has a canoe launch area where visitors can rent canoes and kayaks for a relaxing afternoon or evening on the Fox River. The park also includes boat slips along the waterfront for those looking to take advantage of some fishing or water skiing.

Crystal Lake Main Beach is a great place to visit during the summer. It features a 250 feet sand beach with several areas for swimming making it perfect for both sunbathers and swimmers alike. Visitors can also take advantage of the various amenities on-site such as concessions, playground areas, restroom facilities and picnic tables. In addition, there are plenty of activities available to participate in, from volleyball to paddleboarding.

The Dole Mansion is an iconic piece of local history. Founded by railroad magnate Lyman Dole and his family in the 19th century, it is a reminder of the area’s past wealth and grandeur. The mansion served as their home for several generations before being sold off to a number of different owners during the 20th century. After undergoing various levels of restoration over the years, the former mansion now houses a bed and breakfast where many come to remember and appreciate its past.

Woods Creek Lake, is a beautiful lake with seemingly endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. It has a surface area of approximately 176 acres and is surrounded by parks, trails, picnic areas and campgrounds. Visitors can take advantage of fishing, boating and swimming activities on the lake while enjoying its breathtaking views. Woods Creek Lake also has an abundance of wildlife including birds, ducks, beavers, white-tailed deer and turtles.