Get to Know Johnsburg!

We couldn’t be happier to welcome you to the Village of Johnsburg, Illinois. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood, a long-time resident or grew up in the community, we have plenty of fun facts to share about our beloved home.

We hope this article will help you get to know Johnsburg for the first time, or learn something new and feel more at home than ever.

Where is Johnsburg, IL?

Johnsburg is an hour and 15 minute drive (55 miles) from Chicago, Illinois. Northwest of the Windy City, Johnsburg is a convenient lakeside alternative to the long journey up to Wisconsin. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Fox Lake and Pistakee Lake, Johnsburg makes for a wonderful weekend retreat, a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Many of our residents say that returning to Johnsburg after commuting for work feels like coming home to a vacation retreat.

Key Facts about Johnsburg, IL

Here are a few key facts to give you a brief overview of our home and its history:

  • We’re located in McHenry County, Illinois.
  • Johnsburg is home to 6,355 people, according to the April 2020 Census.
  • In 1841, families from Germany first settled in the area. They established one of the very first Catholic parishes in the state.
  • St John the Baptist church was first built in 1842 as a cabin that was used for multiple purposes, including as a school and place to meet on village issues. The beautiful structure it is today is a key landmark and continues to serve our community.

Who Lives in Johnsburg, IL?

Johnsburg is home to families of all kinds, just like yours:

  • Johnsburg is a commuter village for Chicago, so our residents work in a wide variety of roles.
  • 96.5% of us are high school graduates, compared to 85.1% in Chicago, and 89.2% in Illinois, the average for the entire state. We have the benefit of an excellent school district and a safe, family-oriented community for our children to grow up in.
  • Some of us are local business owners. We have everything you need here in the village, from grocery stores to auto body repair. Hit the gym or get your boat repaired, all in Johnsburg.  

Things to do in Johnsburg

There’s never a shortage of things to do here in the Village.

Lake activities are among the most popular in the community. Pistakee Yacht Club offers a fantastic sailing school for anyone looking for a new hobby out on the water. Perhaps you have your own boat, love fishing or enjoy water sports. If so, Johnsburg is the perfect place for you to relax and have fun.

Spending time outdoors is easy here. Prefer dry land? Our five local parks feature playground equipment, baseball fields, basketball courts, biking paths and more.

Looking for a light bite or planning a dinner date? There are plenty of restaurants to try in Johnsburg.

Community Events in Johnsburg

Village parties keep spirits high! Community events held throughout the year help us get to know new faces, and keep in touch with neighbors, village-wide.

Saufen und Spiel is our biggest event of the year, and is held annually in September. This year, we enjoyed a parade, live music from Vinyl Goldmine, Blaskapelle Milwaukee and GOOROOS, in addition to the Black Light Beanbag Tournament.

October will see our next big event come to life. Celebration in the Park will be held on October 2nd, and we can’t wait to enjoy it together!

Schools in Johnsburg IL

Our wonderful kids attend District 12 schools. From Pre-K to grade 2, our little ones learn and play at Johnsburg Ringwood Primary Center, followed by Johnsburg Elementary School, which takes grades 3-5.

Get ready to chant for the Johnsburg Junior High Wildcats when your children reach grades 6-8, and be wowed by the phenomenal Skyhawks at Johnsburg High School, through grades 9-12. You’ll also find this school on Niche’s list of best public high schools in McHenry County.

Living in Johnsburg takes the hassle out of going to school. There’s no need to ride the CTA buses miles away; your children can hop on the school bus down the street from your home.

With after-school activities and sports from grade 5 upwards, there’s plenty to keep your kids entertained, and lots of opportunities to make life-long friends. 

New Houses for Sale in Johnsburg IL

There are several beautiful new developments in Johnsburg, each with brand new homes for sale. Anyone interested in houses for sale in Johnsburg, IL is welcome to take a look at ranch style and two-story homes at Running Brook Farm and Remington Grove.

Visit Johnsburg Illinois

Johnsburg is known for its beautiful lakes, excellent schools and historic architecture. It has renowned warmth, community and village events that bring us closer together.

There are also plenty of fun facts, myths and legends about Johnsburg, Illinois; stories of secret tunnels and Al Capone will keep kids of all ages guessing and gasping.

More than anything, we’re known for being neighborly neighbors, and a family-oriented community with big hearts ready to welcome you. We hope you’ll bookmark our blog to learn more about Johnsburg, visit us on weekends, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep in touch.