Woodford County

Quick commutes, gorgeous country and a historic courthouse. No wonder Ronald Reagan loved Woodford County.

Woodford County was named after an officer of the American Revolutionary War, General William Woodford. The county borders the Illinois River and the City of Peoria to the west and the cities of Bloomington/Normal to the southeast. This convenient location allows its nearly 39,000 residents to enjoy the quiet, rural setting of the county while taking advantage of quick commutes to either Peoria or Bloomington. The county offers a wide range of recreational activities and amenities, which include the Woodford County Conservation Area, the Metamora Fields Golf Course, and Eureka Lake, with its 240-acre park. The area is home to Eureka College, the college home of President Ronald Reagan, and the historic Metamora Courthouse.

Well Known People of Woodford County:

One of the most well know people is our 40th President, Ronald Reagan who graduated from Eureka College in 1932

And for you sports fans… Ben Zobrist the All-Star Major League second baseman and outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, was born and raised in Eureka. The NFL linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, who is now a free agent, Andy Studebaker graduated Eureka High School in 2004.

J. Frank Duryea and his brother Charles, born in Washburn, invented the first American gas-powered automobile.

Glen Gray was a jazz saxophonist and orchestra leader for the Casa Loma Orchestra, an American dance band popular from 1927 to 1963., was born in Metamora, Illinois and graduated from Roanoke High School.



Dan McCoy is a comedian and Emmy-winning writer for the program “The Daily Show” who a graduated of Eureka High School.