Introduction to Harvard, Illinois
Harvard, Illinois, in McHenry county, is 26 miles NE of Rockford, Illinois and 55 miles SW of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Harvard History
In 1855, trains from Chicago on the Chicago and Northwestern Railway route would stop for servicing at the southeastern Chemung Township. Elbridge Gerry Ayer purchased land to start a community, and in April of 1856, the station was named Harvard. Railroad employment steadily increased and the population of Harvard began to grow. Harvard was finally incorporated in 1868.
Harvard and nearby Attractions
- Chester Gould Dick Tracy Museum
- Beckman Mill
- Big Foot Beach State Park
- Family Aquatic Center
- Veteran Acres Park
Things To Do In Harvard
Local museums and historical sites include the Geneva Lake Area Museum of History, the Old Courthouse Arts Center and Yerkes Observatory, where the world’s biggest lens telescope is located. Local parks include the Big Foot Beach State Park and the Veteran Acres Park.
Harvard Transportation
Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Harvard Higher Education
Mchenry County College, Rock Valley College, the University of Wisconsin and Elgin Community College are some of the nearby colleges and universities.