Charles Mound
Mountain Highest natural point in Illinois
Illinois’s highest natural point, a modest limestone-capped hill in Jo Daviess County. Visitors come for the summit marker, rural views and short walks across farmland.
Charles Mound is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Illinois, with an elevation of 1,235 feet (376 metres). The summit is an unassuming rise on private farmland rather than a developed park.
The site is marked and visited by highpointing enthusiasts but is not a staffed public park; access is controlled by the landowner and visitors are asked to respect posted rules. There are no developed facilities at the summit.
Charles Mound is a glacially influenced upland feature rather than a mountain and is primarily of interest because it is the state’s high point. It has remained rural farmland and has not undergone major development over time.
The mound lies in far northwestern Illinois in Jo Daviess County, near the small village of Scales Mound and within a rural landscape of fields and gently rolling hills.
- Elevation: The highest natural point in Illinois at 1,235 feet (376 metres) above sea level.
- Access: Located on private farmland; access to the exact summit is by arrangement with the landowner or during organized open days.
How to Get to Charles Mound #
Charles Mound is located in Jo Daviess County, near the small towns of Scales Mound and Galena. From Galena, drive roughly 20-25 minutes northwest via county roads; signage to the access point is limited so a GPS with coordinates is useful.
The final approach is over rural roads; parking is available at a small lot and the walk to the high point is short.
Tips for Visiting Charles Mound #
- Reach the summit early in the day to avoid haze and to enjoy steady light for photos.
- As Illinois's high point, it's a gentle visit - combine with nearby small-town stops for a fuller day trip.
- The access road near the summit can be grassy and muddy after rains; drive carefully.
Best Time to Visit Charles Mound #
Best during late spring through early autumn for mild weather and clearer skies; winter is possible but cold.
Weather & Climate near Charles Mound #
Charles Mound's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (896 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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