Charles MoundCharles Mound at a Glance
About Charles Mound
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -14° - -4° | -15° | 29 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -11° - -1° | -11° | 31 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 6° | -4° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 14° | 5° | 88 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 21° | 15° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 26° | 20° | 112 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 110 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 23° | 16° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 16° | 8° | 66 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 7° | -2° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -10° - -1° | -11° | 43 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
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.