Charles Mound

Charles Mound is the highest point in Illinois, rising 376 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of the state near the Wisconsin border. The summit sits on private property and is accessed via a marked trail that begins from Charles Mound Road in Scales Mound Township.

The mountain is named after Elijah Charles, an early settler who established his home at the base of the hill in 1828. This naming reflects the early European settlement era in this corner of northern Illinois.

The summit draws collectors from across the country who seek to reach the highest points of all 50 states. These visitors make the journey to complete a personal goal tied to American geography.

Access to the summit is available only on select weekends during the summer months, as the property is privately owned. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear and check ahead for exact opening times before making the trip.

The summit stands within the Driftless Area, a geological region that escaped glacial shaping during the last ice age. This distinctive geology created landforms that differ noticeably from the flattened landscape found elsewhere in the Midwest.

Location: Scales Mound Township

Elevation above the sea: 376 m

Opening Hours: June,July,August,September Saturday[1] open; June,July,August,September Saturday[1] +1 day open

Website: https://highpointers.org/archives/195

GPS coordinates: 42.50411,-90.23984

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:04