| Elevation | 1,235 ft/376 m |
| Subpeak | Charles Mound-North Ridge Point (1170 ft/357 m) |
| Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) | 42° 30′ 15” N, 90° 14′ 23” W 42.504146, -90.239765 (Dec Deg) 726791 E 4709446 N, Zone 15 (UTM) |
| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
Charles Mound: A Quiet Summit on Private Land – Exploring Illinois’s Highest Point
Tucked away in the gentle hills of northwestern Illinois, Charles Mound stands as the state’s highest natural point at 1,235 feet above sea level. Unlike the dramatic alpine peaks of the West, Charles Mound offers something quieter—a pastoral highpoint that feels more like a step back in time than a climb up.
Located just outside the historic town of Galena, this summit is privately owned, but graciously opened to the public on select weekends during the warmer months. For highpointers and curious travelers alike, visiting Charles Mound is a unique experience of rural charm, Midwest hospitality, and natural beauty.
The Summit with a Schedule
What makes Charles Mound stand out isn’t its elevation, but its location and accessibility. Situated on private property, the highpoint sits at the edge of a pasture, offering sweeping views of Illinois, and even glimpses of Iowa and Wisconsin on clear days. Because it is on private land, the summit is only open to the public on specific weekends, typically one in each month from June to September. Planning ahead is a must.
To reach the summit, visitors take a 1.2-mile walk (one way) up a grassy, gently sloped driveway. There’s no fee, no gift shop, and no parking lot—just a quiet, honest walk through farmland that ends at a small sign marking Illinois’s top point.
A Journey into the Driftless Area
Charles Mound sits within the Driftless Area, a unique region that was spared by the flattening effects of the glaciers during the last Ice Age. As a result, this part of Illinois features rolling hills, bluffs, and valleys, which stand in stark contrast to the otherwise flat plains that define much of the state.
Galena, just a few miles away, is a fitting base for this adventure. With its preserved 19th-century architecture, boutiques, and historic sites, it’s one of Illinois’s most beloved small towns. Many hikers use a visit to Charles Mound as a chance to also explore Galena’s trails, wineries, and historic downtown.
A Lesson in Respect and Simplicity
There are no dramatic ascents or alpine switchbacks here, but Charles Mound teaches an important lesson in respecting landowners and celebrating access. The Wuebbels family’s generosity in opening their land to the public is a rare gift, and visitors are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the boundaries.
It’s a great reminder that not every summit needs to be a showstopper. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the quiet, pastoral approach, and in recognizing the simple power of standing on the highest ground of a state—even if only for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Charles Mound is a hidden gem for anyone exploring America’s highpoints. It’s a gentle hike, an intimate encounter with Illinois’s topography, and a beautiful moment of pause in a world that moves fast. Whether you’re checking off a state summit or just looking for a new way to experience the Illinois countryside, Charles Mound is worth the detour.
