If you’re looking for something unique to do in rural, northwestern Illinois, you might consider visiting Charles Mound. This hill is a special one because visitors are only allowed to visit it a few days a year. What makes Charles Mound in Illinois so alluring? Read on to find out.

Why do people want to visit Charles Mound? Well, this hill may not look like much, but at 1,235 feet above sea level, it's the highest point in Illinois.
Skye Marthaler, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikipedia
You can take an easy, shaded trail to the top.
T Garcia/Google Local
However, it's important to remember that this state's high point is on private property. You should stay on the trail at all times.
Ron Duskey/Google Local
When you get to the top, you'll find this sign. It's a perfect photo opportunity.
Ron Duskey/Google Local
Property owners Wayne and Jean Wuebbels only open their property to the public a few select weekends each year. They don't have to do this, but it's nice of them, as there are people out there who aim to summit all the high points in each of our nation's 50 states.
William Taylor/Google Local
It's crucial that visitors take care to be respectful of the Wuebbels' property so this access can continue.

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You'll also find this marker from the U.S. Geologic Survey.
Kovas Pablubinskas/Google Local
The view from the top is quite lovely. Charles Mound may not seem that tall, but you can see quite a distance in every direction from its peak.
T Garcia/Google Local
The Wuebbels have been kind enough to put out a guest register for visitors to sign. Add your name to the list to become one of very few who have been here.
Ron Duskey/Google Local
People come from all over to climb to the top of Charles Mound.
William Taylor/Google Local
After you sign the guest register, take a few moments to relax in the chairs and enjoy the distant view in the shade.
AR/Google Local

Not many people have summited the highest hill in Illinois. If you time your visit right and adhere to the Wuebbels’ rules then this is an easy hike worth doing. Then, you will be able to tell your friends that you’re one of the lucky few who have accomplished this feat.

Be sure to take a picture at the top, because you are one of only a few that can claim to have climbed to the highest point in Illinois. If you love unique hikes like this, there are forty-nine other state high points other than Charles Mound in Illinois waiting for you. Good luck!

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More to Explore

More to See Besides Charles Mound in Illinois

Chris Muras | October 11, 2022

Where can I go in Illinois that only locals know about?

Now that you’ve climbed the Illinois high point what else is there to do that only locals know about? Not to give away too many secrets but one of our favorites is the Pomona Natural Bridge in the Shawnee National Forest. After a short quarter-mile or so hike you’ll find this wild, moss-covered natural wonder. At 90 feet long and eight feet wide at its widest point, this sandstone bridge was carved out by gently flowing water over thousands of years. It’s one of those things you have to see to believe.

What other hidden gems are there to discover in Illinois?

Charles Mound IL is certainly a cool spot to check off your bucket list, but what other hidden gems await you in Illinois? From strenuous hikes to natural wonders, spooky lodges, and super splash-worthy waterparks there is something for everyone in Illinois. If you are out of ideas on how to stay busy in your travels through this beautiful state how about checking out a few of these hidden gems in Illinois?

What is Illinois’ lowest point?

You’ve discovered Illinois’ highest point, but what is Illinois' lowest point? Clocking in at a depth defying 279 feet in elevation you’ll have to travel to Cairo Point. It’s located in Fort Defiance State Park near the southernmost tip of Illinois. As the Mississippi River and Ohio River grab hands and do the hockey-pokey the elevation dips - it’s at this point that you’ll find the lowest point in Illinois. Cairo, Illinois is a fascinating small town with a notorious history - some even believe it is haunted…

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Charles Mound, Scales Mound Township, IL 61075, USA