Scales Mound, IL

Set among the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Scales Mound is a quiet village of roughly 400 people just two miles south of the Wisconsin border. The surrounding Driftless Area gives the landscape steep ridges, scenic valleys, and winding country roads. It also sits right next to Charles Mound, the highest natural point in Illinois, giving residents plenty of open space and scenic countryside views.

ATTRSkye Marthaler / CC BY-SA 3.0

Community life centers around the local K-12 school, where all grades learn under one roof and cheer on the Hornets. The village holds onto its historic roots, with quiet residential streets and an 1885 town hall anchoring the center of town. Events like the annual Stagecoach Trail Days bring everyone together, and with Galena only a short drive away, you get peaceful country living with easy access to nearby shops and dining.