Mercer County High Point Trip Report

Date: December 23, 2001
Author: John Mitchler

Don't bother with this county if you don't plan to complete Illinois. In fact, don't even bother reading this if you aren't completing Illinois. Several cohp's have taken me more than two days to do (like Rainier, Granite, and Gannett). I didn't expect this to be added to that list!

Basic description: Located in northwest Illinois just south of the Quad Cities, these multiple area counties are located in flat corn country and share high ground along their county line. The town of Reynolds will serve as your base of operations; it has gas and a tavern but no motel. Only visit this area after crops are harvested and the ground is not mud (prefer frozen).

How to get to Reynolds: From I-280 Exit 15 in the Quad Cities, take First Avenue west 1.1 miles into Milan, and turn left (south) onto US67. Go south 7.8 miles to CR NN (176th Ave.) passing IL94 at mile 4.3; or from the south at IL17 in Viola, take US67 north 9.7 miles to CR NN. From the intersection of US67 and CRNN, go west on paved roller-coaster CRNN for 5 miles to IL94, then south 1 mile to the curve in Reynolds.

Note these 3 key reference points in town:

1) IL94 curve is Front/Main St. (park here at the memorial flagpole)
2) one block south of IL94 curve is intersection of 180th Ave. and 220th St. (180th/220th)
3) Longbranch Tavern at IL94 & Williams St. a block west of IL94 curve.

Lay of the Land: The high ground extends east-west for several miles east and west of Reynolds along the county line. The east-west county roads are 180th Ave, 170th Ave. etc. The north-south county roads are 220th St., 210th St., etc. The county line road is 180th Ave. and IL94 on the east side of Reynolds is 220th St.

multiple areas, numbered 1 through 9 from east to west

Area 1 is small area in west of section 4, has flat relief, and sights lower from Area 4.

Area 2 is very small area in northeast of section 5, and has a farm house on it. It sights lower from Area 5, but is an easy walk from 240th St.

Area 3 an elongated area in northeast of section 5 and sights much lower from Area 5.

Area 4 is a monster area in sections 5 & 8, and very likely holds the highest ground. It also sports a VOR (FAA device) and the Hyland Farm, which name recognizes the high nature of the land! This intimidating area was made pleasant by the friendly Dave Anderson who's house is in the southwest corner of section 5. The road in southwest of section 5 (0.25 mile from southwest corner of section 5) does not exist although gravel can be seen in the field. I got permission to drive the lane (0.5 mile from southwest corner of section 5) that goes north to center of section 5, and could sight to the east and south. I walked west to the metal shed in the center of the west half section 5 (not on topo). The highest ground appears to be in the west half, south of the center line. The area in section 8 sights lower.

Area 5 is in east of section 6. Drive on 220th St. to center of sections 5/6 (0.5 mile south of 220th/180th), and walk along fence about 0.25 mile. From here, high ground appears to be in the south of the area, and sights fairly level with high ground in section 5.

Area 6 in section 6. I parked along 170th Ave., a half mile from 220th St. Walk south along fence until land begins to drop to the south. Walk out into the area; highest ground appears to be in the north center of the area.

Area 7 in northeast of section 12. Park along 220th St. in a gully south of 170th Ave. and walk northwest up a gully into the large area. There is a north-south fence just west of second farmhouse. High ground appears along this fence in the center of the section.

Area 8 in northwest of section 12. Park along 210th St. in a gully south of 170th Ave. and walk east into large area. High ground appears to be in western lobes of the area, although it's pretty flat.

Area 9 in section 2 has a house on it, as well a 205th Street. Go 0.6 mile south of 180th Ave. (county line). High ground appears to be on the east side of the road. Note that a couple miles west of this area is the hamlet of Hamlet. This reminds me of the town of Towner in Colorodo. Is there a city of City anywhere?

Summary: Areas 2 and 3 appear low, but all other areas need to be visited. The true high ground is likely to be in Area 4, in the west half of section 5, but only a professional survey will reveal this.