Bisected by the picturesque river whose name it bears, Mackinaw River State Fish & Wildlife Area provides hunting, fishing, canoeing and an opportunity to interact with nature. The diverse, minimally developed area, consisting of rolling timbered hills and former farmland, is 18 miles west of Bloomington Normal and 3 miles northeast of the town of Mackinaw, between Interstate 74 and Illinois Route 9.
The name Mackinaw is a derivative of an Ojibwa word meaning "large turtle". Members of the Hopewell culture lived in the area 1,700 to 2,100 years ago, while the Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Chippewa and Ottawa also once fished, hunted and roamed along the river. In the 1960's, a non-profit Bloomington-based conservation group, the Parklands Foundation, acquired the initial acreage that was to become Mackinaw River State Fish & Wildlife Area. In 1970, the foundation offered it to the state, and subsequent acquisitions by the Department of Natural Resources have brought the total holding to 1,448 acres.
The Mackinaw River State Fish & Wildlife Area features a more rugged topography than the rest of the Mackinaw River Valley. The site is located where the Mackinaw River cuts through the Bloomington Moraine, which is a ridge of sand and gravel that was carried and deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier 8,000 years ago. Tributaries to the Mackinaw have cut deep ravines to reach the floodplain, leaving behind high, flat-topped ridges that were used for fruit orchards before they were farmed. Nearly two-thirds of the acreage is forested, which accounts for the abundance of forest-dependent wildlife. On the upland ridges, a high-quality forest of white oaks and black oaks thrives, while chinquapin oaks, sugar maples and red oaks dominate the ravines. Sycamore and silver maple occupy the floodplain. Beneath the forest canopy, a lush tangle of native plants covers the forest floor. Birders, wildlife photographers and other nature observers find Mackinaw an excellent site to pursue their pastimes.
Superior fishing opportunities for channel catfish, small-mouth bass and flathead catfish are offered in the clear water of the Mackinaw River. Check with site personnel about bank angling opportunities at ponds.
Hunting | Hunter
Deer, squirrel, turkey, dove and upland game hunting are pursued at Mackinaw. Hunting dates and time may differ from statewide regulation; check with site personnel concerning site-specific regulations, season dates, limits and designated hunting area. All hunters must check in and out at the site office.
The Gold Mine Trail provides 2.5 miles of hiking. For those who enjoy going off the beaten track, animal trails under the forest canopy offer hiking opportunities limited only by an individual's endurance.
Canoeing and Other Facilities
Three picnic areas with picnic tables and restrooms are available at Mackinaw. One of the picnic grounds is located at the canoe launch area, which is available to those who want to experience a day canoeing one of central Illinois' most scenic and pristine rivers. Another picnic area is near a centrally located hand trap-shooting range. The picnic areas and their facilities are for day use only and close at sundown. No camping is permitted.
From the town of Mackinaw,
take Illinois Rte 9 east 3 miles to Boston School Road (33500 E), turn
left (north) and go 1.5 miles following signs to the site office.
From the city of Bloomington, take Illinois Rte 9 west approximately 20
miles to Boston School Road (33500 E), turn right (north) and go 1.5 miles
following signs to the site office.
- While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
- At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.
- Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.
- We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
- For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
- Telecommunication Device
for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175
for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.