Mackinaw River 
State Fish & Wildlife Area
(including DNR Canoe Landing)

Tazewell County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
Headquarters Area:  40.553438, -89.292311
​DNR Canoe Landing:  40.569509, -89.318769
Gresham Road Access:  40.5539607, -89.31387731
Coil Road Access:  40.5606531, -89.32071570
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Headquarters Area:  15470 Nelson Rd
​DNR Canoe Landing:  31700 Schlappi Rd 
Gresham Road Access:  15000 Block Gresham Rd​
Coil Road Access:  16000 Block County Rd 3225 E (Coil Rd)
Mackinaw IL  61755

Official Website
​https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/MackinawRiver.aspx

​Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Water (paddle, fish)
Other (hunt*, view wildlife, picnic, hand trap-shooting range)
​*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.
 
Season/Hours: sunrise to sunset
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/PublishingImages/MackinawRiverSiteMap.PNG
On Site:  no
 
Parking:  parking lots
 
Amenities:  vary by location
 
Restrooms:  vary by location; headquarters area has porta-potty
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  All Trails
 
Cost:  free                   
 
Historical and/or Geological Significance:  historical
 
Terrain/Views/Access: 
Forest, Hills, Prairie, Open Grass Space
River View & Access, Pond View & Access
 
General Description: multi-access 1428-acre state fish and wildlife area (including IDNR Canoe Landing); adjacent to Mehl's Bluff Nature Preserve and ​Parklands Nature Preserve 

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  
Subject to flooding.  Know before you go.  
Check Mackinaw River levels using USGS by clicking here.
​​Check Mackinaw River levels using NOAA by clicking here.​ 

Boat rental, shuttle and/or guide service available through Area 52 in Mackinaw.
​
​Our January 2021 Gold Mine Trail hike was delightful but had blocked trails from ice storm damage.  Be prepared to bushwhack around these areas.

Headquarters Area:

IDNR Canoe Landing:

Gresham Road Access:

Coil Road Access:

Trail/Preserve Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
​Mackinaw River SFWA brochure & site map (PDF)
Mackinaw River SFWA Hunter Map (PDF)
​

More Information:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-09-17-0109170050-story.html

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/mackinaw-river-state-fish-and-wildlife-area

http://www.illinoispaddling.info/2016/06/paddling-central-illinois/
​https://www.eastpeoriatimescourier.com/news/20170621/canoeing-on-mackinaw-provides-scenic-views-or-nature-wildlife

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/MackinawRiver.aspx

https://www.pekintimes.com/news/20170621/canoeing-on-mackinaw-provides-scenic-views-or-nature-wildlife

https://local.aarp.org/place/mackinaw-river-state-fish-wildlife-area-mackinaw-il.html​

https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/research/rra/site15/

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
​Site Superintendent
15470 Nelson Road
Mackinaw IL 61755
309-963-4969
dnrparksadmin@illinois.gov
 dnr.R1Parks@illinois.gov

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunter fact sheets available on the IL DNR website (https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/default.aspx).
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.  Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.

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Headquarters Area:

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Canoe Access Area: