Mackinaw River SFWA
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(309) 963-4969
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In Tazewell County, about 10 miles southeast of Morton, Mackinaw River SFWA covers about 972 acres.
Its trail network totals roughly 2.5 miles, according to the park.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Things to do
Trails
Hiking
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.
Boating and paddling
Canoeing
A canoe launch area is available to those who want to experience a day canoeing one of central Illinois' most scenic and pristine rivers.
Fishing
Fishing
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.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessibility at Mackinaw River:
•
Parking - All parking lots are hard gravel. There is an accessible parking space near the front door of the park office.
•
Service animals are welcome in the park, but outdoor water is not available.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 15470 Nelson Road
Mackinaw, IL 61755 - Nearest town
- Morton — about 10 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.5540, -89.2920
- Phone
- (309) 963-4969
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology