Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area covers 1,448 acres of timbered hills, open meadows, and river bottoms and features three picnic areas with restrooms. One of central Illinois’ most scenic and pristine rivers, the Mackinaw is a favorite of paddlers and fishers hoping to hook a channel catfish, flathead catfish or small-mouth bass. Hikers can explore the 2.5 mile Gold Mine Trail, keeping a lookout for wildlife under the forest canopy – bring your binoculars, this area is a birding hotspot! Hunters can stalk deer, squirrel, turkey, dove, and upland game, but first check in at the onsite office to learn the rules and regulations.
