The Mackinaw River is a 130-mile-long tributary of the Illinois River in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its watershed covers approximately 1,136 square miles, and contains some of the most productive agricultural land in the United States. The river itself maintains some of the highest quality streams in the state and provides habitat for 60-70 native fish specie…The Mackinaw River is a 130-mile-long tributary of the Illinois River in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its watershed covers approximately 1,136 square miles, and contains some of the most productive agricultural land in the United States. The river itself maintains some of the highest quality streams in the state and provides habitat for 60-70 native fish species and 25-30 species of mussels. Its name, also spelled Mackinac, is derived from the Ojibwe word mikinaak meaning "turtle".