Mackinaw River River Levels

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Mackinaw River flows through central Illinois, spanning 130 miles from its headwaters in McLean County to its confluence with the Illinois River in Tazewell County.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Mackinaw River was last observed at 65 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 130 acre-ft of water today; about 6% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,123 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-05-04 when daily discharge volume was observed at 26,190 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Mackinaw River Near Green Valley reporting a streamflow rate of 33.9 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Mackinaw River, with a gauge stage of 12.97 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Mackinaw River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 611 ft, the Mackinaw River Near Congerville.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-04
Discharge Volume 130 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 65.4 cfs
-0.4 cfs (-0.61%)
Percent of Normal 5.82%
Maximum 26,190.0 cfs
2019-05-04
Seasonal Avg 1,123 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Mackinaw River Near Congerville
USGS 05567500
32 cfs 0.83 ft 4.65
Mackinaw River Near Green Valley
USGS 05568000
34 cfs 12.97 ft -5.04
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Mackinaw River is a 130-mile-long (210 km) tributary of the Illinois River in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its watershed covers approximately 1,136 square miles (3,000 km2), 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".