Mackinaw, Illinois

Population: 1,452
Located in Tazewell County

Mackinaw is a village in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,452 at the 2000 census. Mackinaw is part of the Peoria-Pekin MSA. Mackinaw is named for the Mackinaw River, which is first mentioned in the journal of Patrick Kennedy in 1773 as the Little Michilimackinac River, and the name evolved to Mackinaw. The meaning is thought to be the same as the meaning in the case of Mackinac Island and Straits area in Michigan, which comes from the Ojibway word for turtle (Michilimackinac means Great Turtle). This information comes from Virgil Vogel's book Indian Place Names in Illinois and most others concur. No one knows why OUR river was named this, but it is assumed that the word Mackinaw means turtle in several different Native Indian languages in the Algonquian language family, not just Ojibway.

Heritage Lake, located 1 mile east of Mackinaw, was originally built as Maraldo Lake.

Heritage Lake underwent development as a recreational facility in 1969-1970. Some of the first structures were small weekend and vacation cottages. Within a few years people began viewing Heritage Lake as a desirable location for year round homes and living.

There are now approximately 300 homes at Heritage Lake with 200 having been constructed in the last 15 years. Approximately 75 have been built in the last 3 years. Today Heritage Lake serves a joint purpose as a rural subdivision and as a source for family recreation. Many non-resident members enjoy the same privileges and facilities offered to those who live in the area.

Heritage Lake is managed by a Homeowner's Association with a seven member Board of Directors (elected by property owners) and various committees. The association is an Illinois corporation but the area is not incorporated as a village or city for governmental purpose.

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