The Little Mackinaw River is an 18.5mi river in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a tributary of the Mackinaw River, which it joins near Hopedale in Tazewell County. The river's name is derived from the Ojibwe word mikinaak meaning "turtle".Cities, towns and countiesThe following cities, towns and villages are drained by the Little Mackinaw: DanversHopedale The following Illinois counties are in part drained by the Little Mackinaw: McLeanTazewell