The majority of the trips are close to Chicago. The club's major concern is getting more people actively involved in paddlesport and to promote canoeing in general. Founded in 1972, the club has about 60 members who like to paddle canoes, river and sea kayaks on flat and white water. The Voyageurs go back several centuries to the opening of the North American Continent. The Brigade has 16 families with 41 members that paddle voyageur canoes and enjoy historical encampments at the various Rendezvous' held in Illinois, the Midwest and other places.
Many members also paddle canoes for recreational purposes as well.
The club's major concerns are river access, safety, and to inform people about the historic legacy inherited from the voyageurs. Some also paddle competitively. May. The club is looking for more actively involved members as well as for the donation of materials to the club's projects, such as maintaining put-in paths and takeouts at the Vermilion Rivers. The club was founded in the late 1960's and has more than 100 families participating in it's activities. The Mackinaw Canoe Club serves all of Central Illinois and offers a wide variety of paddling experiences.