The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor
Civic Center Authority
The I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority was created in 1984 by Illinois state legislation. The Civic Center Authority's district is composed of twelve towns from Lyons to Lemont, located in the northeastern portion of the I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor. The mission of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority is to serve as stewards in the preservation and promotion of the historic, archeological and natural environments within the region. Each of the twelve towns has one representative on the Authority’s board who work together to promote capital projects which support the National Heritage Area (formerly National Heritage Corridor). They also own and operate the Santa Fe Prairie, an Illinois Nature Preserve. The Authority is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization committed to the cultural, historic, recreational and economic development of the National Heritage Corridor within its boundaries. The twelve communities are: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, Lemont, Lyons, McCook, Summit and Willow Springs.