The City of Delphi has recognized the lifelong dedication of Dan McCain with a mayoral proclamation and the presentation of the Key to the City on January 5, 2026. McCain, a pivotal figure in the preservation and restoration of the Wabash & Erie Canal, has spent decades transforming the historic waterway and surrounding community into a vibrant educational and recreational destination.
As a founder and longtime president of the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association, McCain’s work began humbly with meetings in his parents’ living room, eventually leading to the dredging, re-watering, and development of Canal Park, including the award-winning Interpretive Center and Pioneer Village. His efforts have created miles of historic trails, restored iconic bridges such as the Freedom Bridge, and developed a replica canal boat experience, preserving local history for generations to enjoy.
McCain’s extraordinary volunteerism and impact have earned him numerous honors, including the Golden Hoosier Award, the Limelight Legacy Award (2025), the Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Delphi Community School Corporation Wall of Distinction. He has also received recognition for his family’s 150-year farm legacy and contributions to arts, conservation, and community education.
Beyond his work with the Canal Association, McCain spent over 30 years in conservation with the USDA Soil Conservation Service and the National Conservation Technology Information Center, further demonstrating his lifelong commitment to community and environmental stewardship.
Mayor Kamron Yates praised McCain for his “profound and lasting contributions to the City of Delphi and the preservation of the Wabash & Erie Canal,” highlighting the transformative impact his efforts have had on local history, recreation, and education.
Through his leadership, vision, and tireless dedication, Dan McCain has ensured that Delphi’s rich heritage remains a living, engaging part of the community for future generations.
