Fort Wayne might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of vacation destinations, but let me tell you, this city is full of surprises. As Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne has a lot more going on than you might imagine. For example did you know that it has one of the best zoos in the country?

Fort Wayne is an unexpected delight, and there is so much to do, especially for families.

 

1. Explore the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-visit even if you don’t have kids. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country, and for good reason. With over 1,000 animals from around the world, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip across the globe.

The zoo has four main areas: African Journey, Australian Adventure, Asian Trek, and Indiana Family Farm. In the African Journey, you can feed giraffes and watch lions lounge in the sun. The Australian Adventure lets you walk among kangaroos, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying if you ask me.

But my favorite part? The sky safari ride takes you over to the African Journey exhibit. It’s like being on safari without the risk of becoming a lion’s lunch.

I am not a zoo person. But I loved the Fort Wayne Zoo. There was such beautiful landscaping between the animals, and each animal was housed in their own ecosystem. A genuinely terrific zoo!

2. Step Back in Time at the Old Fort

History buffs, this one’s for you. The Old Fort is a reconstruction of the final fort built in Fort Wayne, and it’s like stepping into a time machine. They host reenactments throughout the year so you might stumble upon a Revolutionary War battle or a fur trading post from the 1800s.

Even if there’s no event, it’s still worth a visit. The fort itself is impressive, and the views of the city from the top of the walls are pretty great.  While it may not be as impressive as Fort Ticonderoga or Fort Sumter, it is worth a peek.

3. Get Artsy at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art

If you’re in the mood for some culture (and air conditioning), head to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. With over 7,000 works in their collection, you’re bound to find something that speaks to you. From contemporary American art to ancient cultures, they’ve got it all.

They also host some pretty cool traveling exhibitions, so check their website before you go to see what’s on display. And if you’re feeling inspired, they offer art classes too. Who knows, you might discover your hidden talent for pottery or painting!

4. Take a Stroll Through the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Need a tropical getaway but can’t afford the airfare? The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory has you covered. This urban oasis is home to over 1,200 plants worldwide and is divided into three main areas: the Tropical Garden, the Desert Garden, and the Showcase Garden.

The Tropical Garden is my favorite – it’s like stepping into a rainforest, complete with a waterfall and some very vocal birds. The Desert Garden is a close second, especially if you’re into cacti and succulents. Just resist the urge to touch – those spines are no joke!

Right now the Showcase Garden has a partnership with Chihuly Glass. There are some spectacular glass sculptures that seem right at home with the flowers. If you can’t make it to the big Chihuly Glass gardens in Seattle, you will love this one!

5. Catch a TinCaps Game at Parkview Field

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, catching a Fort Wayne TinCaps game at Parkview Field is a must-do. The TinCaps are a minor league team, which means tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is fun and laid-back.

Parkview Field is consistently rated as one of the best minor league ballparks in the country. It’s right in downtown Fort Wayne, so you can easily grab dinner before the game or hit up a bar afterward. And if you’re wondering about the team name, it’s a nod to Johnny Appleseed, who’s buried in Fort Wayne. Speaking of which…

6. Visit Johnny Appleseed’s Grave

Yes, you read that right. Johnny Appleseed, the folk hero known for planting apple trees across the Midwest, is buried in Fort Wayne. His gravesite is in Johnny Appleseed Park, a lovely picnic or walk spot.

The grave itself is pretty simple, but paying your respects to an absolute American legend is cool.

7. Shop ‘Til You Drop at Jefferson Pointe

If retail therapy is your thing, Jefferson Pointe is the place to be. This outdoor shopping center has all your favorite stores, plus some local boutiques thrown in for good measure. It’s designed to look like a little village, which makes window shopping a lot more enjoyable than trudging through a typical mall.

There’s also a movie theater and plenty of restaurants, so you can easily make a day of it. Just be sure to bring your wallet – and maybe some extra luggage for all your purchases.

8. Get something to Eat at The Landing

After years of decline, The Landing has experienced a major renaissance. Today, The Landing features a diverse mix of businesses, including well known restaurants like Tolon, Marquee  and Landing Beer Co.

At night, this place is hopping, but if you want a quieter experience, head to The Landing at lunch time. While there are lots of restaurants open, it isn’t as busy and you won’t have to wait in line!

9. Explore Science Central

Science Central is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages, although its much more fun for kids 3-10. With over 200 exhibits, you can easily spend a whole day here without boredom. From the giant piano you play with your feet to the bed of nails you can lie on (don’t worry, it’s safe!), there’s no shortage of cool things to see and do.

One of the most incredible exhibits is the High Rail Bike, where you can ride a bicycle on a thin rail 25 feet above the ground. It’s perfectly safe, but it still gives you a thrill. And if you need a break from all the excitement, they have a planetarium where you can relax and stargaze.

10. Take a Ride on the Sweet Breeze Canal Boat

Fort Wayne has a network of rivers and canals running through it, and what better way to explore them than on a canal boat? The Sweet Breeze is a replica 19th-century canal boat that offers tours along the rivers.

The tours are both fun and educational. You’ll learn about Fort Wayne’s history and see the city from a whole new perspective. Plus, there’s something inherently relaxing about being on the water. Just be sure to bring sunscreen – there’s not much shade on a canal boat!

11. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at DeBrand Fine Chocolates

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), a trip to DeBrand Fine Chocolates is a must. This locally-owned chocolatier makes some of the most decadent treats you’ll ever taste. They offer tours of their production facility, where you can see how the chocolates are made and, more importantly, sample some of their creations.

While I don’t think this is the best chocolate I have ever had, the flavors of the filled chocolates make up for it. My advice? Try the truffles—all of them. You can thank me later.

Also, the ice cream sundae is spectacularly good.

12. Paddle the Rivers

Fort Wayne is located at the confluence of three rivers: the St. Marys, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee. This makes it a great place for kayaking or canoeing. You can rent equipment from Fort Wayne Outfitters and take a leisurely paddle down the river.

It’s a unique way to see the city, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way.

The kayak rentals are for 2 hours which gives you time to leisurly paddle around, or get your excercise in for the day and see the entire confluence.

13. Visit the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library

This might sound like an odd tourist attraction, but hear me out. The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library is the 2nd largest genealogy library in the country. ( Salt Lake City has the largest.)Even if you’re not researching your own family history, it’s fascinating to browse through the old records and see how people lived in the past.

But if you are interested you can ask any of the librarians to get your started on figuring out your ancestry. They are super helpful and excited about all things family history.

Who knows, you might even discover a long-lost relative or two. Just don’t blame me if you get sucked in and spend your whole vacation digging through old census records.

14.Where to Stay in Fort Wayne

If you want to stay downtown, you can’t do better than The Bradley Hotel. The hotel is within walking distance from almost anything you want to do in Fort Wayne, and it is a beautiful new hotel.

The rooms are large and comfortable, and the restaurant is superb. The best food we had on this trip was in the restaurant at the Bradley Hotel.

A rooftop bar also serves appetizers and drinks to head to when it cools off in the evening.

 Where to Eat in Fort Wayne

I can honestly say that Fort Wayne surprised me when it came to food. It was exceptional and it was expensive. (To clarify, I ate at nice places downtown, not fast food, but prices were still higher than in Connecticut.) My son and I never spent less than $65 a meal, and we aren’t drinkers!

15. The Hoppy Gnome

This was such a great restaurant for brunch that we went back again for lunch the next day. The Hoppy Gnome serves some unusual dishes, such as the Smores table-side dessert, French Toast Bread Pudding, and excellent posole. It is eclectic yet very delicious.

16. Copper Spoon

This restaurant was recommended to us by 3 different people, so we knew we had to eat here. The scallops were spectacular as was the steak. They also have a great collection of mocktails created with the same care as a regular cocktail.

This was one of the most pricey restaurants we encountered. The food was good, but the prices were high.

17. Marquee at the Landing

This is a fun spot for lunch on the Landing in downtown. I couldn’t get enough of the charcuterie and cheese board or the manchego and bacon fries. The salads were okay, but they took a long time to come, so I would skip them and get a larger cheese board!

Are You Ready to Visit Fort Wayne now?

So there you have it – 17 of the best things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences to quirky attractions, this Midwest city has much more to offer than you might expect. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for a fun getaway, Fort Wayne has something for you.

 

 Disclosure: I was a guest of Visit Fort Wayne and recieved lodging, food, and activities to be able to write this review. As always, all opinions are my own.