Fort Wayne IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ADVENTURES
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers a family-friendly experience featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy rides like the carousel and Sky Safari while exploring various habitats throughout the zoo. Children particularly enjoy the playground and train ride that takes them through different animal environments.
2. Parkview Field
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL EXCITEMENT
Parkview Field stands as one of the premier minor league baseball parks in Fort Wayne, offering an excellent venue to catch a game. The stadium provides comfortable seating with great views and free parking meters after 5PM for evening games. Visitors can enjoy this lower minor league park as a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening in downtown Fort Wayne.
3. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
URBAN TROPICAL GARDEN OASIS
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory serves as a lush garden retreat in the heart of Fort Wayne. This urban oasis features various plant collections, seasonal displays, and educational exhibits throughout the year. Visitors can explore different garden environments including tropical settings and desert landscapes all within the glass-enclosed conservatory.
4. Embassy Theatre
HISTORIC 1920S PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Embassy Theatre is a magnificent historical venue built in the 1920s that stands as an architectural masterpiece in downtown Fort Wayne. The theater offers comfortable seating and excellent acoustics for a variety of performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy concerts, Broadway shows, and cultural events in this beautifully preserved historic setting.
5. Science Central
HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
Science Central provides an interactive learning environment focused on scientific discovery for visitors of all ages in Fort Wayne. The center features numerous hands-on exhibits that make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining. Guests can participate in demonstrations, experiments, and educational programs designed to spark curiosity about the natural world.
6. Fort Wayne Museum of Art
CONTEMPORARY AND REGIONAL ARTWORK
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and regional artwork in the Cultural District of Fort Wayne. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists throughout the year. Visitors can explore various artistic media including paintings, sculptures, and photography in this cultural centerpiece of the city.
7. Headwaters Park
DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT GATHERING SPACE
Headwaters Park serves as Fort Wayne's premier downtown outdoor venue and riverfront green space along the three rivers. The park hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Three Rivers Festival in July. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, open green spaces, and beautiful views of the rivers that give Fort Wayne its distinctive character.
8. Lakeside Park and Rose Garden
HISTORIC PARK WITH ROSES
Lakeside Park and Rose Garden offers a tranquil retreat featuring beautiful landscaping and a renowned collection of roses in Fort Wayne. The historic park includes a sunken garden, walking paths, and seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this well-maintained green space that has been a city landmark for generations.
9. The History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE AND ARTIFACTS
The History Center preserves and presents the rich heritage of Fort Wayne and Allen County through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, the center showcases the region's development from its early days to the present through interactive displays and educational programs. Visitors can explore the diverse stories of the people and events that shaped this important Indiana city.
10. Arts United Center
COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS HUB
The Arts United Center stands as a focal point for performing arts in the Cultural District of Fort Wayne. This distinctive venue hosts a variety of performances including theater productions, dance recitals, and musical concerts throughout the year. Visitors can experience the vibrant local arts scene in this architectural landmark that serves as the heart of Fort Wayne's cultural community.
11. Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
HISTORICAL FIREFIGHTING EXHIBITS
The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum preserves the history of firefighting through exhibits housed in a historic fire station in downtown Fort Wayne. Visitors can explore vintage firefighting equipment, uniforms, and vehicles that tell the story of how fire protection has evolved over the decades. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the courageous work of firefighters who have served this Indiana community throughout its history.
12. Historic Old Fort
COLONIAL-ERA FORT RECONSTRUCTION
The Historic Old Fort provides visitors with an authentic recreation of the 18th-century fort that gave Fort Wayne its name. Throughout the year, living history events bring the past to life with costumed interpreters demonstrating colonial-era crafts, military drills, and daily life. Visitors can explore the wooden palisades, blockhouses, and period buildings that represent an important chapter in the early American frontier experience.
13. Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve
URBAN WETLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve encompasses over 800 acres of restored wetland habitat on the southwest edge of Fort Wayne. This important ecological site provides crucial habitat for numerous bird species, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in an urban setting. Visitors can explore miles of trails through diverse ecosystems while enjoying outstanding birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
14. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
MAJOR EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum serves as Fort Wayne's premier venue for large-scale entertainment, sporting events, and conventions. This multipurpose facility hosts everything from concerts and hockey games to trade shows and graduation ceremonies throughout the year. Visitors can experience a wide range of entertainment options in this spacious venue that has been a cornerstone of Fort Wayne's event scene for decades.
15. Combat Ops Arena Experience
TACTICAL LASER TAG ADVENTURE
Combat Ops Arena Experience offers an immersive tactical laser tag adventure for thrill-seekers in Fort Wayne. The facility features realistic environments, advanced equipment, and team-based scenarios that create an exciting gaming experience for participants. Visitors can test their strategy and teamwork skills in this high-energy attraction that provides a unique entertainment option in the Fort Wayne area.