Parking options in downtown Fort Wayne can be elusive, even for residents. Those visiting the city likely find it equally as perplexing. The good news is it’s not that complicated. The city offers several lots, garages, and metered parking, which makes it convenient for guests. This handy parking map provides a list of convenient parking facilities, and their pricing.

You might be curious about the best parking for your destination. We’ve made it easy for you!

Embassy: For evening performances, free parking is available at all downtown metered parking spaces. Paid parking is available at the Civic Center Parking Garage ($2 after 5 p.m.) off of Jefferson Blvd. and Calhoun St. and the Harrison Square Parking Garage ($4 after 5 p.m. for events) on Harrison and Douglas. Fifteen minute parking meters are located on Harrison Street for patrons purchasing tickets at the Embassy box office.

Grand Wayne Convention Center: The facility is attached to Hilton Hotel. Parking Garage level 3 connects by skywalk to Hotel and Grand Wayne Center level 2.

TinCaps:  If you’re arriving at Parkview Field by car, there are many different parking options. And for the most part, pricing depends on how far you want to walk. Directly across from the pavilion in front of the stadium, you’ll see the Silver Lot. Entering here is a no-no unless you have a season’s parking pass, but don’t get discouraged. If you’re next to the Silver Lot with your left side to Parkview Field, there are two team-run lots just seconds away. The first, which butts up against the Silver Lot, is the Green Lot, where parking is $4. One short block further, the Red Lot also charges $4.

But if you’re looking to save a buck, there’s a large city lot on the south side of West Baker Street, on the non-ballpark-side of the Silver, Green and Red lots. Parking here is $3, and it’s only a street width further away from the stadium gates.

If you’re insistent upon parking right up close, or perhaps if you’re staying in the Courtyard hotel a stone’s throw beyond the outfield fence, the Harrison Square Garage is at the corner of Harrison and Douglas streets, at the east end of the Parkview Field complex. Barring that, a number of $3 city lots can be found within five minutes’ walk of the stadium.

Allen County Main Library:   The downtown library is a draw due to its genealogy department. If you do not have a library card parking will cost $1/hour with a maximum charge of $7 for the day. Parking tickets must be taken inside the main library for validation and or payment.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory: Free parking is provided in the Civic Center Parking Garage with paid garden admission. Bring your ticket for validation at the front desk.  The Civic Center Garage is located northeast of the Conservatory, across the intersection of Jefferson and Calhoun Streets–enter from Clinton, Calhoun, or Jefferson.  Metered parking is available on nearby streets; meters are free on weekends and evenings.  Handicapped accessible spaces, bus parking, and passenger drop-off are available in the circle driveway located off Calhoun Street.  Please call in advance to arrange for bus parking at 260-427-6440.  

If you prefer metered parking, you’ll likely find many options. Street parking is typically .50/hour, and free after 5 pm weekdays and on weekends. At 50 cents an hour, Fort Wayne’s parking rate remains lower than other similar-sized cities, such as Toledo, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Most of those cities charge 75 cents to $1 an hour for downtown metered parking.

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By Tina Lyons, FGS 2013 Publicity Chair

Genealogists love visiting Fort Wayne. The Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center is home to the second largest genealogy collection in the United States. A trip to Fort Wayne can help genealogists find their ancestors in Indiana, across the United States and even in other countries.

Genealogists from around the United States (and beyond) will descend on Fort Wayne August 21-24 for the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. Registrants will attend lectures by the nation’s leading family history experts, socialize during luncheons and special evening events, and research their family roots at ACPL.

Most of the conference lecture sessions will be at the Grand Wayne Center. The FGS Opening Social will be at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory on Wednesday, August 21. On Friday, August 23, ACPL and the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will host “Journey through the Generations with Our Veterans” at the library. ACPL will also be offering extended research hours at The Genealogy Center throughout the conference.

Nationally-known speakers will present more than 160 lectures on a wide range of family history topics during the conference’s four days. Conference tracks include genetics, technology, online resources, migration, Midwest research, African American genealogy, European research and military records. Whether you are just beginning to research your family or have been researching for decades, you are sure to learn something new.

The exhibit hall at the Grand Wayne Center is free and open to the public. It will feature genealogy companies highlighting the latest software, books, databases and gadgets to help attendees find their families and tell their families’ stories. Genealogical and historical societies from across the country will also be in the exhibit hall to show what they have to offer.

Stop by the FGS Conference website to learn more. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @FGSconference. We hope to see you in Fort Wayne in August!

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Having been recently laid off, I am always looking for cheap or low-cost activities. Surprisingly, it is rather easy to be entertained on a budget. Here are a few of my favorite budget-friendly activities:

• The Allen County Public Library, Main Branch:  While you have to be an Allen County resident to check out materials, there is still plenty to do and see. Browse through some books while taking in the hustle and bustle of the Great Hall. If you have children, be sure to check out the impressive fish tank in Children’s Services. If you have a few hours, or days to kill, make time for the The Genealogy Center. This place boasts 332,000 printed volumes and 362,000 records of archival nature on microfilm and microfiche. These stats make the Genealogy Center at ACPL the largest collection of genealogy and local history materials in a public library in the US. It is the second largest collection of its kind in North America.

• Farmer’s Markets: Remember, it’s always free to browse! The Southside Farmer’s Market market, Fort Wayne’s oldest farmers market, features 100 stands with locally grown fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items, antiques, fresh baked goods, eggs, and hormone-free pork and chicken. Be sure to catch it before the season ends in December. Another option is the Fort Wayne Farmer’s Market, an indoor market at Parkview Field’s Lincoln Financial Event Center. This one runs on the first Saturday of each month from October 2012 through May 2013. This market offers items from 25 local farm, food, artisans and crafts vendors, including local produce, baked goods, with food and non-food products.

• Hit the Movies: Starplex Cinemas makes going to the movies more accessible for all budgets. Catch some of the summer’s blockbusters at a reduced price. Pricing is $3.00 for all shows $2.00 all day Tuesdays and for senior citizens.

• Take in some Art: A trip to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art is a must for anyone who appreciates art. Here you can take in American art history from the late eighteenth century through today in the galleries of the Permanent Collection. Insider’s Tip: Admission is free on Thursdays and Sundays!

See, it’s fairly easy to have a good time without spending a small fortune. What are some of your favorite wallet friendly activities?

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Budget-conscious visitors can find plenty to do in the Summit City at no cost. Here are a few wallet-friendly options:

• Summer is a great time to get active. Ride or walk on Fort Wayne’s trail system. Fort Wayne is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 60-mile trail system and rivers welcome guests for a weekend of fun and adventure.

The trails are a great (and free) way to see Fort Wayne in a new way, and get some exercise.

• Are you a history buff and have a few hours to spare? The Allen County is a draw for those who want to research their roots. The Genealogy Center at the main branch of Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne contains more than 332,000 printed volumes and 362,000 records of archival nature on microfilm and microfiche.These stats make the Genealogy Center at ACPL the largest collection of genealogy and local history materials in a public library in the US. It is the second largest collection of its kind in North America.

• Jefferson Pointe is more than just about shopping. The lifestyle center offers toddler programs and live music on Fridays in the summer.  Of course window shopping is always free!

• Discover a Fort Wayne icon, Hyde Bros Booksellers. Located just north of downtown Fort Wayne on the east side of the street at 1428 Wells, it is one of the largest bookstores in Indiana. Specialties include history, literature, nature, Indiana, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, sports, humor, travel, religion, and the social sciences.

• Fort Wayne is fortunate to have a quality art museum downtown–the Fort Wayne Art Museum.  This contemporary art museum offers works from permanent collections and national traveling exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy activities including workshops, lectures, guided tours. Additionally, the museum store has unique selections of original art, jewelry and gifts. Visitors can enjoy free admission Thursdays and Sundays.

With the reasonable cost of living, Fort Wayne is an choice easy for someone watching expenses. Who doesn’t love saving a little green?

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Experience an important part of Fort Wayne’s Native American heritage through Miami Indian Heritage Days.

This cultural celebration kicks off Saturday, May 5 at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.  Sponsored by the History Center, Miami Indian Heritage Days programs are held from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month, May through November.

Miami Indian Heritage Days are a great way to learn about the pastimes of Fort Wayne's first inhabitants.

What can visitors expect? The event promises local artists, performers, and representatives from the Miami Indians and other Native American groups demonstrating aspects of their heritage.

• “Medicine Woman Drum” will be featured May 5 beginning at 1 p.m. The group’s performances demonstrate the importance of drumming, singing and dancing in Miami society.
• On June 2, Erik Vosteen will present traditional Great Lakes weaponry, including hand and throwing weapons as well as the atlatl.
• July 7 is the bi-centennial celebration of Miami Chief Little Turtle’s death. A memorial herb medicine wheel will be created on that day and artifacts belonging to Little Turtle will be on display.
• The August 4 program by Katrina Mitten will feature Native American bead work.
• September 1, Dani Tippman presents “Miami Harvest” on edible and usable plants and materials.
• M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians) will present programs on October 6 about wikiami building and cattail matting.
• November 3-4 is Traders Days. Vendors, craftsmen and artists sell quality Native American items including fine art, gourd work, beading, carved wood pieces, corn husk dolls, Christmas ornaments, Native American shields, jewelry, clothing, feather work, homemade baked goods and more.
• Traders Days events are free to the public and are open Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Admission for each Saturday event is $7 adults and $5 students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 5 and under are free. Admission also includes the opportunity to visit the Chief Richardville House.

For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website.

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