Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 7, 2025
2025 Participating Attractions
African/African-American Historical Museum
(260) 467-1457
12 noon – 5pm
The African/African-American Historical Society and Museum houses exhibits on Africa, African American inventors, musicians and local entrepreneurs, as well as pioneers in business, education, social work, and health.
Allen County Courthouse
(260) 449-4246
Special hours: 12 noon - 4:00 pm
Cameras welcome
Visit the magnificent Allen County Courthouse—a National Historic Landmark. The building is a premier example of Beaux Arts architecture and is one of the largest and most elegant courthouses in the nation. Visitors can tour the four grand courtrooms and experience the grandeur of the 110-foot rotunda, adorned with original stained glass dome. Guided tours available on an ongoing basis from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Allen County Public Library and
Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the ACPL
(260) 421-1200
12 noon – 5pm
Visit the largest library system in the region and experience the power of stories! Check out local art in the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery featuring the Vwazen Group, a traditional Irish concert by Soltre on the Plaza (2 p.m.), or family history and civil rights stories with a traditional “bed turning” at “If Quilts Could Talk” (3 p.m.). You can also discover your family’s story with a visit to the world-famous Genealogy Center (tours at 2 and 4 p.m.) or learn more about the life and times of President Abraham Lincoln at the state-of-the-art Rolland Center for Lincoln Research (tours at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15 p.m.). It’s all happening at your library—where stories and community connect.
Artlink
(260) 424-7195
12 noon – 5pm
Discover something unexpected at Artlink, a free art gallery in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Since 1978, Artlink has connected people and creativity through engaging exhibits, hands-on programs, and community events. Right now, explore three unique exhibitions: Horizon: Contemporary Approaches to the Land, a group exhibition; Circus Orbus: See to Believe by Beauvais Lyons, a playful and fictional world; and Peter Scheidt’s imaginative take on what furniture can be. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, there’s something here to surprise and inspire you.
Diocesan Museum and Cathedral
(260) 422-4611 x401
12 noon – 5pm
Visit the Diocesan Museum in the beautifully refurbished Chancery Building, next to the Cathedral, on the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun. The Museum houses religious artifacts dating back to the time of Jesus Christ and Abraham, including a permanent exhibit of a replica of the Shroud of Turin. Come roam, free and self-guided, through our rich and varied exhibits.
Electric Works
(260) 439-3330
12 noon – 5pm
Visit Electric Works for a rooftop picnic! This rooftop is normally closed to the public, so this is a great opportunity to see unique 360° views of Fort Wayne.
Before heading to the rooftop, stop by Union Street Market to get some food for your picnic! Union Street Market is home to over 13 diverse, locally owned food merchants - so, there’s always something for everyone!
Embassy Theatre
(260) 424-6287
12 noon – 5pm
Experience a self-guided tour featuring the stage, dressing rooms, ballroom, rooftop patio and Heritage Center. The Grande Page pipe organ will entertain with its beautifully unique music and amusing sound effects.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
(260) 427-6440
Special hours: 12 noon – 4pm
Celebrate all Fort Wayne has to offer with FREE admission to your favorite hometown attractions including an oasis in the heart of downtown! On this day from 12-4 pm, all are invited to explore diverse plant collections while touring indoor and outdoor destinations at the Botanical Conservatory. Bring your visit to the next level when visiting the ...Something Blue seasonal exhibit as a picturesque landscape in full summer blu-oom.
Freemasons Hall
(260) 427-6440
Special hours: 1pm – 5pm
Freemasons Hall (Downtown Masonic Temple) invites you to take a guided tour through its public and fraternal spaces. This Nationally Registered landmark, designed by renowned Architect Charles Weatherhogg, celebrated its centennial in 2023, and has recently undergone a minor preservation facelift with more to come! Learn about the history of the building, Fort Wayne’s founding fathers, and the fraternal orders that actively reside here. Come explore Fort Wayne’s best kept secret!
Heartland Sings
Performances at 927 S Harrison St (260) 436-8080
12 noon – 5pm
Discover the power of music with Heartland Sings, where professionalism and innovation shape every performance. Through transformative vocal arts training and community outreach, they’re changing lives with music education for all ages and experience levels. Enjoy 20-minute live performances outside the Visitors Center, located at 927 S. Harrison St., at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 PM.
The History Center
(260) 426-2882
12 noon – 5pm
Journey to Fort Wayne’s past when you visit the History Center! Located in the Old City Hall Building, the museum is filled with three floors of interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history and unique heritage of our community. Experience the lavishly restored Old City Courtroom, the Old City Jail, and explore galleries of artifacts and engaging displays.
The Landing
(260) 240-8728
12 noon – 5pm
Explore The Landing! See the culmination of years of hard work and community partnership in a streetscape tour of The Landing. Get historic facts, learn about the revitalization mission, and hear stories of the entrepreneurs who have breathed life back into the block. The Landing was home to Fort Wayne’s first post office, theatre, and hotel. It was on The Landing that our community first became a county, a township - even a city. Now it is a hub for locally owned small businesses, restaurants, retail, and loft style apartments. Multiple tours will be offered, including one focused on the history of The Landing, and another on the Local Archive’s creative studio.
The Lincoln Tower
12 noon – 5pm
Immerse yourself in one of Fort Wayne’s architectural gems, an Indiana landmark in the heart of downtown! Completed in 1930, The Lincoln Tower building is a premier example of art deco design and for decades, it was the state’s tallest building. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this gorgeous Art Deco lobby.
* The rooftop observation deck and basement vault will not be open during this year’s Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown.
LC Nature Park
(260) 999-3153
12 noon – 5pm
Discover the hidden gem in your backyard at LC Nature Park, a sprawling 300-acre nature preserve that promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Nestled in the Little River Valley, our park is home to majestic bison, graceful elk, enigmatic wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers. Enjoy our scenic trails at your own pace- wander through winding paths that lead you through our dune forest and prairie, perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit our Mills Education Center, where interactive exhibits bring the wonders of our ecosystem to life.
* Safari bus tours will not be going out, trail exploration is walking only.
Master Gardener Display Gardens of Allen County
(260) 478-2515
12 noon – 5pm
Don’t miss Display Gardens, featuring 15 themed landscapes designed and maintained by nearly 100 volunteer Allen County Master Gardeners! Explore this stunning showcase of plant micro-ecosystems (including native species) that thrive in local soil types, climate, aesthetics, budget, and more. Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer your questions or help brainstorm ideas for FREE! Enjoy multiple kid-friendly, hands-on activities, accessible wandering paths, and plenty of seating areas perfect for a self-paced, quality family adventure. Information on how you can build your own natural space starts here.
The Old Fort
(260) 437-2836
12 noon – 5pm
History comes to life at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort! The Old Fort is a faithful copy of the post built by American Troops under the command of Major John Whistler in 1815. Whistler’s fort was the third and last American fort built in the area. Meet soldiers and civilians and discover the earliest days of Fort Wayne. Experience the sound of muskets and cannons! See demonstrations on blacksmithing, spinning, gardening, period cooking, and baking. Enjoy games for all ages. Check out the Old Fort merchandise and purchase a sweet treat at the Bake Sale! Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the Fort. Please use extreme caution when crossing Spy Run Avenue. The Old Fort can also be accessed by using the footbridge from Headwaters Park and the new pedestrian bridge from Lawton Park.
Parkview Field
(260) 482-6400
12 noon – 5pm
Experience the excitement at Parkview Field! Go behind the scenes with exclusive tours of the ballpark, shop fan favorites and new gear in the Team Store, and relive the magic of the season with the 2025 End of Season Video playing on the videoboard and throughout the ballpark.
Riverfront Fort Wayne Promenade Park
(260) 427-6000
12 noon – 5pm
Come see why Riverfront is Always Moving! Express yourself with sidewalk chalk in the Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre, stop on the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail for a photo opportunity, enjoy food and beverages at Teds Snack + Bar, play cornhole, ping pong, and foosball in the Outdoor Games area, splash around in the Doermer Kids' Canal, have fun in the PNC Playground, and relax on the urban swings overlooking the St. Marys River.
Science Central
(260) 424-2400
Special hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Spark your imagination! With more than 200 exhibits, displays and demonstrations, Science Central is the region’s premier hands-on science center. Inspiring and fun interactive programs and exhibits cover the physical, natural and applied sciences.
Three Rivers Filtration Plant
(260) 427-1234
12 noon – 5pm
Quench your curiosity, dive into architectural grandeur, and immerse yourself in the world of water at the Three Rivers Filtration Plant. Explore the fascinating process behind the water that nourishes you daily at this Collegiate Gothic Masterpiece.
Limited space requires appointments only. Tourists must register at cuwatertours.org
Trinity English Lutheran Church
(260) 426-3424
Special hours: 12 noon – 4pm
Trinity English Lutheran Church will be open for neighbors to enjoy the architecture and stained glass. Families can pick up a free hot dog, enjoy the petting zoo, climb to the base of the steeple, and more!
Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum
(260) 267-5022
12 noon – 5pm
New monuments include World War II Memorial and Eric & Cleo Scott archway entrance to the memorial park. See the new POW/MIA black granite bench at the entrance to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The new Sterling Chapel is now open, as well as the Gold Star Families Memorial. The historic 40/8 Merci Box Car in the annex, across from the War History Museum, has been completely restored to its original condition. The 6,000 sq. ft W. Paul Wolf War History Museum has new exhibits and artifacts. The P.O.W. Watchtower is on display, as well as a M-247 Sgt. York Tank, and the new Purple Heart Memorial has been updated. See the memorial columbarium, which was recently installed with the final phases arriving in the next six months.
Visitors Center
*Special hours: 11 am - 5 pm
Make the Visitors Center a stop to find brochures, maps, guides, and a great selection of exclusive Fort Wayne merchandise including postcards, apparel, enamel pins, patches, mugs, artwork, and more!
* Passport books available here!
Be sure to grab your free DRUMSTICK, courtesy of DREYER’S, while supplies last.
Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors
