A new year has arrived, and it's time to make plans for a year of travel. How about deciding on 10 places to go in Fort Wayne this year?

When you're planning a trip to Fort Wayne, these attractions promise you something great on your next visit.

10 Can't-Miss Fort Wayne Attractions 

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Mark your calendars now for April 21: that's the 2018 opening date for the award-winning Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

If you haven't ever visited our zoo, don't be put off by the "children's" designation. This is a wonderful zoo with something for everyone. There are areas where you can "visit" Africa, Australia, the Rain Forest, and more. There are excellent food offerings throughout the zoo. Plus, the landscaping and attention to detail will amaze you.

The zoo is a definite must-see when you're in Fort Wayne!

TinCaps Baseball

Enjoy a minor league baseball game at Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

Not a baseball fan? You should visit anyway because there are many more things that happen at Parkview Field. Throughout the year, various events call home to Parkview Field including a New Year's Eve celebration, a Farmers Market most Saturdays in the winter, marathons, and much more!

No matter why you visit, Parkview Field offers beautiful views of the Fort Wayne skyline.

Embassy Theatre

Our beautiful historic Embassy Theatre was built in 1928, just before the Great Depression hit. And when you look around in here, there are no signs that a crushing depression was imminent. The decor is amazing and has been kept in period style.

At the Embassy Theatre, you can always count on enjoying performances of all kinds including concerts, ballet performances, performances by the amazing Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Broadway shows, film series and much more!

There is truly something for everyone. Even if you buy seats in the front area, it's worth heading up to the balcony area to check out the intricate ceilings. And be sure to take a bathroom break: even the restrooms here have been recognized!

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, or botanical gardens as we call them around our house, are a favorite destination for us.

Walk through the doors, and you're transported to a green, bright landscape that feels wonderful. There are many interactive displays throughout for the kids, and all ages will enjoy the three large areas in the conservatory, which each covers a different environment.

The Showcase Garden often is decorated with a theme (from January through April this year, it's "Fairy Tales"). Explore farther into the tropical garden, and then the desert garden. There are also outdoor areas to explore if the weather is nice.

Allen County Public Library

For the colder months, the Allen County Public Library is a great indoor attraction.

The Allen County Public Library is a fun place to visit just to enjoy the sunny great hall (don't miss the huge spinning globe at one end). There are interesting displays lining the hall, and the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery on the main floor is sure to have an exhibit you'll like. Check out the auditorium in the basement -- maybe there's a performance you can take in. Kids will love the huge children's area, complete with wonderfully unique places to read and large aquariums.

Surely you've heard about the world-class Genealogy Center, too? Make time to dig deeper into your family history with the help of the staff genealogists who are there to help you for FREE.

Lakeside Park & Rose Garden

Do you enjoy flowers and plants? Or maybe just the great outdoors? Lakeside Park & Rose Garden should be on your list of places to visit.

This 24-acre park features over 150 varieties of roses seasonally, and beautiful landscaping and architecture any time of year.

Jefferson Pointe

A mall? Nope. A shopping center? Well ... kind of. Jefferson Pointe bills itself as a "lifestyle center," and you need to visit to understand this. There are definitely many stores here, and restaurants too. But you'll also enjoy the architecture of this place, and the beautiful landscaping. Although I have to say it's more pleasant to stroll the grounds in the warmer months, winter offers beauty at Jefferson Pointe as well. 

During summer months, you can also attend free concerts here every Friday evening.

Fox Island County Park

With over 250 acres just southwest of Fort Wayne, Fox Island is an easy escape to nature. The park features miles of trails, a picnic area, a small lake with a sandy beach, and winter cross country skiing. 

Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve

Yes, Fort Wayne is Indiana's second-largest city, but it also contains wonderful wild spaces. One that you won't want to miss is Eagle Marsh.

Eagle Marsh 700+-acre wetland preserve features trails that you can walk year-round. As the seasons change, you'll see different types of plants and flowers. Wildlife abounds also for those who are patient enough to see them. And yes, bald eagles do live at Eagle Marsh. Be sure to look up now and then; you just might spot one!

Historic Old Fort

We couldn't complete a posting on must-sees in Fort Wayne without mentioning the fort itself. The Old Fort (yes, there's an actual fort) is a recreation of the fort that stood here in 1815. You can stroll the grounds anytime, and on certain dates, you can even interact with reenactors in period costumes.

What are your Fort Wayne must-sees?