Fort Wayne was founded because of three things: our rivers.

Since Fort Wayne’s establishment, our three rivers: the St. Mary’s, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee, have been an intrinsic part of the city. From adventuring the trails along the river, to getting out onto the blueways, there are plenty of opportunities for you to experience and bond with the water!

Fort Wayne is home to 86 parks and 81 miles of trails, the most prominent of which is Rivergreenway. The Rivergreenway Trail stretches 25 miles from Fort Wayne to New Haven, winding along the banks of the rivers. This trail is perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking, and more. Don’t want to travel with your bike? Fort Wayne Outfitters make it easy for you to hop on a trail and enjoy the river scenery with their bike rentals.

Paddlefest in Fort Wayne, IN

If you’re ready to venture onto the waters, you can do it by canoe, single or double kayak, or standing paddleboard. Fort Wayne Outfitters rents all three at hourly, half-day, and full-day rates.

You can also rent canoes or kayaks from Earth Adventures Unlimited. This is a great way to see the city!

Whichever way you choose to play on the rivers, you won’t be disappointed. The combination of the rivers’ rich histories and their natural and urban beauty makes each adventure a memorable one. In the coming years, you’ll find even more ways to explore the rivers as a result of the RiverFront Fort Wayne project, a plan to develop the rivers and make them more accessible. Watch for increased festivals and programming, as well as arts and activities on the banks, and in the water.