9 Reasons to Visit Fort Wayne this Spring
1. Fort Wayne TinCaps Baseball
Skip the pricey parking and traffic congestion of bigger cities. Fort Wayne has its own minor-league baseball team, the TinCaps, that plays regularly at beautiful Parkview Field. The season starts in April!
I've attended several TinCaps games and I can tell you that it's a lot of fun (and I freely admit I'm not even a baseball fan). All seats are great, ticket prices are affordable (starting at $7), parking is nearby and easy to find, and the game itself is enjoyable, too. Many evening games feature post-game fireworks set against the gorgeous Fort Wayne skyline.
2. Indiana Native Trees Walk
Spring is a wonderful time to take a walk. This spring, how about a walk featuring trees native to Indiana? You can do that along the Purdue Fort Wayne Native Tree Walk, a 1.25-mile trail located near the intersection of North Anthony and Coliseum Boulevards.
The paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking past many of our familiar Hoosier trees. You can take your time and add an educational benefit by reading the informational plaques by the trees. Bring a camera to take photos of all the trees that will be flowering with spring blossoms.
3. Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
Jefferson Pointe is one of my favorite Fort Wayne shopping destinations. I even visit regularly in winter, but I'll admit that it's not always ideal to fend off icy winds with a scarf wrapped around my head. However, with a giant tree covered in twinkling lights in the middle of the outdoor walking area, the shopping center does feel festive during the holidays!
In springtime, though, the outdoor shopping center comes to life. It's beautifully landscaped, and you could spend a few hours just enjoying the flowers and plants outside the southwest Fort Wayne location. But do stop in the many stores and restaurants and see what's new for spring.
4. Zesto Ice Cream
Zesto Ice Cream is a Fort Wayne tradition. There are many great places to eat ice cream in Fort Wayne, but Zesto is special due to its signature walk-up locations that are perfect for an afternoon break.
Treat yourself to an ice cream cone, or get a little exotic with one of the many sundaes, shakes, and razzle flavors offered (one of my daughters loves the Zebra sundae). Typically opening for the season in March, you'll find Zesto at its original location at 2225 Broadway or one of their other Fort Wayne locations:
- 6218 St Joe Center Rd.
- 5740 Falls Dr.
- 210 E. Washington Center Rd.
- 2225 Broadway
5. Botanical Conservatory
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, located in downtown Fort Wayne next to the Embassy Theatre on West Jefferson, is a restorative spot to visit any time of year, with its perpetually green plants and blooming flowers.
It features three large indoor gardens: the Showcase Garden, the Tropical Garden, and the Desert Garden. The conservatory blooms in a special way during the spring — especially in the Showcase Garden, with its rotating seasonal displays! Be sure to check out the annual butterfly exhibit that opens each spring and runs through early summer. It's a crowd favorite.
There's also an educational area the kids will love to interact with. And before you leave, visit the shop full of wonderful plant-themed gifts.
6. Lakeside and Foster Parks
Fort Wayne has so many wonderful parks that it's hard to choose one to feature. Here are two I particularly love.
Stop by Lakeside Park for its fabulous rose garden. You'll find thousands of roses, in more than 100 different varieties. The kids will have fun playing on the playground equipment, too.
Foster Park is another scenic choice for viewing seasonal blooming flowers and trees. The park is knows for its colorful tulip displays in the spring! You'll find many trails here to take a walk with the dog or with a good friend. The Fort Wayne Rivergreenway runs through Foster Park as well, so you can continue with a run or walk throughout the city on this connected trail system.
7. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
If you had to choose one destination as a must-do in Fort Wayne, chances are good that the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo would be that place.
It's a wonderful zoo, consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation for children's zoos. If you haven't yet been there, spring is a perfect time to visit, as the animals are more active in the cooler spring weather.
The zoo is divided into several different areas, letting you "visit" Africa, Australia, and other exotic spots. In addition to seeing some amazing animals, you can also feed stingrays and giraffes, climb a two-story ropes course, and enjoy 4 different rides throughout the zoo. You can easily spend a few hours or an entire day at the zoo.
8. The Landing
Visit a place full of Fort Wayne history that has a new purpose at The Landing. Located on Columbia Street, The Landing marks the area where all canal boats landed in the 1800s. Today, you'll find new and unique restaurants there, as well as retail shops and an awesome bison mural.
9. Fort Wayne Riverfront
Since Fort Wayne’s establishment, our three rivers — the St. Marys, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee — have been an intrinsic part of the city. Today, you can spend a whole day exploring Riverfront Fort Wayne’s attractions and amenities. Fort Wayne's riverfront is a large and beautiful area with many options for springtime fun, including Promenade Park — a one-of-a-kind park that connects our rivers with downtown Fort Wayne. Stroll the trails and tree canopy trail to enjoy the scenery, sip on a drink from teds snack + bar in the park, relax on a porch swing, or add some adventure to your getaway and get out on the rivers with a boat or by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rental from Fort Wayne Outfitters.
This post was originally published in February 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: 2024
