Autumn is in the air! That means it’s time for students at Fort Wayne, Indiana colleges at Purdue University Fort Wayne, the University of Saint Francis, and Indiana Tech to get back to the classrooms and hit the books.

With thousands of students enrolled at the three universities, scholars from coast to coast choose to study in Fort Wayne. 

Explore and Save with the Fort Wayne Savings Pass!

Sunset over Saint Joseph River and Venderly Bridge at Purdue Fort WaynePictured: Saint Joseph River and Venderly Bridge at Purdue Fort Wayne | Photo Credit: @matt.hakey

Your Weekend College Visit Itinerary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Whether you are traveling to Fort Wayne to see if being a Mastodon is right for you, or a student preparing to show your parents around town for the first time, we have your itinerary right here.

Fort Wayne has a lively downtown area with beautiful scenery. From the multitude of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment, there is something for everyone to do.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Activities and Dining

Fancy & Staple and The Find are just a few places with beautiful apparel, decor, antiques, and locally made goods. Explore Fort Wayne's favorite boutiques.

If you want a bite to eat, Hoppy Gnome, a Fort Wayne staple, is definitely worth the stop. Positioned in the heart of downtown, the gourmet taqueria with a modern twist will certainly please.

Closer to campuses, but still within the limits of downtown, stands Junk Ditch Brewing Company, a trendy, local eatery and pub with one of the best brunches in town. Balance out your day by taking a stroll down the Rivergreenway. This path, walkable from any place downtown, sits on the bank of the Maumee River, allowing you to experience wildlife and historical sites like The Old Fort! Explore additional parks and trails here.

This trip itinerary has even more great ideas for college students in Fort Wayne.

The Rivergreenway Trail in FallPictured: Rivergreenway Trail in the Fall

Fort Wayne, Indiana Events

When you're not on campus, there are lots of things to do around town! Plan your trip around one of the countless events in town.

This Autumn and Winter, the historic Embassy Theatre is proud to welcome touring Broadway shows to Fort Wayne.

For a more casual way to enjoy the local arts scene, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art bears a state-of-the-art gallery, constantly rotating through award-winning exhibits.

Autumn is the perfect time to experience northeast Indiana! Be sure to check out our calendar of events for fall festivals and happenings like the Johnny Appleseed Festival or Fright Night.

people walking through the johnny appleseed festivalPictured: Johnny Appleseed Festival, which takes place the third full weekend in September.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Accommodations

For accommodations, check out the hotel packages page for special deals and rates. Or, browse all Fort Wayne hotels.

With so many opportunities, Fort Wayne makes the perfect home for students and young adults. But don’t take our word for it. Plan your visit to Fort Wayne, today!

This post was originally published in September 2017 and has been updated. Last Updated: June 2024