Attractions and Museums
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art offers a smooth and accessible experience from the moment visitors arrive. The main entrance is located near a zero-threshold, level-grade brick patio and features automatic doors. Inside, gallery spaces are on the main level with zero-threshold passages, automatic doors into each gallery, and wide spacing between exhibition components. Wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
The Botanical Conservatory is a great stop for visitors looking for a beautiful indoor and outdoor experience with paved pathways and accessible exhibits. Guests can move through garden spaces surrounded by plants, seasonal displays, and one of the more unique Fort Wayne photo ops: rolling under a waterfall.
Science Central
Science Central is home to more than 200 hands-on exhibits, with most exhibit areas designed to be accessible. The only exception noted is the Confusion Illusion Room, which has an angled floor. The Demonstration Theatre also includes back-support bleacher chairs and wheelchair-accessible seating for science programs.
Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo works to create an accessible experience across its 40-acre campus. Most pathways can be accessed smoothly by wheelchair, though guests may encounter gravel paths in the Australian Adventure area. The Z.O.&O. Railroad is wheelchair accessible, and the Zoo also offers mobility aids, accessible parking, sensory resources, quiet areas, and trained staff to support guests during their visit.
Entertainment and Recreation
Lazer X
Lazer X offers laser tag with ADA-accessible ramps in one of the area’s largest laser tag arenas, making it easier for more players to join the game.
Combat Ops Entertainment
Combat Ops Entertainment offers several accessible options for families and groups. The outdoor mini golf course includes a wide paver pathway for wheelchairs and strollers, plus specialized putters that make it easier to retrieve golf balls. The space also includes a ramp to the outdoor shaded pavilion and axe throwing courts, an accessible 10,000-square-foot laser tag arena, and a separate Nerf and VR free-roam arena. The team can also provide accommodations for children and adults with autism.
Farmers Markets
YLNI Farmers Market is a great outdoor stop for visitors who want to explore Fort Wayne at their own pace. Guests can browse local produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade items, and food vendors in an open-air setting, making it easy to shop, snack, and enjoy the downtown market atmosphere.
Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot
Located near Promenade Park, Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot helps visitors get out on the rivers with kayak rentals and outdoor gear. At Promenade Park, an accessible ramp to the kayak launch helps make paddling more approachable for visitors using mobility aids or needing easier river access.
Turnstone
Turnstone empowers people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing comprehensive services and programs. Turnstone facilities are available for rent for sports teams, schools, corporations, and individuals. In addition they are one of the few Paralympic training sites in the U.S and have seem numerous international adaptive tournaments. Open gym times are also available for visitors
Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Tours
Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Tours offer a relaxing way to experience Fort Wayne’s rivers aboard an 1840 canal boat replica. The boat is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors using wheelchairs to roll onboard and enjoy a tour of the city’s riverfront history, scenery, and ongoing riverfront development.
Fort Wayne International Airport
For visitors arriving by air, Fort Wayne International Airport offers a variety of accessibility features and services. The airport includes accessible restrooms, airport wheelchairs and wheelchair assistance, rolled curbs, low-profile baggage scales, accessible-height countertops, an adult changing table, a sensory room, a hearing loop, a cane trail, and a service animal relief area. Travelers can also request shuttle, wheelchair, or luggage assistance in advance.
Cover image credt: @CurbFreeCoryLee
