Behind the Scenes Tours in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Do you want to feed the penguins at the Fort Wayne Zoo? Or maybe you want to learn more about the Embassy Theatre, or see the actual newspapers that talked about Abraham Lincoln when he was in office? Then you should explore some of the backstage tours that Fort Wayne has to offer.

Here is a glimpse at three of our in-depth touring options.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Icons: Behind the Scenes

The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research

Located inside the Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library downtown, the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research includes newspapers, books, photos, election tickets, and letters and diaries by soldiers from the Civil War. It also features interactive displays to help you easily navigate the life and times of Lincoln. The hours are the same as the library's branch hours and the public is welcome to stop by and take a look.

If you want a more in-depth tour, you can book a free tour with a Lincoln expert on ACPL's website.

Embassy Theatre Behind the Scenes

The magic and history of the Embassy cannot be appreciated without experiencing it first hand. Book a private tour to learn about its history as you walk through the main areas meant to wow as well as spaces not normally open to the public (such as back stage and dressing rooms!).

Schedule ahead for your 30-90 minute tour of your choice for a $10 per person donation to help cover their time and costs. Book with Carly Myers, Chief Marketing Officer, at carly@fwembassytheatre.org or at 260.424.6287, ext. 2241.

Grand Page Pipe Organ at the Embassy Theatre, sometimes called "Miss Page"

Here is a bird's eye view of the stage at the Embassy Theatre

Wild Encounters at the Fort Wayne Zoo

Feeding the stingrays at the Fort Wayne Zoo

The Fort Wayne Zoo is definitely one of Fort Wayne’s top attractions. And, the Zoo has special tours, called “Wild Encounters” that allow you to get a behind-the-scenes look at specific animals. You get to choose one of two animal experiences: Giraffe or Red Panda.

For your own safety, the Zoo asks Wild Encounters guests to wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops) and to follow safety procedures, like wearing gloves or handwashing, carefully. Prices for each experience vary, from $250/6 person group (Giraffe) to $200/4 person group (Red Pandas). Tours meet, rain or shine, but some of them are done indoors. The Giraffes, for example, are seen in the giraffe barn, so you should be able to stay dry if it is raining. Each Encounter lasts 30 minutes.

Reservations for Wild Encounters can be made in advance online or at the entrance gate (based on availability). You may register online, or call (260) 427-6800 for more information.

More encounters you can do in the spur of the moment for just a few extra dollars include feeding the animals for the giraffes, stingrays, and goats.