10 Can't-Miss Fort Wayne Attractions
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has earned its place among the best zoos in the country for its child-focused design, walkable footprint, and commitment to excellence. Your family will love the rides in every section of the zoo, animals from A-Z, and hands-on experiences. The Zoo offers ample opportunities to rest, observe, play and enjoy the day together. It’s a definite “must-see” when you are in Fort Wayne!
TinCaps Baseball
Plan to enjoy a minor league baseball game at Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Not a baseball fan? Throughout the year, various events call home to Parkview Field including a New Year's Eve celebration, a Farmers Market most Saturdays in the winter, marathons, and much more!
No matter why you visit, Parkview Field offers beautiful views of the Fort Wayne skyline.
Embassy Theatre
Our beautiful historic Embassy Theatre was built in 1928, just before the Great Depression hit. But when you look around, there are no signs that a crushing depression was imminent. The decor is amazing and has been kept in period style.
At the Embassy Theatre, you can always count on enjoying performances of all kinds including concerts, ballet performances, Broadway shows, film series and much more!
There is truly something for everyone. Even if you buy seats in the front area, it's worth heading up to the balcony area to check out the intricate ceilings. And be sure to take a bathroom break: even the restrooms here have been recognized for their glamor and historical appeal.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, or botanical gardens as we call them around our house, are a favorite destination for us.
Walk through the doors, and you're transported to a green, bright landscape. There are many interactive displays throughout for the kids, and all ages will enjoy the three large areas in the conservatory, which each covers a different environment.
The Showcase Garden often is decorated with a theme. Explore farther into the tropical garden, and then the desert garden. There are also outdoor areas to explore if the weather is nice.
Insider Tip: Park in the garage across the street free if you get your ticket validated when you pay for your conservatory admission.
Allen County Public Library
For the colder months, the Allen County Public Library is a great indoor attraction.
The Allen County Public Library is a fun place to visit just to enjoy the sunny great hall (don't miss the huge spinning globe at one end). There are interesting displays lining the hall, and the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery on the main floor is sure to have an exhibit you'll like. Check out the auditorium in the basement -- maybe there's a performance you can take in. Kids will love the huge children's area, complete with wonderfully unique places to read and large aquariums.
Surely you've heard about the world-class Genealogy Center, too? Make time to dig deeper into your family history with the help of the staff genealogists who are there to help you for FREE.
Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
Do you enjoy flowers and plants? Or maybe just the great outdoors? Lakeside Park & Rose Garden should be on your list of places to visit.
This 24-acre park features over 150 varieties of roses seasonally, and beautiful landscaping and architecture any time of year. It's just one of the 86 parks our community has to offer.
Jefferson Pointe
A mall? Nope. A shopping center? Well ... kind of. Jefferson Pointe bills itself as a "lifestyle center," and you need to visit to understand this. There are definitely many stores here, and restaurants too. But you'll also enjoy the architecture of this place, and the beautiful landscaping. Although I have to say it's more pleasant to stroll the grounds in the warmer months, winter offers beauty at Jefferson Pointe as well.
Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve
Yes, Fort Wayne is Indiana's second-largest city, but it also contains wonderful wild spaces. One that you won't want to miss is Eagle Marsh.
Eagle Marsh 700+-acre wetland preserve features trails that you can walk year-round. As the seasons change, you'll see different types of plants and flowers. Wildlife abounds also for those who are patient enough to see them. And yes, bald eagles do live at Eagle Marsh. Be sure to look up now and then; you just might spot one!
Promenade Park
It’s hard to pick a favorite Fort Wayne park, but the newest jewel in the crown is located in downtown Fort Wayne, near the confluence of our three rivers. Promenade Park offers multiple hands-on experiences and opportunities to splash, climb, play and relax! Grab a snack, enjoy a free concert, or just swing on the park swings and take in the traffic on the river!
Historic Old Fort
We couldn't complete a posting on must-sees in Fort Wayne without mentioning the fort itself. The Old Fort (yes, there's an actual fort) is a recreation of the fort that stood here in 1815. You can stroll the grounds anytime, and on certain dates, you can even interact with reenactors in period costumes.
What are your Fort Wayne must-sees?
