From riverfront fun to splash pads, and parks in between there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to get outdoors in Fort Wayne, Indiana. If you're visiting the north side of the city, here are a few "must see" parks to check out!

Family bonfire at Johnny Appleseed Park and Campground

The Best Parks North of Downtown Fort Wayne

Johnny Appleseed Park

Johnny Appleseed Park features a unique green space, with a campground on one side, the riverbank on another, and a portion of the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway trail in between. This park is named after the historic man of apple tree folklore, John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed.

The park is complete with a natural mound to commemorate his grave site. This park also features basketball courts, boating, sailing and fishing areas, picnic benches a playground and more.

The entrance to Johnny Appleseed Park is on Harry Baals Drive, just off of Coliseum Boulevard.

Children feeding the Salomon Farm Park Goats

Salomon Farm Park

Salomon Farm Park embraces the feel of the farm, complete with a red barn and a windmill. The landmark farm was donated by the late Chris Salomon.

A learning center is on-site and a paved walking trail surrounds the park. During the summer children can participate in the Salomon Farm Camp.

Visit the park in the fall and winter for hiking and cross-country skiing or bird watch here anytime. Pets on leashes are welcome at this park. The Salomon family still uses the farmhouse, so park in the Learning Center lot.

Salomon Farm Park is located at 817 W. Dupont Road.

Foellinger Theatre

Franke Park

Franke Park, which contains the Fort Wayne Zoo, comes in at just over 329 acres - making it the largest of the city parks in Fort Wayne.

Founded in 1921, Franke Park features a fishing pond, pavilions, playgrounds, a natural open space for activities of all kinds and trails.

Franke Park is also home to the Foellinger Theatre, Fort Wayne's own outdoor entertainment theatre.

There is also a BMX biking area at Franke Park, and a children's day camp is hosted here annually.

Franke Park is located at 3411 Sherman Blvd.

Shoaff Park

Shoaff Park was founded following a 1955 land donation by Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Shoaff.

This park features a pavilion and the natural beauty of wooded areas. The park offers in total more amenities than any other city green space. Amenities include organized sports areas, boating, Shoaff Golf Course and driving range, disk golf, a playground, splashed and trails.

Sports facilities are on-site for baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. Three paved loop trails are available for walking, running and more.

Shoaff Park is located at 6401 St. Joe Road.

Fort Wayne and Allen County are home to approximately 90 parks, encompassing more than 2,800 acres of land. A dozen of these are Legacy Parks, a term coined to signify a park that has been established for 100 years or more. For more information on the parks featured here, and others, visit the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation online and begin planning your next outdoor excursion.

This post was originally published in October 2011 and has been updated.