As we near the close of another Indiana winter, it’s time to start planning your spring getaway! Flowers and trees are beginning to spring back to life, so there is no better time to visit Fort Wayne, Indiana!

Family posing at Walt Whitman Mural downtown

From mural trails and hiking spots to our favorite outdoor festivals and indoor spring exhibits, this guide has something for the entire family!

Fort Wayne, Indiana Spring Bucket List

1. Public Art Trail

If you're ready to get outside and enjoy the warming temperatures of spring, Fort Wayne's Public Art Trail is the perfect activity!

Fort Wayne offers more than 150 murals, sculptures, and public art installations to explore. Follow our interactive Public Art Map and set out on foot or bike to find exciting art around every corner. Remember to share your photos on social media with #PublicArtFW.

 

Group of Friends on the Trails

2. Nature and Hiking

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Visit one of our local area parks to get your dose of nature! Lindenwood Nature Preserve and Eagle Marsh both make you feel like you’re deep in the woods. If you’re looking for a quiet place to explore, our parks are for you! Fort Wayne also offers more than 140 miles of trails. Rent a bike from Fort Wayne Outfitters (or bring your own) and enjoy one of these bike trail itineraries.

Explore and earn prizes along the way with the free Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass!

 

YLNI Summer Farmers Market 2016

3. Farmers Markets

Experience downtown like a local! Fort Wayne has local vendors at the farmers market that offer local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Plus, starting in May, the Fort Wayne farmers markets move outdoors for the summer.

 

interior of a boutique store with womens clothing and jewelry in fort wayne

4. Boutique Shopping

While you're doing your spring cleaning, be sure to make space in your closet! Spring is the perfect time to spend a weekend shopping in Fort Wayne. From our malls to our specialty and boutique shops, everyone can find just what they need. Fort Wayne is home to great local boutiques that host fun shopping events throughout the spring, plus great deals! Browse our list of Fort Wayne boutiques or find more on our shopping page.

 

Couple exploring the gardens at the Botanical Conservatory

4. Attractions

Botanical Conservatory

The Botanical Conservatory is a beautiful place to experience nature indoors! This is perfect for those unexpected chilly or rainy days. In addition to the permanent Tropical and Desert indoor gardens, don't miss the changing seasonal exhibits in the Showcase garden! Check out the Botanical Speedway exhibit where kids can pedal around a tropical racetrack — through April 7. Then, April 16-June 23, guests can experience the breathtaking "Color in Motion" Live Butterfly Exhibit, where gorgeous live butterflies will surround you — and they may even land on you!

Science Central

In addition, Science Central is a great spring attraction perfect for all ages looking for some indoor fun and learning. This hands-on science museum features more than 200 hands-on exhibits! 

TinCaps Baseball

Get your baseball mitt ready for a TinCaps Baseball game! The home opener is on April 9, and is a perfect springtime activity for the whole family. Tickets start at just $7!

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Spring is when many of Fort Wayne's great attractions open for the season, and that includes the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo! Get early access during the Wild Zoo Spring Preview, when the zoo is open April 1-8, 13-14, and 20-21. The Zoo officially opens for the season on April 27! Families can explore 40 acres of animals, rides, and beautifully landscaped grounds. See why the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo was named a top ten zoo by Trip Advisor, and check out the new exhibits including Red Panda Ridge and Bamboo Forest Adventure Play.

 

A case of fudge and chocolate covered rice crispy treats at Kilwins
Pictured: Fudge and treats at Kilwins near The Landing

5. Dining

A getaway to Fort Wayne is never complete without a taste of our outstanding food scene! Grab a bite to eat at more than a dozen restaurants around The Landing in downtown Fort Wayne. Or, explore the Union Street Market food hall at the historic Electric Works campus — where you'll find everything from pasta and BBQ wings to Middle Eastern fare and boozy ice cream (for those 21+, of course). Cap off the day with some sweet treats along the Fort Wayne Dessert Trail.

Find more Fort Wayne foodie favorites.

Start planning your spring getaway to Fort Wayne, Indiana today!

This blog was originally published in 2018 and has been updated. Last Updated: March 2024