A Road Trip Stop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Explore Fort Wayne
The St. Joseph River (one of three rivers in Fort Wayne) runs through Johnny Appleseed Park. Campground guests and visitors can enjoy the water right from the bank or make use of the DNR-approved boat launch. The St. Joe is great for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can bring your own boat or rent one from nearby Fort Wayne Outfitters.
Fort Wayne Outfitters also rents bikes if you don’t have your own available. Johnny Appleseed Park is also connected to the city’s expansive Rivergreenway Trail System. The trails are great for fitness, recreation, and even serve as a legitimate transportation route to attractions and events in and around the city.
Johnny Appleseed Campground offers a natural, tree-filled setting near the water but it's also surprisingly close to central Fort Wayne and many attractions. The campground/park is a stone’s throw from Glenbrook Mall, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, and many restaurants. It’s a few minutes by car from the Fort Wayne Zoo, and Downtown Fort Wayne. If you've got a bicycle, you get almost anywhere in town in less than an hour.
Special Events to Stop for in Fort Wayne, Indiana
January
January is full of cozy indoor activities like Savor Fort Wayne, our annual restaurant week with discounted meals all over town. And if you love hockey, join the jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets at the Memorial Coliseum.
February
If you want to bundle up for an outdoor adventure, go ice skating at Headwaters Park or take a winter hike, rent snowshoes, or try out cross-country skiing at one of Fort Wayne's beautiful parks.
March
The indoor fun continues with Disney on Ice and other theater performances and live shows at venues throughout the city. You could also take a walk through our indoor gardens at the Botanical Conservatory, an oasis in the heart of downtown.
In addition to our year-round fun, Fort Wayne is also home to TONS of shows and festivals that are perfect road trip stops! Here’s something to do each month:
April
Broadway at the Embassy – Fort Wayne’s Historic Embassy Theatre always offers something remarkable throughout each year. Check out the upcoming shows here.
May
Fort Wayne, In Water Lantern Festival – this exciting festival was voted Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY two years in a row. Watch the beautiful floating lanterns and indulge in games, activities, and delicious food.
June
BBQ RibFest – This event is just what it sounds like. A rib-eating extravaganza complete with judging, music, and plenty of carryout to stock your fridge. Visitors with a carnivorous palate will enjoy this RibFest! Plus, there are festivals almost every weekend in June.
July
July is full of festivals and fireworks making it the perfect addition to your summer road trip. Enjoy our outdoor farmers markets, pedal, paddle, and play on the riverfront, and explore tasty food at our summer festivals.
August
Taste of the Arts – This is a two-day music, arts, and theater festival located within Fort Wayne’s beautiful downtown arts campus.
September
Experience the wonders of the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival. Step back in time to Johnny's day around 1842 and enjoy an array of tasty treats and vendors selling everything from candy to antiques.
October
Fright Night – You’ll find countless Halloween activities ranging from toddler-friendly to super-scary. And be sure to catch the Zombie Walk at 3PM.
November
As the Holiday season starts to roll in, so do the festivities! Gather at the iconic HolidayFest and see Downtown Fort Wayne sparkle as the holiday lights come to life.
December
The Holiday fun really takes off in December with Santa sightings, performances of The Nutcracker, and holiday markets galore. You especially won't want to miss the 3-mile drive through at the Fantasy of Lights or Parkview Field Holiday Light's walk-thru experience with over 1 million light displays!
Where to Stay in Fort Wayne
If you're looking to camp, look no further than the Johnny Appleseed Campground, which is located in Johnny Appleseed Park. Close to I-69, it’s a convenient location to stop and set up camp for the night. And as the name suggests, this spot is more than a campground. It’s a family fun destination that boasts a unique piece of history: the park is home to the grave of the Midwest’s favorite volunteer arborist: John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed.
Johnny Appleseed Campground features forty-one sites that are camper/RV-friendly and a separate tent-camping area. The thirty-one-acre park also includes a playground, a picnic area, and access to Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway trail system. Call (260) 427-6720 to reserve your spot.
If you're looking for more comforts from home, check in to one of the many great hotels in Fort Wayne.
Directions and Booking
Johnny Appleseed Park is located at 1500 Harry Baals Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46805. The park/campground is located off of Coliseum Boulevard (U.S. 930) along the St. Joseph River. Visitors coming from Interstate 69 should travel south and take the Coldwater Road exit (312).
Johnny Appleseed Park is open year-round, and the campground is open from May 1 through October. Please note that the campground closes for the middle part of September for Fort Wayne’s annual Johnny Appleseed Festival.
