There are so many surprising and fun things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After I asked my immediate family members and a few friends about their favorite places, I received over 50 suggested sites! The majority of the responders do not live in the city, but elsewhere in northeast Indiana. However, for many of them, the chosen place to work and play is – you guessed it – Fort Wayne!
Unexpected Adventures in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Chocolate is No. 1
Let’s start with DeBrand Fine Chocolates – a world-class chocolate factory founded in 1987 by Cathy Brand-Beere. The company now operates out of a 30,000-square-foot headquarters, with two locations in Fort Wayne, one in Indianapolis, and a mail-order department that ships globally.
Stop by one of the Fort Wayne locations to grab a truffle or confection or enjoy a decadent sundae. In addition to dropping in, take the time to visit the headquarters, located on Auburn Road, and join in a tour to see the chocolatiers in action. In addition to the 30 to 45-minute tour and learning the history of DeBrand’s through a brief video, visitors get to taste some delicious confections along the way! Tours are $10 per person, with each visitor receiving a rebate of $10 off any $20 purchase in the shop. For tour dates and times, check out the DeBrand website.
Making it Your Own in Fort Wayne
With distilleries, craft breweries, artist studios like the Hedge, and galleries like Artlink, you'll encounter cool individuals who make Fort Wayne unique.
Learn more about the many classes offered in Fort Wayne, and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
Downtown Discoveries
Downtown Fort Wayne has much to discover. Start by exploring via our Walking Tour, or enjoy more than 150 pieces of public art around town with the Public Art Trail. And if you're downtown after dusk, be sure to stop by 77 Steps, a cool light installation in the heart of the city!
Visitors also love the dozens of outdoor dining options to explore, including the Porch off Calhoun, an open-seating option.
Wizard's Pinball
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, visit Fort Wayne Pinball Wizard's World Arcade, 20 minutes north of downtown Fort Wayne in Huntertown, to experience the largest dedicated pinball arcade in the world! With 170 meticulously maintained machines, visitors are welcome to purchase a roll of quarters and try their hand at the many themed, and sought-after machines. Fun fact: Wizard's World hosts many regional and national tournaments, and even hosted the Women's World Pinball Tournament in 2024.
History Buffs' Delights
History comes alive at the reconstructed Old Fort, a replica of the original Fort built in 1815-1816. Located downtown near Headwaters Park and the St. Marys River, the Fort is a public park that's open for visitors on weekends. In addition, throughout the year, the Fort features special events with re-enactors dressed in period clothing, engaging in various crafts and demonstrating the everyday activities of the Old Fort military trading post.
After visiting the Old Fort, take a walk about five blocks north to Lawton Place to view the burial site of Chief Little Turtle. Little Turtle, also called Mihshihkinaahkwa, died peacefully on July 14, 1812. His grave was found on Lawton Place a century after his death.
To learn more about Fort Wayne and Chief Little Turtle, take another walk in the other direction to the History Center, 302 E. Berry Street. Housed in the 1893 City Hall, the museum boasts a collection of more than 26,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents representing the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County.
In addition, we recommend taking a tour of the extraordinarily beautiful Allen County Courthouse — a National Historic Landmark that embodies the classical architecture, fine art, and sculptures in an early American county courthouse. Take a personal walking tour using a provided guide booklet, or enjoy a guided tour with a trained docent. A $5 donation is recommended for the one-hour guided tour.
The Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, also under the umbrella of the History Center, offers another link in the history of Fort Wayne. A National Historic Landmark as of 2012, the Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House was built in 1827. Subsidized by the U.S. federal government through the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewa, it is believed to be one of only three treaty houses built east of the Mississippi River. Richardville House offers guided tours and numerous Miami-themed events throughout the year, including drumming, singing, dancing, naturalist workshops, fiber arts, ribbon work, and other crafts.
Hiking, Biking & Farming
Salomon Farm Park — The 1930s-themed working farm hosts many farming events, camps, farmers markets, and workshops on a variety of topics geared toward adults and children, including gardening, herbs, culinary arts, photography, and nature. Wetlands and a paved 1.8-mile trail around the property make it a great place for walkers, bikers, photographers, and bird watchers. You'll also find a great "selfie spot" at the Covered Bridge, celebrating Indiana's heritage.
Speaking of parks, are you a person who likes to hike in solitude and tune in to nature? Fort Wayne offers some excellent opportunities to do just that at Fox Island, Metea Park, Lindenwood Nature Preserve, and Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve.
And flower lovers will enjoy Foster Park's blooms in the spring, and the rose gardens of Lakeside Park come summer!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
Stoner’s Funstore — Any store with the domain name of funnygoofycrap.com has got to have a lot of, well, funny, goofy crap. This store will amuse and entertain both young and old alike. Featuring costumes, make-up and accessories, magic supplies, gag gifts, pranks, and more.
Fort Wayne International Airport - If you are flying into FWA, be sure to stop and grab a free cookie, available on your walk from the gate to baggage claim. Talk about a sweet welcome to Fort Wayne! It's no wonder it's been named "the friendliest airport in the US."
Hyde Brothers Books — With a fondness for the odd and obscure, Hyde Brothers offers two floors stacked with over 150,000 titles. Hyde Brothers is located on the Wells Street Corridor where you can find unique local shops, including authentic Mexican treats at the Indiana Mexican Bakery, lush greenery at Honey Plant, and kitchy home decor at Cog and Pearl.
This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: July 2025
