The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining more, and we are all getting the itch to get out and enjoy it! Are you looking to take a weekend trip? Fort Wayne is just the place to get out and shake off your winter hibernation! Here is my take on how to spend a perfect spring weekend in Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne, Indiana Spring Weekend Itinerary
Energize
Waking up from a restful sleep in a comfortable bed calls for morning exercise! Fort Wayne is home to the Rivergreenway which stretches 25 miles along the St. Joseph, St. Marys, and Maumee rivers. The Rivergreenway is a beautiful backdrop for any morning cardio! Downtown Fort Wayne also has many places that can accommodate the urge to get moving. Take a class or work it out at Baptiste Power Yoga, Pure Movement Pilates Studio, Fort Wayne Dance Collective, or the Skyline YMCA or Central YMCA Branches.
Now that you are warmed up and stretched out, why not ditch the car to paddle or pedal around Fort Wayne? Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot has hourly, half-day, and full-day kayak, canoe, bike, and paddleboard rentals to take you where you need to go on land or water.
If you are looking for ways to get around for large groups or just for some local fun, check out Pedal City where you can take a private pedal bar tour for groups of 6-14 people.
Tastes of Fort Wayne
Since you have your mode of transportation, you can start your day off right with a tasty, hand-crafted brunch! Dash In (21 and over), Junk Ditch Brewing Company, Mercado on The Landing, Proximo, Fortezza Coffee, The Friendly Fox, Utopian Cafe, and Don Halls Old Gas House have great weekend brunch options that are close enough to ride to and will fill your tank well into the day! See a longer list of brunch options in Fort Wayne.
Explore Fort Wayne
With a full belly and caffeine buzz, you could take a tour of Fort Wayne's finest museums that are conveniently located within walking, riding, or boating distance from each other. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Artlink, The History Center, The Auer Center, The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and Science Central are all great places to entertain and educate people of all ages.
Don't forget about our many fantastic attractions! The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, one of the top 10 zoos in the country, opens for the season each spring — offering 40 acres of incredible animal experiences. Another spring favorite is the Live Butterfly Exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory downtown, opening each year in late April. Enter the butterfly tent to observe the beautiful winged creates. One may even land on you!
Don't think about heading out of town early! Head to a Fort Wayne TinCaps game or visit one of Fort Wayne's finest parks and you will never want to leave!
Afternoon Snack
If you have hit the late afternoon lull and need a healthy pick-me-up, downtown Fort Wayne has a number of great options to nourish and make you feel great. 3 Rivers Food Co-op Natural Grocery and Deli is a superb option if you need a place for a fast, but nutritious bite. In the mood for something sweet? Find yummy treats at Poptique Gourmet Popcorn or any of our downtown coffee shops.
Dining in Fort Wayne
When the sun retreats, downtown comes alive! Reserve a table at one of Fort Wayne's supreme restaurants such as Tolon or Paulas on Main. Or head to The Landing Historic District, where you'll find everything from pizza, brews and BBQ, Asian-inspired cuisine, and incredible Cali-Mex options. If the weather is on your side, many excellent Downtown eateries have outdoor seating. I personally like The Deck at the Gas House, Hoppy Gnome, Club Soda, Henry's, 816 Pint & Slice, and J.K. O' Donnells.
Of course, no meal is truly complete without dessert! Either order at the restaurant, or stop by one of Fort Wayne's delicious dessert spots. If you're downtown, enjoy ice cream at Sweets on Main or Brooklyn Pints Microcreamery, or find delectable chocolates, truffles, sundaes, and coffee drinks at the famous DeBrand Fine Chocolate.
A Night Out
Fort Wayne has a vast events calendar, especially in the spring. Check out the Embassy Theatre, Civic Theatre, Arena Dinner Theatre, and the Cinema Center to entertain your evening to the max!
There is so much to do in Fort Wayne in the spring, so pack up and come see what all the excitement is all about!
Accommodation
Fort Wayne has great lodging all around the city. From staying near the downtown action to eclectic lodging experiences, there is something for everyone's tastes. If you are looking to stay the night at one of the great hotel options in Fort Wayne, Visit Fort Wayne is your resource to pick the best option for your needs. There are also great money and time-saving packages for your family to enjoy!
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Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind stay? Check out these unique Airbnb rentals in Fort Wayne.
This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated. Last Updated: March 2023.