Everyone has their own idea of a favorite unique experience found only in Fort Wayne, but the following sites and events topped the list of my family and friends.
Unique Experiences in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Zoo
Brein and Geoff S. – both born and raised in northeast Indiana and now residing in Virginia – have very fond memories of growing up in the Midwest and often visit family in Indiana. Two favorite attractions for the couple and their two children are the Fort Wayne Zoo and Science Central.
“Twenty years ago we left the Fort Wayne area and have spent time in southern California, Washington D.C., and Tampa, Florida, yet we always look forward to visiting the zoo in our old hometown,” Brein said.
“Fort Wayne Zoo is one-of-a-kind and is easily competitive with the larger city zoos. It’s the perfect size for children of all ages. It’s more affordable yet still offers a wide variety of animals, and the upkeep of the zoo is always impeccable! We prefer it to the larger city zoos we’ve visited.”
Science Central
While other cities offer different versions of a science museum, Brein said her family is particularly fond of Fort Wayne’s Science Central.
“After visiting several science museums in many different cities, my family still looks forward to Science Central in Fort Wayne when we visit,” she said. “It’s very unique and has something for the young ones and the older kids. It’s much more interactive and hands-on than most, and it’s always clean and well-maintained. It’s surprisingly big and in my opinion well worth the admission cost.”
Fort Wayne Riverfront
Fort Wayne is built on its three rivers, and there are many ways to experience the waterways! In the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, explore Promenade Park – which features a kids' canal, accessible playground, outdoor bandshell for live music, a tree canopy trail, and kayak rentals from Fort Wayne Outfitters. Promenade Park is also the launch site for Sweet Breeze, a 54-foot canal boat. The boat is modeled after an authentic 1840s canal boat and can hold up to 40 people. Reserve your spot on a Sweet Breeze boat tour this summer, and learn about Fort Wayne's history on the rivers!
The Genealogy Center & Lincoln Collection
Located inside the Allen County Public Library's main branch in downtown Fort Wayne are two gems of the community, according to retired Fort Wayne attorney, Dan Roby. The Genealogy Center houses the second-largest genealogy collection in the United States and the largest public genealogy collection.
The collection includes more than 350,000 printed volumes and 513,000 items on microfilm and microfiche, incorporating records from around the world. The helpful and friendly staff specializes in genealogy research and the center is open seven days a week.
The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, also at the Allen County Public Library, houses the artifacts, books, documents, photographs, and other resources related to our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
The collection has been used by authors, scholars, students, Lincoln enthusiasts, and members of the general public.
Lincoln Tower
Roby also recommends stopping to view the architecture of the Lincoln Tower building and its magnificent lobby mural while visiting the downtown area.
Johnny Appleseed Festival
The story of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, is well known to most residents in northeast Indiana.
Chapman was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, and later became a known eccentric frontier nurseryman who established orchards throughout the American Midwest, including Fort Wayne. Chapman died on March 18, 1845, in Fort Wayne, after contracting pneumonia. His gravesite is located along the St. Joseph River at Johnny Appleseed Park.
The Johnny Appleseed Festival – a period-authentic pioneer festival – attracts thousands every September.
DeBrand Fine Chocolate
Nationally acclaimed local businesses that also offer unique experiences with tours, discounts, and special showrooms and shops include DeBrand Fine Chocolates, Sweetwater, and Vera Bradley.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates, renowned Fort Wayne-based gourmet chocolatier, has two Fort Wayne locations.
Schedule a tour at the elegant and beautiful corporate headquarters at 10105 Auburn Park Drive.
Visitors view a short video on the history of DeBrand and tour the chocolate-making kitchens. Of course, you'll also enjoy a tasting of several gourmet chocolate samples! Tours typically last 30- 45 minutes and are handicap accessible.
There is a fee of $10 per person, but each person receives a rebate of $10 off a $20 or more purchase.
Sweetwater
A paradise for music makers and gearheads, Sweetwater is home to the largest on-site inventory of any music store in the United States. (It's also the #1 online music retailer!) The store features thousands of instruments and top equipment. Showrooms include over 400 electric guitars from Fender, Gibson, PRS, and many other top names, as well as an assortment of amplifiers and stompboxes. Acoustic guitars, including models from Gibson, Martin, Taylor, and others are also available.
Besides expanded guitar rooms, Sweetwater also features a piano showroom, a drum room, and demo areas. While you're there, be sure to check out the two-story slide (a rite of passage for any first-time visitor) and stay for lunch at the Downbeat Diner. During the summer months, you can also catch outdoor concerts with national touring bands at the open-air Sweetwater Performance Pavilion.
And, don't forget to check the Sweetwater calendar for more on-campus events such as Open Mic Night, Open Jazz Jam, and Open Acoustic Jam.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley was formed in Fort Wayne and is still headquartered here today. As the home of Vera Bradley, Fort Wayne also has the joy of hosting the massive Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale each year!
The 5-day event takes over the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and makes a wonderful girls' getaway to Fort Wayne! At the sale, Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationary, blankets, and accessories are discounted up to 70% OFF retail prices. Don't be surprised if you see groups of friends or families wearing matching, themed shirts at the sale!
The retailer’s quilted cotton luggage, handbags, and backpacks can also be found year-round in their Fort Wayne shop at 412 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Find more information about the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale.
Embassy Theatre
A visit to downtown Fort Wayne must include the historic Embassy Theatre and the adjacent Foellinger–Freimann Botanical Conservatory, according to Diane R. of Albion.
The Embassy Theatre opened on May 14, 1928, and was known as the Emboyd Theatre, a movie palace and vaudeville house complete with a Grand Page Pipe Organ. The seven-story, 250-room Indiana Hotel wrapped around the north and west sides of the theatre.
Today, the Embassy Theatre features national productions from the Broadway stage and a variety of concerts, comedy, and cinema.
Constant preservation and restoration work, renovation, and fundraising have earned the Embassy Theatre a designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
The Foellinger–Freimann Botanical Conservatory in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne offers visitors an escape to lush seasonal displays, tropical and desert gardens, waterfalls, and more. There are children’s activities and a gift shop, where you will find many featured plants and flowers for sale.
Diane visits the conservatory whenever she can, but especially likes visiting in the winter months.
“During cold winter weather, it’s a special kind of getaway,” she said.
Don Hall‘s Restaurants
Don Hall’s restaurants, especially the Hollywood Drive-In on Lima Road and the outdoor riverside experience at The Deck, adjacent to the Gas House in downtown Fort Wayne, are favorites of Kathy R. in Naples, Fla.
Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island
And, where else to better experience downtown Fort Wayne than at Coney Island, another of Kathy’s stops. Operated by the same family since 1916, Coney Island is one of many Fort Wayne eateries established by Macedonians and maintained by their descendants.
On your next visit, discover some of Fort Wayne's most unique experiences that you can't find anywhere else!
