Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown

Fort Wayne’s 8.8 million visitors spend more than $995 million annually on lodging, entertainment, dining, and activities—visitors have a tremendous impact on our community!

On Sunday, September 8, you can celebrate with us and Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown, Use the Be A Tourist passport to gain FREE admission to the participating attractions below.  One passport is good for an entire party. 

Passports will be available for download or pickup at select locations around Fort Wayne starting mid-August, 2024. 

2024 Participating Attractions

African/African American Historical Society and Museum

436 E. DOUGLAS AVE. • 467-1457

12 noon – 5 pm

The African/African-American Historical Society and Museum houses exhibits on African and African American history. This includes facts on the Middle Passage, African artifacts, the narrative of Marcus Garvey, African American inventors, and local entrepreneur, William Eli Warfield. Information is provided on local pioneers in business, education, social work, and health.

Allen County Courthouse

715 S. CALHOUN ST. • 449-4246

AllenCountyCourthouse.org
*Special hours: 12 noon - 4 pm
Cameras welcome

Visit the magnificent Allen County Courthouse—a National Historic Landmark. The building is a premier example of Beaux Arts architecture and is one of the largest and most elegant courthouses in the nation. Visitors can tour the four grand courtrooms and experience the grandeur of the 110-foot rotunda, adorned with original stained glass dome. Guided tours available on an ongoing basis from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Allen County Public Library and the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research

900 LIBRARY PLAZA • 421-1200

acpl.lib.in.us
12 noon - 5 pm

Check out all the unique opportunities the library has to offer, from creative discoveries waiting in our Children’s Department to the impactful exhibit on display at the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery, as well as the family histories in our renowned Genealogy Center, and everything in between. While there, be sure to explore the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research. The Center engages audiences of all ages with interactive technology and original artifacts from Abraham Lincoln’s life and times. Tours of the Rolland Center & its Lincoln Collection will be available at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15 pm.

Artlink

300 E. MAIN ST. • 424-7195

ArtlinkFW.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Artlink, founded in 1978, is an admission-free gallery and visual arts nonprofit connecting creativity and people through exhibitions, education programs, and events. In their group exhibition, The One & the Many, artists Lisa Alberts, Cassie Arnold, Kaylan Buteyn, and Stefanie Zito examine the tension between our conditioning towards individualism and our yearning for community. In his concurrent solo exhibition, artist Joseph Ivacic presents thought-provoking installations constructed using glass and found objects.

Diocesan Museum

1103 S. CALHOUN ST. • 424-1485

12 noon - 5 pm

Visit the Diocesan Museum in the beautifully refurbished Chancery Building, next to the Cathedral, on the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun. The Museum houses religious artifacts dating back to the time of Jesus Christ and Abraham. General regional history is represented as well. Come roam, free and self-guided, through our rich and varied exhibits!

Electric Works

1690 BROADWAY AND SURROUNDING BUILDINGS

FortWayneElectricWorks.comUnionStreetMarket.org

12 noon - 5 pm

Visit Electric Works for a rooftop picnic! This rooftop is normally closed to the public, so this is a great opportunity to see unique 360° views of Fort Wayne. Before heading to the rooftop, stop by Union Street Market to get some food for your picnic! Union Street Market is home to over 13 diverse, locally owned food merchants - so, there’s always something for everyone!

The Embassy Theatre

125 W. JEFFERSON BLVD. • 424-6287

FWEmbassyTheatre.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Experience a self-guided tour of the Embassy Theatre, featuring the stage, dressing rooms, multi-tier ballroom, rooftop patio, and Heritage Center, which houses Embassy memorabilia. The Grande Page pipe organ will entertain with its beautifully unique sound and amusing sound effects. See this iconic 96-year-old building up close and at your own pace. Concessions will be open. All ages welcome.

First Presbyterian Church

300 W. WAYNE ST. • 426-7421

FirstPresFortWayne.org
*Special hours: 12 noon - 4 pm

Free activities for children of all ages, including face painting! Enjoy self-guided or escorted tours of our historic church and try your hand at playing our 149-pipe Aeolian – Skinner Organ. Catch First Pres Theater’s rehearsals for the upcoming musical “Beauty & the Beast” and check out local art in our Art Gallery!

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

1100 S. CALHOUN ST. • 427-6440

BotanicalConservatory.org
*Special hours: 12 noon - 4 pm

Surround yourself with nature at an oasis in the heart of downtown! Visit the Showcase Garden with its seasonal displays – featuring the “Raise a Glass” exhibit where you will enjoy beautifully blown glass as part of a 40th anniversary celebration with your local public garden.

The Freemasons Hall

216 E. WASHINGTON BLVD. • 426-4728

TheFreemasonsHall.com
*Special hours: 1 pm - 5 pm

The Freemasons Hall (Downtown Masonic Temple) invites you to take a guided tour through its public and fraternal spaces. This Nationally Registered landmark, designed by renowned architect Charles Weatherhogg, is nearing its centennial. Learn about the history of the building, Fort Wayne’s founding fathers, and the fraternal orders that actively reside here. Come explore Fort Wayne’s best kept secret!

Fort Wayne Curling Club

3837 N. WELLS ST. • 739-5182

FortWayneCurling.com
12 noon – 5 pm

Ever watched curling in the Olympics and thought “I can do that!”? Well, this is your chance! Come on by the Fort Wayne Curling Club and get a chance to learn how to deliver a curling stone. No experience needed. All necessary equipment provided. Wear clean tennis shoes and dress in layers. Ages 10-80. Due to limited space, this will be a first-come, first-serve event with availability every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Allen County Bicentennial

Inside the History Center • 302 E. BERRY ST.

AllenCounty200.com
12 noon – 5 pm

Celebrate 200 years of Allen County! Sign a large map of Allen County to leave your mark on this time in our history and learn about bicentennial experiences planned through the end of 2024. Then, explore the History Center’s temporary exhibit, “Twenty Townships,” highlighting the people and events that shaped Allen County over the past 200 years.

The Landing

COLUMBIA ST. • 240-8728

TheLandingFW.com
12 noon - 5 pm

Explore The Landing! See the culmination of years of hard work and community partnership in a streetscape tour of The Landing. Get historic facts, learn about the revitalization mission, and hear stories of the entrepreneurs who have breathed life back into the block. The Landing was home to Fort Wayne’s first post office, theatre, and hotel. It was on The Landing that our community first became a county, a township - even a city. Now it is a hub for locally owned small businesses, restaurants, retail, and loft style apartments. Multiple tours will be offered, including one focused on the history of The Landing, The Local Archive’s creative studio, and Paper Mill.

The Lincoln Tower

116 E. BERRY ST.

12 noon - 5 pm

Immerse yourself in one of Fort Wayne’s architectural gems, an Indiana landmark in the heart of downtown! Completed in 1930, The Lincoln Tower building is a premier example of Art Deco design and for decades, it was the state’s tallest building. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this gorgeous Art Deco lobby.

* The rooftop observation deck and basement vault will not be open during this year’s Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown.

LC Nature Park

9744 ABOITE RD. ROANOKE, IN • 999-3153

LCNaturePark.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Discover the hidden gem in your backyard at LC Nature Park, a sprawling 300-acre nature preserve that promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Nestled in the Little River Valley, our park is home to majestic bison, graceful elk, enigmatic wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers. Join our knowledgeable guides to explore winding trails that lead you through lush forests and tranquil meadows, perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Hiking not your thing? Join a relaxing safari cart tour to soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit our Mills Education Center, where interactive exhibits bring the wonders of our ecosystem to life.

Little River Wetlands - Monarch Festival

EAGLE MARSH PRESERVE BARN 6801 ENGLE RD. • 478-2515

LRWP.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Each year, monarch butterflies undertake an incredible journey, traveling over 2,800 miles from Canada to the forests of Mexico. This annual migration is hailed as one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the insect world. The festival highlights this extraordinary long-distance, multigenerational migration and emphasizes the crucial role that local gardens and preserves play in mitigating threats to the monarchs. Come out for educational activities, vendors, and more!

Master Gardener Display of Allen County

4001 CRESCENT AVE. • 481-6425

AllenCountyMasterGardeners.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Discover the stunning Display Gardens designed and maintained by the Allen County Master Gardeners! Showcasing plants thriving in our local soil and climate, these 15 themed gardens highlight diverse plant choices, environments, and purposes for various needs and settings. Come celebrate nature’s beauty at its finest, and maybe get some inspo for your own garden!

The Old Fort

1201 SPY RUN AVENUE
AT THE VETERAN’S MEMORIAL BRIDGE

437-2836 • OldFortWayne.org
12 noon - 5 pm

History comes to life at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort! The Old Fort is a faithful copy of the post built by American Troops under the command of Major John Whistler in 1815. Whistler’s fort was the third and last American fort built in the area. Meet soldiers and civilians and discover the earliest days of Fort Wayne. See demonstrations on blacksmithing, spinning, gardening, period cooking, and baking. Enjoy games for all ages. Check out the Old Fort merchandise and purchase a sweet treat at the Bake Sale! Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the Fort. Please use extreme caution when crossing Spy Run Avenue. The Old Fort can also be accessed by using the footbridge from Headwaters Park.

Riverfront Fort Wayne Promenade Park

202 W. SUPERIOR ST. • 427-6000

RiverfrontFW.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Come see why Riverfront is Always Moving! Express yourself with sidewalk chalk in the Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre, stop on the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail for a photo opportunity, enjoy food and beverages at Teds Snack + Bar, play cornhole, ping pong, and foosball in the Outdoor Games area, splash around in the Doermer Kids Canal, have fun in the PNC Playground, and relax on the urban swings overlooking the St. Marys River.

Science Central

1950 N. CLINTON ST. • 424-2400

ScienceCentral.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Spark your imagination! With more than 200 exhibits, displays and demonstrations, Science Central is the region’s premier hands-on science center. Inspiring and fun interactive programs and exhibits cover the physical, natural, and applied sciences.

Three Rivers Filtration Plant

415 BALTES AVE. • 427-1234

Utilities.CityofFortWayne.org
12 noon - 5 pm

Quench your curiosity, dive into architectural grandeur, and immerse yourself in the world of water at the Three Rivers Filtration Plant. Explore the fascinating process behind the water that nourishes you daily at this Collegiate Gothic Masterpiece. Limited space requires tours by appointment only. Register at cuwatertours.org

Trinity English Lutheran Church

450 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. • 426-3424

TrinityEnglish.org
*Special hours: 12 noon - 4 pm

Trinity English Lutheran Church will be open for neighbors to enjoy the architecture and stained glass. Families can pick up a free hot dog, enjoy the petting zoo, climb to the base of the steeple, and more!

Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum

2122 O’DAY RD. • 267-5022

HonoringForever.org
12 noon - 5 pm

See the new Korean Soldiers monument, featuring twelve 7’ tall local soldiers returning from patrol. The new Sterling Chapel is now complete, as well as the Gold Star Families monument. The historic 40/8 Merci Box Car in the pavilion has been completely restored to its original condition. The 6,000 sq. ft W. Paul Wolf War History Museum is worth the trip to the Memorial Park. POW/MIA “Watchtower” is on display as well as an M-247 Sgt. York Tank, and the new Purple Heart Monument.

Visitors Center

927 S. HARRISON ST. • 424-3700

VisitFortWayne.com
*Special hours: 11 am - 5 pm

Make the Visitors Center a stop to find brochures, maps, guides, and a great selection of exclusive Fort Wayne merchandise including postcards, apparel, enamel pins, patches, mugs, artwork, and more! Giveaways and discounts will be happening all day!

JOIN THE BLOCK PARTY HELD OUTSIDE!

Thanks to our 2024 Sponsors

Barnes & Thornburg LLPTipmann ProertiesNIPSCO

Downtown Fort WayneOld NationalVera Bradley 2016 Logo - Be A Tourist

WANE.comMajic 95.1

Email Signature VFW LogoCurrent Fort Wayne

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