Fort Wayne

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Fort Wayne
Photo provided by Visit Fort Wayne
Photo provided by Visit Fort Wayne
Photo provided by Visit Fort Wayne
Photo provided by Visit Fort Wayne
Stylish architecture, large parks and a host of galleries and museums await in this friendly, lively city in Indiana.

A spacious, leafy city built on the point where three separate rivers converge, Fort Wayne retains a small-town feel despite being home to over a quarter of a million people. The city is the second-largest in Indiana and was named after statesman Anthony Wayne who built a fort here during the American War of Independence in the 1700s.

Fort Wayne experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Visit in summer and join the locals walking along the rivers or enjoying picnics in the large outdoor areas, such as Johnny Appleseed Park. This green space north of downtown lies on the banks of the St. Joseph River and is the final resting place of famous missionary Johnny Appleseed. Go fishing, boating or kayaking on the river and hike and bike along trails in the park. Pick up a booklet from the Visitor’s Center off Washington Boulevard to take a self-guided architectural tour of the town. See the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception built in 1860, mid-century mansions and the impressive Embassy Theatre.

A great way to spend chilly winter days is to explore the city’s many galleries and museums. Choose from more than 15 institutions, including the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, which contains a large collection of works by American artists such as William Forsyth and Janet Fish. Find out about the city’s more than three centuries of history at the Fort Wayne History Center. When you need some bracing fresh air go iceskating in Headwaters Park or sledding and cross-country skiing in any one of the city’s outdoor areas.

Children will love the hands-on exhibits at Science Central and days out at the Children’s Zoo. See 1,500 animals housed in exhibits based around Indonesian rain forests, African savannahs and more. 

Fort Wayne is 130 miles (209 kilometers) north of Indianapolis and 163 miles (262 kilometers) east of Chicago. Most major attractions are within walking distance of the city center. Reach the parks on the outskirts of Fort Wayne by car or bus and make the most of the many outdoor activities this pretty city has to offer.

Where to stay in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum and Embassy Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
The "piggy mac grilled cheese" - cheddar and American cheeses, pulled pork, and Mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwich!

Southwest

While visiting Southwest, you might make a stop by sights like Jefferson Pointe and Apple Glen.

Southwest
Default Image

Northwest

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Lindenwood Nature Preserve and Allen County Public Library - Little Turtle Branch.

Northwest
Default Image

West Central

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in West Central, Mad Anthony Brewing Co and Swinney Tennis Center are top sights worth seeing.

West Central
Serenity

Spy Run

While visiting Spy Run, you might make a stop by sights like Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Glenbrook Square.

Spy Run
Lakeside park offering sunken gardens with a variety of roses, plus fountains & pavilions.

#LikeALocal

Historic Northeast

When in Historic Northeast, you can plan a visit to Science Central and Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Historic Northeast
Spark by Hilton Fort Wayne
Spark by Hilton Fort Wayne
3 out of 5
1005 W Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is CA $109 per night from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21
CA $109
CA $125 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (426 reviews)
"Staff was quite unpleasant when checking in but the property was nice. The breakfast was barely that. There was nearly nothing to eat, so we didn’t partake. Definitely disappointing."

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

Spark by Hilton Fort Wayne
The Bradley Hotel
The Bradley Hotel
4 out of 5
204 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is CA $227 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $227
CA $261 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (694 reviews)
"Beautiful property with excellent customer service"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

The Bradley Hotel
Wyndham Garden Fort Wayne
Wyndham Garden Fort Wayne
3 out of 5
5750 Challenger Parkway, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is CA $117 per night from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17
CA $117
CA $134 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The toilet seat was to small. It was not the right one. The hallway carpet had bleach stains on it. The breakfast was good."

Reviewed on Mar. 31, 2025

Wyndham Garden Fort Wayne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
King Suite by Mkat Interior Designs
King Suite by Mkat Interior Designs
Fort Wayne
Stay at this vacation home in Fort Wayne. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and Lakeside Park & Rose Garden are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Great Place!
"The house was very clean and cute. Nice touches such as a Christmas tree lit up when we arrived and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Three adults and two teenagers stayed comfortably."

Reviewed on Dec. 1, 2024

King Suite by Mkat Interior Designs
Quiet and comfy home is one of Fort Wayne's most sought after areas of the city
Quiet and comfy home is one of Fort Wayne's most sought after areas of the city
Fort Wayne
Stay at this vacation home in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife ...
10/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
State Bowling
"Easy access to anything we needed and property was great"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2025

Quiet and comfy home is one of Fort Wayne's most sought after areas of the city
>> Garden Suite << Zoo \ Walking Paths \ Downtown \ Parks \ MarioKart
>> Garden Suite << Zoo \ Walking Paths \ Downtown \ Parks \ MarioKart
Fort Wayne
Stay at this vacation home in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Allen County War Memorial Coliseum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (21 reviews)
Work stay
"Simple and easy"

Reviewed on Jan. 4, 2025

>> Garden Suite << Zoo \ Walking Paths \ Downtown \ Parks \ MarioKart
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort Wayne

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 26%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Seemed like a nice place but we were just passing through. Great place to stay. Lots of restaurants and safe. People are really nice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I really enjoy coming to Fort Wayne as its not a big city and it is easy to get around quickly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were just passing through but it seems nice

Cities near Fort Wayne