Best Things to Do in Fort Wayne, Indiana  

If you’re looking for a unique travel destination, Fort Wayne is the place to be. Known for its history, culture, art scene, and outdoor fun, it offers a great experience for all ages. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the best things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana, including the ACPL Genealogy Center, TinCaps baseball, Botanical Garden, Vera Bradley Sale, and more. Let’s take a tour and see what makes this city shine.

ACPL Genealogy Center

If you’re curious about your family roots, the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne is a must-visit. It’s the largest public genealogy collection in North America, with over 1.3 million records—family histories, military documents, local archives, and more—all free to access.

Located on the library’s second floor, the center also offers private consultations with genealogy experts to help guide your research. Many visitors come just for this experience, some staying multiple days to dive deep into their ancestry.

Discover Inspiring Works at the FW Museum of Art

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMOA) is a must-visit for art lovers exploring downtown. While modest in size, this museum delivers a strong visual impact—from its stunning Chihuly glass sculpture to a well-curated mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions.

The collection includes contemporary pieces, American art, and even interactive displays for younger visitors. FWMoA offers a thoughtful and enriching experience in a beautifully designed space.

Explore Fort Wayne’s Street Art and Public Murals

Fort Wayne is filled with colorful street art and murals created by both local and international artists. You can take a self-guided walking tour or join a guided mural tour to see the city’s creative side up close.

Don’t miss the Public Art Trail, which highlights murals, sculptures, and installations throughout the city, making Fort Wayne a must-visit for art lovers.

Relax and Recharge at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Step into a lush oasis at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, one of Fort Wayne’s most peaceful gems. Explore three indoor gardens—from tropical blooms and a cascading waterfall to cacti in the arid desert wing.

Don’t miss the ever-changing Showcase Garden, plus a koi pond and sculptures in the outdoor Terrace Garden. Seasonal events like butterfly exhibits, art shows, and dazzling holiday displays make each visit feel brand new.

Where to Eat in Fort Wayne: Top Local Picks You’ll Love

Fort Wayne has a growing food scene that’s worth exploring. From creative small plates to classic comfort food, the city is packed with flavor. Start with these standout dishes:

• Hoppy Gnome – Try the Kimchi Chicken Fingers
• Proximo – Don’t miss the Carnita Benedict
• Tolon – A favorite for Duck Fat Frites
• Don Chava’s Mexican Grill – Go for the Arroz Con Pollo
• Nawa – Known for the Massaman Chicken Curry
• Dash-In – A great spot for Avocado Toast
• Zesto Ice Cream – Grab a Chocolate Dipped Cone

These are just a few local favorites. For more top restaurant picks and what to order at each, check out complete full Fort Wayne dining guide.

Score Big at the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale

Each April, Fort Wayne hosts the epic Vera Bradley Outlet Sale—a multi-day shopping frenzy with major deals on bags, wallets, totes, and more. Thousands flock to snag colorful favorites at deep discounts, and early VIP access is the golden ticket.

It’s fast-paced, fashion-forward, and supports a great cause: the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Organized madness? Absolutely. But totally worth it.

Cheer on the TinCaps at Award-Winning Parkview Field

For a fun and affordable outing in Fort Wayne, head to Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. This award-winning stadium—once named the top minor league ballpark by TripAdvisor—seats over 8,000 fans and offers a lively atmosphere with ballpark favorites like cold beer, hot dogs, and nachos.

Whether you’re catching a themed night, a giveaway, or post-game fireworks, it’s a family-friendly experience that hits a home run. Want to upgrade your visit? Splurge on box seats for a more luxurious vibe.

Bonus History Tip: The TinCaps’ name is a tribute to Johnny Appleseed, one of Fort Wayne’s most legendary figures. Time your visit with the Johnny Appleseed Festival, where you’ll find great food, historical reenactments, and a charming celebration of this iconic American folk hero.

Go Wild at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

One of the top zoos in the country, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo offers wild fun for all ages! With 1,000+ animals, from meerkats and penguins to Tasmanian devils, plus themed adventures like the African Journey and Australian Adventure, there’s something exciting around every corner.

Soar over the savanna on the Sky Safari, feed a giraffe, or touch a stingray at Wild Encounters. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for kids, and parking’s free. A must-do family day!

Explore Fort Wayne’s Riverfront Gem: Promenade Park

Promenade Park (Riverfront Fort Wayne) is one of downtown Fort Wayne’s most popular outdoor spaces—and for good reason. This 20-acre park along the riverfront blends recreation, nature, and community events in one scenic location.

Visitors can catch live music at the open-air amphitheater, take in panoramic views from the tree canopy trail and observation deck, or cool off near the interactive water feature.

Kayak and bike rentals are available on-site at Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace. 

Pro Tip: This outdoor area has an easy in/out ramp at the riverfront for kayaking ease. 

Discover Hands-On Learning at Science Central

Science Central is a must-visit for families, especially those traveling with curious kids. This interactive science museum features more than 120 hands-on exhibits across subjects like engineering, robotics, chemistry, and space.

Visitors can explore real-world science concepts in a fun and engaging way—from launching rockets to building structures or experimenting with electricity. It’s a great way to make learning enjoyable while keeping everyone entertained.

Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or planning a more extended stay, Science Central adds an educational twist to your Fort Wayne itinerary.

Rest Your Head in Style

Picking a place to stay is a cinch with options like the baseball-themed Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown. Here, simplicity and comfort come together—some rooms even overlook the ballpark! Complimentary breakfast is included, and there is a fantastic rooftop bar. 

For convenience, the Holiday Inn (PFW-Coliseum) offers both friendliness and free shuttle services, not to mention it’s just across from the Vera Bradley sale hotspot.

Wrapping Up Your Best Things to Do in Fort Wayne

Whether you’re craving culture, chasing outdoor adventure, or planning a fun-filled family getaway, Fort Wayne delivers with charm, variety, and unexpected delights. Come see what makes this vibrant Midwestern city a true gem.

I was hosted by the Fort Wayne CVB for this familiarization trip. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. As with all posts on this site, all opinions and conclusions are 100% my own and unbiased.

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