Fort Wayne, IN

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, Embassy Theatre and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory 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 Orchard Crossing.

Southwest
Default Image

Northwest

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Mirror Lake and Lindenwood Nature Preserve.

Northwest
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
Default Image

Packard

If you're spending some time in Packard, Foster Park Golf Course and Allen County Public Library - Shawnee are top sights worth seeing.

Packard
Default Image

West Central

4.5/5(56 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in West Central, Swinney Tennis Center and Castle Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

West Central
The Bradley Hotel

The Bradley Hotel

4 out of 5
204 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is ¥24,741 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥24,741
¥28,452 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (826 reviews)
"Loved our stay for my husband and I's anniversary!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

The Bradley Hotel
Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne

Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne

2.5 out of 5
5501 Coventry Ln, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is ¥11,533 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
¥11,533
¥13,262 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne
Wyndham Garden Fort Wayne

Wyndham Garden Fort Wayne

3 out of 5
5750 Challenger Parkway, Fort Wayne, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,684 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥12,684
¥14,587 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Very clean. Easy to get to"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 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.
Cozy home! Near downtown, St. Francis, mall, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and more!

Cozy home! Near downtown, St. Francis, mall, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and more!

Fort Wayne
Stay at this vacation home in Fort Wayne. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Gateway Plaza and Gren Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"Just what we needed for a comfortable weekend. The place is spacious enough for a longer stay, too."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Cozy home! Near downtown, St. Francis, mall, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and more!
>> 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 Five Points and Fort Wayne Children's ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
Pleasant
"The neighborhood is lovely theres indiana traffic and its close to all the family we were visiting. Cooking is a little rough as there are few outlets and it feels a bit like a fire hazard with few pit sized but the extra games where enjoyable."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

>> Garden Suite << Zoo \ Walking Paths \ Downtown \ Parks \ MarioKart
Vibrant cottage near Foster Park. Patio, Park and Games

Vibrant cottage near Foster Park. Patio, Park and Games

Fort Wayne
Stay at this vacation home in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kettler Park and Allen County Public Library - ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Comfortable, clean & welcoming!
"This house was absolutely wonderful! From the moment we walked in, we felt right at home. We are a family of six, and there was plenty of room for all of us for sleeping, dining, and spending time together. (We were delighted to see there was a HUGE selection of board games and puzzles to enjoy!) ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Vibrant cottage near Foster Park. Patio, Park and Games
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

Cities near Fort Wayne