Fort Wayne

Travel Guide
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

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West Central

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in West Central, Parkview Field and Embassy Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

West Central
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Milan Center

You might consider checking out H. Souder and Son's General Store while you're exploring Milan Center and the larger New Haven area.

Milan Center
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Harlan

Check out nearby sights like H. Souder and Son's General Store while you're spending some time in Harlan and the surrounding area.

Harlan
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Wolflake

If you're spending some time in Wolflake, Chain O' Lakes State Park and Webster Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Wolflake
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Honduras

Ouabache State Park is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Honduras and the surrounding area.

Honduras
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Altona

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Altona and surrounding area, you can visit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and National Military History Center.

Altona
The Bradley Hotel
The Bradley Hotel
3 out of 5
204 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN
Fully refundable
The price is CA $227 per night from May 30 to May 31
CA $227
CA $261 total
includes taxes & fees
May 30 - May 31
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (465 reviews)
"Great spot close to lots of bars and restaurants"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Bradley Hotel
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Wayne
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Wayne
3 out of 5
4919 Lima Rd, Fort Wayne, IN
The price is CA $71 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $71
CA $81 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
5.4/10 (1,004 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Wayne
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 $115 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $115
CA $132 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
Nice Stay
"The Spark by Hilton was a nice hotel. Was a little pricey for the weekend I stayed but I would assume it was because of a basketball tournament that they hiked up their prices. I paid $175 for a one night stay but when I looked up the same room for the next weekend it was $113. That's pretty crappy ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Spark by Hilton 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.
Lakeside Indiana Vacation Rental Near Fort Wayne!
Lakeside Indiana Vacation Rental Near Fort Wayne!
Churubusco
Stay at this vacation home in Churubusco. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Nice getaway place
"We stayed for 4 nights here, enjoyed hiking at various places within a short driving distance. Spent one day going to small towns and shopping at Amish establishments. The house was very clean, good parking, perfect for our needs!"

Reviewed on Feb. 9, 2024

Lakeside Indiana Vacation Rental Near Fort Wayne!
Beautiful Skinner Cottage overlooking the lake
Beautiful Skinner Cottage overlooking the lake
Albion
Stay at this cottage in Albion. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Chain O' Lakes State Park and Gene Stratton-Porter ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the cabin, very cozy, was perfect and had everything we needed. We will almost certainly return. Thanks so much!"

Reviewed on Feb. 20, 2024

Beautiful Skinner Cottage overlooking the lake
This two-bedroom Lakeside cottage is a magical place
This two-bedroom Lakeside cottage is a magical place
Columbia City
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Columbia City. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews.
10/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
Relaxing
"Very charming cottage with upscale furnishings. Everything was as advertised. Enjoyed the pontoon that was available."

Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2024

This two-bedroom Lakeside cottage is a magical place
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.

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