Key attractions
The grave of legendary tree planter Johnny Appleseed is located in his namesake Fort Wayne Park near the St Joseph River. History buffs will undoubtedly want to explore the Fort Wayne History Center and the Allen County Public Library Genealogical Collection. Old Mill Road and Forest Park Boulevard are lined with restored mansions which were originally constructed for canal and railroad executives. A talking tree welcomes visitors to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory's children's area, where the worm holes are as large as human beings. The city's youngest visitors may enjoy the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and the interactive Science Central museum.
Having fun
Fort Wayne may lack major professional sports franchises, but the city's minor league hockey and baseball, basketball, and indoor football teams enjoy plenty of support. The heart of the city's nightlife is Piere's Entertainment Center, which claims to be the Midwest's biggest nightclub and is capable of holding up to 2,000 people at once. Among the most outstanding landmarks from Fort Wayne's boom years is the Embassy Theater, where the size of the screen is rivaled only by the size of the theatre itself. The Coney Island hot dog stand Cindy's Diner and Power's Hamburgers serve up classic Middle American cuisine.
Shopping
Each year, more than 15 million shoppers travel to Fort Wayne's north end to visit Glenbrook Square Mall, the biggest shopping center in northeast Indiana. However,
Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center is a more upscale alternative in the city's southwest region. This open-air lifestyle center is especially enjoyable during summertime Friday nights, when live music wafts around the wide concourses. Fans of the Apprentice will want to sample the show's signature gold coin chocolates at DeBrand Fine Chocolates, a Fort Wayne institution with four locations across the city.
Nearby
Fort Wayne is less than a three-hour drive from Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. However, many more intriguing daytrip destinations lie even closer to the city. Fort Wayne's once powerful automobile industry is documented 30 minutes north of the city at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. Another half-hour drive north of Fort Wayne leads to the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, where retired exotic animals and rescued abandoned pets reside. The nearest of the surrounding Amish communities, Grabill, is only 15 minutes northeast of the city by car.
Our recommendations in Fort Wayne
Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center
Located in Fort Wayne, Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center is in the city center and connected to the convention center. Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum and History Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or Spiece Fieldhouse.
Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Wayne-North
Located in Fort Wayne, Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Wayne-North is in the suburbs. Science Central and Fort Wayne Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spiece Fieldhouse or Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Hampton Inn Ft. Wayne-Southwest
Located in Fort Wayne, Hampton Inn Ft. Wayne-Southwest is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Headwaters Park and Markle Park, while Historic Embassy Theater and Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at Spiece Fieldhouse, and consider making time for Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne
In the business district, Best Western Luxbury Inn Fort Wayne is in an area with great airport proximity. Historic Embassy Theater and Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spiece Fieldhouse or Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Our guests love the hotel's quiet location.
Best Western Fort Wayne I-69 North
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ft. Wayne is located in Fort Wayne. Science Central and Fort Wayne Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or Spiece Fieldhouse.
Baymont by Wyndham Fort Wayne
Located in Fort Wayne, Baymont by Wyndham Fort Wayne is in an area with good shopping. Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Science Central are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or Spiece Fieldhouse.
Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne, an IHG Hotel
Located in Fort Wayne, Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne is in the city center. Science Central and Fort Wayne Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or Spiece Fieldhouse.
Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown Grand Wayne Convention Center
Located in Fort Wayne, Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown Grand Wayne Convention Center is in the city center and connected to the convention center. Historic Embassy Theater and Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or Spiece Fieldhouse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.