Areas & Neighborhoods in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is sometimes called The City That Saved Itself, after the way its residents rebuilt the city following a devastating flood. Today, the enterprising spirit of Fort Wayne is reflected in its enclaves. From the hustle of Downtown to Williams Woodland Park's cultural savvy, there's a Fort Wayne neighborhood to appeal to every type of traveler.
Downtown
Filled with arts, attractions, and some of the best barbecue ribs you've ever tasted, Downtown is where Fort Wayne comes to play. Commercial centers like the City Exchange Shops beckon with an assortment of retail boutiques, while the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory invites visitors to grab a seat and watch the world go by.
Williams Woodland Park
South of Downtown, up-and-coming breweries, zesty Mexican restaurants, and the city's only oyster bar line the lanes in Williams Woodland Park. Tourists flock to this idyllic district to frequent the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, which showcases some of the oldest documents in the United States.
Historic Lakeside Park Addition
A newly recognized district on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Lakeside Park Addition brims with homes built between 1890 and 1940. The neighborhood's true gem is the lovely Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, where rose beds dazzle tourists with their aromatic bouquet.
Things to See in Fort Wayne
Indiana may be the Crossroads of America, but it wouldn’t have become so without the help of the frontier outpost of Fort Wayne. Soak up the history of the city during a visit to the Fort Wayne History Center. Or, travel back in time on a tour of Historic Fort Wayne itself, which locals call the "Old Fort." Likewise, you can leave the past behind and journey into the present with admission to a performance at the Fort Wayne Ballet, where the dancers are sometimes accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Finally, of all the things to see in Fort Wayne, a show at the Embassy Theatre is a must. Take in a play or rock out to your favorite band inside this historic 1928 theater.
Sightseeing in Fort Wayne
With so many things to do a mere 20-minute drive from Fort Wayne International Airport, the place to begin is in the city's civic center. Every Saturday, the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana Farmers Market sets up shop in the oldest public space in Fort Wayne. After perusing the produce stalls, venture to Parkview Field, where the Fort Wayne TinCaps play. Art lovers can check out the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Wunderkammer Company, both of which showcase art by contemporary ingénues. Sightseeing with little ones? Fort Wayne delivers on that front, too. Treat the kids with admission to the Children's Zoo, where they can see prairie dogs, penguins, owls, river otters, and giraffes up close. Nearby, Science Central hosts interactive exhibits with hands-on demonstrations that appeal to scientists of all ages.
