Itching to get out of town, Hoosiers? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Fort Wayne instead.
From a tropical paradise at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory to Bravas’ smashburgers — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the 260.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~2.5 hours from Indianapolis
Year city was established: 1794
Est. population: 265,974
🎟️ Experience
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Celebrate the conservatory’s 40th birthday with its “Raise A Glass!” exhibit, take a t’ai chi class, or spin the oversized kaleidoscope at this kid-friendly oasis.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
From an African safari to an Indonesian rain forest, there’s plenty to explore at this family destination. Don’t miss an opportunity to brush a goat, feed a stingray, or ride the Z.O.&O. Railroad.
Promenade Park
This one-of-a-kind park brings together recreation, arts, and culture along the water with a treetop canopy trail, kids’ canal, and a riverboat cruise.
Parkview Field
Buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack + watch a TinCaps minor league game while you’re in town. The award-winning stadium opened in 2009 as a pillar of Fort Wayne’s downtown revitalization.
Embassy Theatre
Plan your trip around one of the many performances on the schedule for the historic theater, which was built as a movie palace + vaudeville house in 1928.
🍔 Eat
Bravas
Notice the bowling alley lanes for countertops at this burger + tapas joint known for its Patatas Bravas + smashburgers.
Hoppy Gnome
You can’t talk about Fort Wayne’s food scene without mentioning Hoppy Gnome, which serves up inventive fusion entrees like the Thai meatball taco and Colonel Tso’s chicken sandwich.
Proximo
This scratch kitchen features flavors from Spain, Cuba, and Colombia — we recommend the guava glazed salmon paired with a specialty cocktail.
The Stand
Get some of the best coney dogs and ice cream in Fort Wayne at this family favorite that has been open since 2004.
Fortezza Coffee
Need a place to refuel after walking around downtown? Fortezza has a cozy atmosphere, caffeinated beverages, and cute merch to browse while you’re there.
Rusty’s Ice Cream
Grab a Bananarama Split or a Raspberry Beret milkshake at this 80s-themed parlor, complete with a blacklight Pac-Man bathroom.
It’s the four poster bed for us.
Photo via VRBO
🏨 Stay
LaSalle Guesthouse
Just a five-minute walk from downtown, check in to this quiet stay in the historic West Central district.
Spacious Fort Wayne Condo
Cook yourself a meal in this fully equipped kitchen and enjoy it out on the serene private porch.
Cozy Designer 3BR Home
Enjoy a professionally decorated home with a private backyard and a two-vehicle driveway.
The Bradley
The Main Street hotel loans out bikes for visitors and welcomes pets with water bowls, treats, and pet beds.
Wait a minute, Hoosiers. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Just Pop In! and The Best Chocolate in Town.
If you have your own Fort Wayne visitor recommendations, we’d love to hear them.
