Extended Weekend Getaways By Jessa Campbell
Marketing Manager
1. Promenade Park
Opened in August 2019, Promenade Park is the perfect place to start your introduction (or reintroduction!) to Fort Wayne. This park is the result of a development that renews Fort Wayne’s three rivers as a regional destination for recreation, arts, and culture. This riverfront attraction is situated just north of downtown Fort Wayne along the St. Marys River, one of three rivers that meet in downtown Fort Wayne. Promenade Park is a one-of-a-kind park that joins natural rivers to a vibrant urban center, and features a variety of activities including a kids’ canal, ping pong and corn hole games, a treetop canopy trail, porch swings, and river access!
2. Riverfront Connectivity
- Fort Wayne’s great natural features meet in the heart of the downtown area, where there is an unbelievable amount of fun you can enjoy along the 8 miles of riverfront via Fort Wayne’s unique riverfront connectivity. You can explore the historic Old Fort, located just steps away from Headwaters Park, our cultural and festival center in the summer. A short walk or bike ride provides easy access to Promenade Park via Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway trail that follows along the riverfront (hence the name!)
3. Nationally ranked Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families and inspiring people to care, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction, hosting more than 600,000 guests annually. In 2021, the Zoo was voted Visit Indiana’s “Summer Bucket List Top Attraction” and is consistently named one of the nation’s Top Ten Zoos for Kids by national media outlets. Home to 40-acres of animals, rides, and beautifully landscaped grounds, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-see on any visit to Fort Wayne. Discover life in four distinct sections that range from the African Journey to Australian Adventure and the Indonesian Rainforest each featuring rides and interactive activities around every turn. Plus, the zoo is affordable with FREE parking! Opening April 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through October 29.-
4. Picture Perfect Picnics
- You can safely dine in the City of Restaurants by enjoying carryout and a picnic in one of the more than 80 award-winning parks including Promenade Park, which is conveniently located near many downtown restaurants.
5. Outdoor Spaces for Everyone
No matter your adventure level, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast in Fort Wayne. Get out on downtown Fort Wayne’s 8 miles of water trails or discover other water access points along Fort Wayne’s three rivers. Adventure along more than 120 miles of trails by bike or foot. Fort Wayne’s trail system enables you to easily explore our parks and attractions with a city-view ride itinerary. With more than 80 city parks and a number of county parks and preserves, Fort Wayne’s outdoor spaces offer a variety of activities including trails following along rivers, ravines, flower gardens, and marshland.
6. Public Art for All
- Free to all, Fort Wayne is exploding with public art around every corner, alleyway, and park. Tour this creative city’s murals spanning whole alley walls in downtown, discover sculptures representing the city’s past and future, or enjoy 50 unique downtown sculptures that also double as bike racks!
7. Historical Sites
Fort Wayne is known for being a city that has connected the east to the west through the Erie Canal, which can now be experienced in the newly revitalized area of downtown Fort Wayne called the Landing. Fort Wayne offers numerous historic sites for you to explore, including the Old Fort – a replica of the third and final Fort Wayne, and the gravesite for John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed.)We may all be itching to get out and affordably explore, but we are still worried about our health and safety. In Fort Wayne, this affordable and safe destination offers ample opportunities for new adventures you can take with your family and still be safely distanced from others! >MORE
