So, you’re interested in learning more about Fort Wayne, IN (the second largest city in Indiana right after Indianapolis)? Well, you’ve come to the right place. First off, let’s cover how to get there.
Fort Wayne is relatively easy to reach. Located in the Midwest – it’s only 3 hours away by car and about an hour by plane from Chicago.
Or if you’re coming from Columbus, OH it’s 2 hours and 45 minutes away by car and believe it or not about 3 hours by plane simply because there are no direct flights between both cities.
Once you arrive at Fort Wayne be prepared to be amazed. I know, I know, it’s hard to believe but it’s true. Once part of the Rust Belt, the city has managed to transform itself into a modern place that doesn’t depend on manufacturing jobs like it used to.
It’s economy nowadays is a mix of financial, professional and business services as well as healthcare, distribution, transportation and logistics thanks to its strategic location between three rivers – St. Marys River, St. Joseph River and the Maumee River.
But let’s go back to what makes Fort Wayne a great place to visit and live. If you love to spend time outdoors, you’ll definitely like the 11 parks in the city. You could spend a whole day enjoying them, weather permitting of course.
My top 3 are Lakeside Park & Rose Garden (lakefront park with sunken rose gardens), Headwaters Park (riverfront park that has bike paths and an ice-skating rink in the winter) and Swinney Park but don’t take my word for it – visit them to see for yourself.
Or if it’s too hot or cold outside, why not visit one of the many museums and galleries? The Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Castle Gallery are the first ones that come to mind but they are not the only ones by any means.
If you’re not into museums and galleries and prefer restaurants and nightlife, Fort Wayne has something to offer, too. There are many great restaurants like Cork’s Cleaver or just casual eateries that serve unpretentious but delicious food like Club Soda and The Hoppy Gnome. There are also places with live music where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer like Skeletunes Lounge and The Brass Rail.
But what if you’re with kids? How about a visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo that is located on 40 acres in Franke Park and has more than 1,000 animals? Even if you’re not with a child, your inner kid will love it – I am sure of that.
Whatever it is – you can find it in Fort Wayne. And it couldn’t be any other way. Fort Wayne is a city with a population of half a million people. This fact in and of itself should tell you that Fort Wayne is a place worth exploring. So, make sure you have at least a few days and let’s start exploring, I am sure you’ll like it.
