The Essential Guide to Fort Wayne, Indiana

Just a few hours from Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis lies Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne. With easy access to the outdoors, a bustling culinary scene, and eight miles of riverfront trails that link downtown parks, museums, and public art, this may be one of the most underrated cities in the entire Midwest.

“Fort Wayne is in the midst of an exciting transformation,” says Jessa Campbell, director of destination development and communications for Visit Fort Wayne, Indiana. “From our evolving riverfront to our commitment to accessibility for visitors of all abilities, the passion and momentum of the community are unmistakable.” 

And the city is fast-evolving with new, exciting developments. The recently revitalized Arts United Center debuted with a fresh look and improved accessibility features in Dec. 2025. Plus, you’ll find more than 150 permanent artworks peppered throughout the on buildings, bridges, and green spaces. But perhaps one of the most exciting things about Fort Wayne, despite having a population of less than 300,000 people, is its culinary scene, which is bustling with James Beard nominations and other national awards.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Amaya Fort Wayne

This adults-only boutique hotel brings a quieter, sophisticated ambiance to Fort Wayne. With modern interiors and soft, intentional details, the hotel is designed to feel like a getaway. The location is close to the airport, making it a convenient option for those who want to stay outside the city but close enough to visit the attractions. 

The Bradley

Opened in 2021, The Bradley is Fort Wayne’s most design-forward hotel and a centerpiece of the downtown revival. The hotel was developed by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, cofounder of Vera Bradley, and the property features locally commissioned artwork and interiors inspired by the fashion brand’s roots. Located in the Landing district, the hotel is within walking distance of the riverfront, arts campus, and other Fort Wayne highlights.

Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center

This downtown hotel connects directly to the Grand Wayne Convention Center and is within a stone’s throw of the botanical garden and some of Fort Wayne’s top restaurants like Proximo and The Hoppy Gnome. Their courtesy airport shuttle is convenient for travelers who won’t be driving.

Best Things to Do

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

One of the largest public genealogy research centers in the United States, this downtown facility is one of Fort Wayne’s biggest attractions. Here, visitors can trace their family lineage all across North America and Europe. At the genealogy center, visitors can get free access to extensive archives and on-site research assistance, and you can even schedule a genealogy consultation.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is nationally recognized for its contemporary glass collection. Every year, the museum hosts the annual International Glass Invitational. Their rotating exhibitions frequently feature American modern and contemporary works alongside underrepresented artists, and they have a special room dedicated to children and crafts. 

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Known for gourmet chocolates and caramel apples, DeBrand Fine Chocolates provides a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process on factory tours. The experience includes multiple samples and explains how the company has grown into a regional name. Those who take the tour get a discount on chocolate purchases, and the hot chocolate is a must-try for chocolate fiends. 

Country Heritage Winery

Located about 20 minutes from downtown, Country Heritage Winery’s 100-acre vineyard focuses on cold-hardy hybrid grape varietals developed for Midwest conditions, including marquette and frontenac. Tastings offer insight into how Indiana winemakers are building a regional identity distinct from coastal wine regions. The winery hosts plenty of events all year-round, with live music and s’more fire pits available for guests to enjoy. Visitors more interested in spirits will want to stop in at the adjacent distillery, The Stillhouse. 

Public Art Trail

More than 150 murals, sculptures, and installations have been erected throughout Fort Wayne, with the majority of them concentrated downtown. “They’re impossible to overlook, not only because they are everywhere, but because each one helps tell the story of our community,” Campbell says. You can even download the digital pass to check in and even get prizes.

Nightlife

Penny Drip

A daytime coffee shop that transitions into a cocktail bar in the evening, Penny Drip provides a casual atmosphere for drinks. The food menu is robust enough to stop in for lunch, but the real highlight is the drinks made by the fancy highball machine. You can expect Tinker Blend drip coffee and seasonal lattes, as well as evening cocktails like the Exes in Texas, which is made with peanut-washed Fernet Jelinek.

Copper Spoon and The Sidecar

This long-running cocktail destination is one of Fort Wayne’s favorites. If you time it right, you may catch their seasonal pop-up at the Sidecar patio. Previous holiday pop-up themes include Nightmare Before Miracle! and the Miracle on Jefferson. Expect a whimsical yet extensive drinks program here, including surprisingly delicious non-alcoholic cocktail concoctions. 

Club Soda 

A cross between a jazz lounge, cocktail bar, and restaurant, Club Soda is known for live music on weekends and a menu that appeals to both casual drinkers and full diners. They’re known for martinis, and also have creative cocktail creations such as the banana whiskey and black walnut Bartoszek.  

Best Restaurants 

Tolon

A downtown staple, Tolon focuses on modern American dishes using regional ingredients—it claims to be the first farm-to-table restaurant in Fort Wayne. Diners here can feast upon things like duck fat frites for brunch and espresso-rubbed steaks for dinner. A word of advice: don’t skip on the cocktails. 

Rune

James Beard semifinalist Sean Richardson opened Rune in March 2024, and created a menu that paid homage to his grandmother’s cooking. Since then, Rune has gained national attention for its approach to Midwestern cooking. Menus change seasonally and emphasize local sourcing, but you can’t go wrong with the generously portioned pasta dishes. 

Nawa

This contemporary restaurant carefully balances traditional Thai flavors with eye-catching, modern presentations. Nawa consistently produces great dishes, and it even has a curry flight for those who can’t decide on just one. I recommend ordering the pork belly buns or the boxing chicken. 

Proximo

The Latin-inspired dishes on Proximo’s menu are made with local ingredients. The restaurant is open all day, so you can come for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Expect dishes like passion fruit halibut ceviche and vegan mushroom barbacoa. 

Cindy’s Diner

Located in the middle of downtown, Cindy’s Diner has been a local staple for decades. This small downtown counter serve classic Midwestern diner breakfasts in a no-frills setting. Seating is limited to just 15 guests, creating an intimate, warm environment. 

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Fort Wayne is from late May through early October, when the riverfront, festival calendar, and outdoor dining season are in full swing. Fort Wayne’s festival calendar peaks in summer and early fall, with Germanfest (early June), Greekfest (late June), and Arab Fest (June)—a series of events that celebrate the city’s diversity through food and music. Middle Waves Music Festival (mid-June) brings regional and national acts downtown. The nearby St. Joe’s Pickle Festival is a must-visit if you appreciate pickled vegetables. The Johnny Appleseed Festival (mid-September) honors Fort Wayne’s connection to the folk hero, while Taste of the Arts (late August) combines culinary samples with visual and performing arts.

How to Get There

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) serves the city with daily flights to major hubs and is only about 15 minutes from downtown by car. Fort Wayne is also an easy drive from Indianapolis (two hours), Detroit (2.5 to three hours), and Chicago (three hours).

Neighborhoods to Visit 

Downtown and The Landing 

Downtown Fort Wayne centers on Main Street, where hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions cluster near the riverfront. The area connects to the arts campus, including the Arts United Center, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and the Botanical Conservatory. The riverfront runs along the north edge, with Promenade Park providing trail access.

Broadway Arts District 

This arts corridor west of downtown is home to galleries, studios, and several of the city’s favorite restaurants. Good Bread offers vegan and gluten-free baked goods, while Fancy and Staple showcases local art, quirky souvenirs, and vintage finds.

How to Get Around

Unless you’re planning on staying within the downtown area of Fort Wayne, a rental car is essential for experiencing the city’s best highlights. Country Heritage Winery is 20 minutes outside downtown, and you’ll need a vehicle to reach DeBrand Chocolates, too. Downtown itself is very walkable, though, and parking is ample as well.