A Day in Fort Wayne

Planning a vacation or a quick getaway to any new city can be both very exciting and intimidating, especially if you have just one day to visit it. To make your trip much easier and less daunting, we have complied a list of things to do in the city in just 24 hours. Fort Wayne is a great place to visit in US, especially for families with children. There are lots of fun and interactive things to do and see over here including zoos, museums with hands-on exhibits, art galleries and several verdant parks that offers various recreational activities.

Breakfast at 8:00 am

Start your day early in the morning with a nice hearty breakfast at one of the famous diners of Fort Wayne. Spyro's Pancake House (6455 W. Jefferson Blvd and 4410 Bluffton Road) is one of the most premier locations in the city for pancakes, omelets, waffles and sandwiches. Another popular place to try is Sara's Family Restaurant (5792 Coventry Lane), which is known for its huge portions of traditional American breakfast.

Foellinger - Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 10:00 am

After a delicious breakfast, head towards the Foellinger - Freimann Botanical Conservatory, located in Downtown Fort Wayne. This beautiful enclosed conservatory features different themed gardens like Desert Garden and Tropical Garden along with a 2300 square meter lush garden that has seasonal displays and a 9300 square meter exploration garden. It is a great place to visit with children, as there are a number of interactive exhibits and activities for them to explore over here.

Address: 1100 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, United States
Phone: 1 260 427 6440
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Thursday), Monday Closed
Website: www.botanicalconservatory.org/
Distance from Downtown Fort Wayne: 0.3 Miles or 6 minutes walk

Head to The History Center at 11:00 am

Fort Wayne’s Old City Hall Building is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the city. It is also registered under the National Register of Historic Places. The History Center is an important museum inside the city hall building and houses more than 26,000 artifacts, each explaining a part of the regions’ history. Do visit the Barr Street Market, located adjacent to the museum.

Address: 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Phone: 1 260 426 2882
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Saturday and First Sunday of the Month).
Website: http://www.fwhistorycenter.com/index.html
Distance from Foellinger - Freimann Botanical Conservatory: 0.4 Miles or 9 minutes walk

Fort Wayne Museum of Art at 12:00 pm

Another great place in the city for children to enjoy and explore. The museum is known for its several travel related exhibitions and permanent collections, some of which date back to the 19th century. Each exhibit is displayed for 6 to 12 weeks, after which the museum shuts down for about 10 days to install new pieces of artworks. Therefore, before visiting, please check whether the museum is open that day.

Address: 311 E Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, United States
Phone: 1 260 422 6467
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Thursday), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Sunday)
Website: https://www.fwmoa.org/ 
Distance from Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building & The History Center: 0.1 Mile or 3 minutes walk

Lunch at 1:00 pm

There are many places situated near the museum that offer delicious food and an amazing fine dining experience to the guests. Don Hall's Old Gas House (305 E Superior Street) is a great to place to visit if you are fan of premium steaks and seafood. Another popular place located nearby is the Main Street Bistro that serves a variety of salads, soups, entrees, pizzas and sandwiches (200 E Main Street). If you are in a mood for some hot dogs, chili and pie, head to Fort Wayne’s Long Standing Coney Island (131 W Main Street).

Science Central at 2:00pm

Science Central is a great place for children to test their imagination. Home to 120 plus interactive and hands-on exhibits, Science Central is one of the most popular tourists spots in the city of Fort Wayne. Children can take part in many exhibits like Science on a Sphere, Crooked House and many more. They also offer special birthday packages for kids. There is also a gift shop, which offers products that would make great gift ideas for families and friends.

Address: 1950 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, United States
Phone: 1 260 424 2400
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Wednesday to Friday), 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday). Monday and Tuesday Closed
Website: http://sciencecentral.org/
Distance from Don Hall's Old Gas House: 1.1 Miles or 3 minutes drive

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo at 3:30pm

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has also been ranked as the seventh best zoo in the country by Trip Advisor. It offers various attractions and activities for all age groups. The zoo is divided into different themes, each which offers a unique and exciting experience to the guests.

Moreover, there are also special services offered at request such as VIP events, where visitors can get close to their favorite animals. There are also many restaurants here that offer delicious food and snacks for munching. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-visit in the city.

Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808, United States
Phone: 1 260 427 6800
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Since the zoo is seasonal, check the website before visiting)
Website: www.kidszoo.org/
Distance from Science Central: 1.5 Miles or 5 minutes drive

Franke Park at 6:00pm

After spending time at the zoo, head towards the largest and the most beautiful park of Fort Wayne – Franke Park. The park offers a number of attractions and recreational activities for its visitors including fishing, biking and hiking trails, a playground for children and the famous Franke BMX where riders can learn, practice and compete with each other.

Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN, 46808
Website: http://www.fortwayneparks.org
Distance from Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: 0.1 Mile or 2 minutes walk

Dinner at 8:00pm

Head back towards the city to grab dinner at yet another popular restaurant in Fort Wayne. BakerStreet Steakhouse (4820 N Clinton Street) is known for providing the premium fine dining service in the city. Their skilled and professional staff will ensure that you have the best evening. Do try their tender and luscious steaks, wines and fresh seafood. If you are in a mood for some authentic Japanese cuisine, then head towards Asakusa Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar (6224 Lime Road) and do try their fresh and carefully rolled sushi.

Explore Fort Wayne’s Nightlife at 10:00 pm

Early Bird's Ultra Lounge (4201 N Wells Street) is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the city. The club is known for its wonderful EDM and House music, three fully stocked bars and a VIP area for privacy. If you are in a mood for something low key, then head towards J.K. O'Donnell's (121 W Wayne Street), an Irish pub popular for its amazing beer and scotch.

24 Hours Tour Map Guide of Fort Wayne