Nestled in the heart of US state of Indiana, Fort Wayne is surrounded by immense natural beauty and verdant parks. This beautiful city also welcomes you with several captivating attractions, cultural centers, interesting museums, luxurious hotels, vibrant downtown, sumptuous eateries and a bustling nightlife. Moreover, it was also awarded the All America City award in the years 1982, 1998 and 2009. Not to mention, the stunning landscape, greatly defined by the city’s three rivers, highlights the dramatic architecture of Fort Wayne.
Image by Momoneymoproblemz via Wikimedia Commons
History of Fort Wayne
Due to its strategic location, at the confluence of three major rivers – Saint Joseph, Saint Mary’s and Maumee Rivers, Fort Wayne was often referred as the crossroads by Native Americans during the 1800’s. It is named after General Anthony Wayne, who constructed the first American fort over here.
The establishment of Allen County in the year 1824 led to the construction of Erie and Wabash Canal in the city, which gave Fort Wayne the designation of ‘Summit City’. A few years later, after the arrival of railway, Fort Wayne was known as the ‘Altoona of the West’ as the city held an important role in the Pennsylvania railway.
With the onset of 1900’s, Fort Wayne started flourishing, even during the Great Depression. Many big companies including Farnsworth Television, Holsum Bakery and many more set up their offices over here. Today, the city is the second largest city in the state and a major metropolitan city in the country.
Important Locations in Fort Wayne
Located in northeastern Indiana, the city is unofficially divided into four major quadrants – northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. While Saint Joseph River divides the northern blocks, Calhoun Street forms as the divider for the southern blocks. From cultural centers and museums like Embassy Theater and Fort Wayne Museum of Art to exciting attractions like Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, the city of Fort Wayne is filled with opportunities and spots for tourists to explore.
Embassy Theater
Built in 1928, Embassy Theatre is one of the oldest and most popular landmarks in Fort Wayne. Formerly known as Emboyd Theatre, the building is home to an 1100-pipe theater organ that was renovated between the years of 1976 and 1996. In 1995, Embassy Theatre earned its place in the National register of Historic Places and is mostly used for performing arts, concerts, symphonies and Broadway shows. To know more about the theater and its events,
click here.
Johnny Appleseed Park
Covered in more than 2800 acres of greenery, Fort Wayne is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Also known as Archer Park, Johnny Appleseed Park is among the notable parks in the city and is home to John Chapman’s grave and a campground. In the year 1973, the park became a part of the National Register of Historic Places and is now maintained by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and hosts the famous Johnny Appleseed Festival. To know more about the park,
click here.
Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building
Located in Downtown Fort Wayne, the iconic Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building is one of the most important landmarks in the city. Constructed in 1893, the building is known for its stunning architecture by Wing and Mahurin. The building served as the city hall for Fort Wayne till the year 1971 and then in 1980, it became the headquarters for Allen County – Fort Wayne Historical Society. The building is now home to a famous museum – The Historic Center, which houses more than 27,000 artifacts. To know more about the museum,
click here.
Foellinger - Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Established in 1983, the Foellinger - Freimann Botanical Conservatory is another important location in the city of Fort Wayne. Located in Downtown Fort Wayne, it is an enclosed conservatory that is home to a 2300 square meter showcase garden featuring verdant seasonal foliage, a desert garden and a tropical garden displaying beautiful palms and orchids. The conservatory also houses a waterfall, an outdoor terrace and a 9300 square meter exploration garden.
Click here, to know more about the conservatory.
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
A great place to watch Basketball and Hockey games, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is a multi-purpose area with a seating capacity of 13,000 for basketball games and 10,500 for musical concerts and hockey. It is currently home to Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Fort Wayne Komets and Fort Wayne Derby Girls. To know more about events and games schedule,
click here.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Built in 1860, this cathedral is one of the oldest in the city of Fort Wayne. It is also a chief cathedral of Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend. In the year 1980, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception became a part of National Register of Historic Places. To know more about the cathedral,
click here.
Parkview Field
A minor league baseball stadium, Parkview Field is currently home to Fort Wayne TinCaps and has a seating capacity of 8208. It also hosted the Midwest League All – Star Game in 2010. The stadium features 16 luxury suites, an Appleseed Picnic Pavilion, Treetops Rooftop Party Area and lawn seating. To know more about game schedules and ticket prices,
click here.
People and Culture of Fort Wayne
According to US Census 2010, Fort Wayne had a population of 253,691 and an estimated population of 258,522 in 2014. This city is home to several racial compositions including White (73.62%), Hispanic (7.96%) African American (15.41%), Native American (0.37%), Non-Hispanic White (70.3%), Asians (3.3%), Pacific Islander (0.06%), Other Races (3.72%) and Two or more Races (3.52%). English is the major language spoken over here.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (UTC-5). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4).
Standard time zone: UTC/EST - 5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/EDT - 4 hour
Time zone abbreviation: EST and EDT
Phone Codes of Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Area Code: 260
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Fort Wayne
The city of Fort Wayne experiences a humid continental climate with wet and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring (March, April and May) is the best season to visit Fort Wayne. Once the snow has melted and the trees get back their lush foliage with blooming flowers, it is a great time to spend time outdoors. However, if you are a fan of winters and love snowfall, then obviously winter months are the best time to visit the city for you.
GermanfestAnnual Fort Wayne Greek Festival Japanese Cherry Blossom FestivalFort Wayne PrideBBQ RibFestFort4Fitness Fall Festival Half MarathonHolidayFestJohnny Appleseed Festival Three Rivers FestivalAllen County Fair BAALS Music Festival Shindigz National Soccer FestivalVera Bradley Outlet SaleFort Wayne Map Guide
