If you are going to Fort Wayne, it's probably for a wedding, funeral or to visit someone who lives there. In short, it's not much of a tourist destination. The town actually has some interesting things that could be developed, but the city officials view much of the historic past as something to be ripped down to replace with "modern" buildings. There are still a number of historic buildings and houses throughout the area. Preservationists need to take a stronger stand in keeping the bulldozers out and the preservationists in.

Get in

By Air 
Fort Wayne International Airport - It's an "International" airport. There are, however, no international passenger flights, but Kitty Hawk Aviation operates a cargo hub at FWA and they have a customs station. Theoretically, you could land here from international destinations and go through customs. The airport is outrageous for a city this size. The size is greater than many larger cities and there is federal funding to expand the size of the runways and add additional runways. There is service to/from several hubs - most are regional jets and the flights are short.

If you do fly in and bring your computer, take advantage of the free internet (wireless or in carrels upstairs on the secure side). Also, there is a cookie factory right across the street and you can tell what they're baking that day based on smell. Volunteers meet you when you arrive and give away free cookies as you come through security.

If you like chocolate, there is a great store in the airport called Debrand's (on the non-secure side across from security) that sells the best chocolate you will taste anywhere. It is made in Fort Wayne. I think the reason it is so good is that they use the best ingredients but it is also very fresh. They supply the TV show "The Apprentice" with their gold coin chocolates in the executive suite. The chocolate isn't cheap, but splurge and buy a couple of pieces - you will not regret it!

If you do get in on a late flight, don't assume there will be taxis waiting. Call ahead and arrange one on A-1 taxi at 260-478-9910 or 800-871-0518. It's run by Ross Bumgardner. He does a great job and will take care of you.

One more hint, if you are connecting to a Chicago flight, expect to pack your hand luggage into a small cargo hull. Avoid packing anything fragile in your carry-ons. The smaller lines operate tiny planes in between FW and Chicago and there is little room for even ladies' purses.

By Bus
• Greyhound Interstate Bus Service - there is a downtown bus station (929 S LAFAYETTE ST Ft Wayne, IN 46802, Telephone Numbers Main: (260) 423-9525). With reasonable bus service...as bus service goes.

Activities

 • Toast and Jam is a funky old Victorian coffeehouse on the East Side of downtown. On Fridays and Saturdays there is live acoustic music in a cool parlor venue/format. It's great if your into acoustic music.
 • The Embassy Theater - An old movie palace that opened in 1928. It is a rare find. Most grand movie palaces like this have been torn down. Similar to the Fox Theaters I've seen in Atlanta and Detroit. In 1972, the Embassy Theater Foundation purchased the theater to save it from demolition and conversion into a parking lot. The theater was finally renovated in the early 90's for stage shows and returned to its original shine. It reopened in 1996 as a performing arts center and venue for traveling Broadway shows. It has a huge balcony. The symphony performs here as do occasional traveling Broadway shows and performers. Some of the acts are lame (Donny Osmond, Toni Tenille), but some are cool (Cosby, Seinfeld and Willie Nelson have performed in the recent past). They also show classic movies on the big (I mean real big!) screen in the winter.
 • Black Pine Animal Park - An exotic animal sanctuary located about 35 minutes north of Fort Wayne in Albion. Albion's a quaint small town with a beautiful courthouse. Black Pine is just west of town on Jefferson Street, and is home to lions, bears, chimps, tigers and other exotic animals. All their keep are rescued pets or retired performers, and their volunteer staff loves to show you around, are very friendly, and very knowledgeable. If you love animals, this is the place to see them really up close. Not great for little kids, but great for older kids and adults.
 • Architecture Tours- If you are into architecture, pick up the self-guided tour booklets at the downtown public library or look online and bring printouts of the tours. There was a rich culture in Fort Wayne until the 1950s when a number of major companies left the city or went bankrupt. The town was built on the junction of three rivers and has a French, English and American heritage. The Washbash and Erie Canal ran through the center of the downtown. FW has a number of mansions built for railroad and canal executives still standing. Some have been restored, but are not open to the general public.

Dining

 • Paula's on West Main - Great seafood and a very cool music bar called the Mangy Moose. It's in an old house. Very cool. Not cheap, but the food is great.
 • Munchie's Emporium- several locations- Munchie's is an old staple in Fort Wayne. The original is located downtown on the corner of Broadway and Taylor. This particular location is the most nostalgic, decorated with political paraphernalia dating back to the early 1930s. Munchie's has a very eclectic menu, ranging from their plethora of delicious sandwiches to salmon to homemade pizza. Their beer list is one of the best in Fort Wayne- also serving Fort Wayne's Mad Anthony's Beer. It is fairly cheap and always a good meal!
 • Cindy's Diner - Downtown - Cindy's is a traditional 1950's-style diner loaded with charm. It's one of those stainless steel prefab buildings that used to be all over but disappeared with the onslaught of the chains. Those in the mood for breakfast can find it here anytime of the day. It seat about 15 people. You sit at the counter and chew the fat with the staff. They have those little juke boxes every few seats with old 50's and 60's hits. They make their own donuts with an antique donut machine that came from old downtown Murphy's store. 830 S. Harrison Street. Cheap and a great value for breakfast or lunch.
 • Power's Hamburgers - South Downtown - 1402 S. Harrison across from Lincoln Green. This place was built in the 1940 and hasn't changed. It is the prototype for White Castle but the burgers are bigger and everything is fresh. The chili is also great. A picture of it is at . Real cheap and real fun!

Drink

 • Club Soda - Like Ruth's Chris - only much hipper in an authentic 125 year old building. Live Jazz. Very cool.
 • Columbia Street West - Downtown. Good live rock and ok food.
 • Dash-In - Downtown on Calhoun is a cool coffee house in a 100+ year old building that also serves great lunches at a reasonable price. Good soups. They also sell beer by the bottle. The walls are lined by local artists' work that are also for sale.
 • Old Crown Coffee Roasters - Near IPFW on North Anthony (3410) - It's the best coffee in Northeast Indiana. Fresh roasted beans every day with an emphasis on high quality. If you want great coffee, from India to Columbia, this is the place to go.

Lodging

 • The Hilton Downtown
 • Comfort Suites Ft. Wayne Hotel 5775 Coventry Lane. (260) 436-4300. Located at the intersection of I-69 and US 24, exit 102 in the Village of Coventry - within walking distance of many shops and restaurants.
 • Comfort Suites North Fort Wayne Hotel 3302 E. Dupont Rd. (260) 480-7030.
 • Econo Lodge Fort Wayne Hotel  2908 Goshen Rd. (260) 484-6262.
 • Quality Inn Fort Wayne Hotel  3330 W. Coliseum Blvd. (260) 484-7711.
 • Sleep Inn Ft. Wayne Hotel 2881 East DuPont Rd. (260) 490-8989. 5 miles from the Ft. Wayne Coliseum, Spiece Fieldhouse, the combined Ft. Wayne campuses of Indiana University Purdue University, and 8 miles from downtown Ft. Wayne.

Workout

 • YMCA Downtown - If you are a member of a YMCA anywhere you can work out here. Also, if you stay at the downtown Holiday Inn or Hilton, you can work out here (both are a short walk). They have 4 full-court basketball courts, and indoor track (1/8 mile), 5 racquetball courts, an aerobic room, a machine area (new Cybex machines) and a serious free weight room in the basement. They also have "Health Clubs for members of Y's that have that option that includes sauna, steam, whirlpool and a TV lounge.
 • Workout Room Yoga Studio - Honor your mind body and spirit at Fort Wayne's premier yoga studio. Offering Yoga, Pilates, Personal Training, Nutrition, Thai Yoga Massage and Corporate Wellness Programs. Located in Downtown Fort Wayne on the corner of Lafayette and Douglas. Tour studio, meet the instructors and learn about daily classes at or call 260-420-9642. Drop in's welcome!

Get around

There is a municipal bus system that can get you around called Citilink. The system has limited routes and hours of operation.

All major Rental Car Companies have franchises are at the airport, but don't rent here. The airport branches are much more expensive. Call the Enterprise Car Rental location on the SW or NE side and have them pick you up. They have a weekend rate for $9.95 a day, from Friday morning through Monday morning. Reserve other rates online for the best rates.

Attractions

 • The Lincoln Museum. This is located downtown and is the worlds largest collection of Abraham Lincoln Memorabilia. It was endowed by the Lincoln Museum and is really first rate. Allow 90 minutes.

 • The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. This zoo has become much more than a children's zoo. It has 5 sections and the Indonesian Rain Forest is spectacular where they have Orangutans and Sumatran tigers. The Australian pavilion and the African Veldt are also excellent. Allow 3 hours.

 • The Follinger Friemann Botanical Conservatory. Located downtown. It has 3 sections. A seasonal changing selection, a rain forest and a desert room. Allow 1 hour.

 • Allen County Public Library Genealogical Collection. It is the second largest in the U.S. behind the Church of Latter Day Saints. The library offers special classes and has librarians there to assist you in your search. One night a year, they keep the room open until midnight. It is usually around Halloween.

 • Kachmann Gallery. Kachmann Gallery is a unique experience and resource in downtown Fort Wayne. A celebration of life and wellness; fine and commercial art; communication and media, the gallery is a beautiful and innovative focal point for cultural enrichment, personal development, events and entrepreneurship. Gallery Hours Thursday - Saturday 12-4 or by appointment. 260-424-3581

Shop

Fort Wayne has great shopping for a mid-sized Midwestern city. Visit Jefferson Pointe, on the west side of the city, for the up-scale department store Von Maur, a DeBrand chocolate shop, Barnes & Noble bookstore, Rave movie theater, and all the usual restaurants (including the excellent Eddie Merlot's and popular Biaggi's) and mall stores (Gap, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works). What makes it fun, especially in warm weather, are its wide concourses for strolling and window shopping, with beautiful garden areas, potted plants, and fountains. Live music on Friday nights during the summer is especially fun. Look online for a listing of summer music acts.

Glenbrook Square, on the north side of the city, is a legacy-type enclosed mall, but is always busy, has many stores and three big department anchors, and a really nice food court.

Get out

Go to the Great American Spice Co. factory outlet at 628 Leesburg Road. The smells alone will make you unload a bunch of dough. Hundreds of hot sauces and every spice imaginable.