This affordable Midwestern city is fun and family-friendly

As a native Midwesterner, I know all too well how much this region gets overlooked in terms of food, culture, and history. But, even when travelers do set out to find the nicest city in the Midwest, they often flock to a few big and shiny places that also tend to be the most crowded and expensive. This is where marvelous mid-size cities like Fort Wayne, Indiana come in.

Fort Wayne, Indiana is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, in part thanks to its ability to combine small-town charm with big-city attractions. Nestled in northeastern Indiana, this Fort Wayne is driving distance from Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Nashville, Cleveland, Pittsburg, Louisville, St. Louis, and countless other destinations, meaning you won’t have to deal with rising airfare prices and delayed flights to get here.

What to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Is Fort Wayne worth visiting? Yes! And, for so many reasons! Not only does this affordable city have all the usual attractions that most mid-size and large cities have, but they also have unique attractions and outdoor recreation. Here’s a quick peak at what you’ll find in Fort Wayne:

• Theaters (with Broadway shows and concerts)

• Fort Wayne Genealogy Center

• Hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding

With its rich blend of culture, history, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor recreation, Fort Wayne should be at the top of your summer list. It’s also one of the most accessible cities in the Midwest, meaning it’s a great option for travelers with disabilities. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Fort Wayne has something for everyone.

Fort Wayne: A city rich in history and culture

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Fort Wayne is its deep historical roots and vibrant cultural scene.

Fort Wayne’s Historic Old Fort

As Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne played a crucial role in early American history. The Historic Old Fort, a reconstructed 1815 military outpost, offers live reenactments, and events that give visitors a glimpse into frontier life.

Fort Wayne Art Museums and Cultural Centers

For those who appreciate art and culture, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art features a diverse collection of American artworks, while the Arts United Campus hosts performances, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Don’t miss the Embassy Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s venue that brings Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and classic films to downtown Fort Wayne.

Family-friendly attractions in Fort Wayne

Traveling with kids? Fort Wayne is a top destination for families with children of all ages, and its free public art trail pass and outdoor pass make it easy to find and explore family-friendly fun.

Fort Wayne Zoo

The Fort Wayne Zoo is consistently ranked among the best children’s zoos in the United States, welcoming half a million visitors each year. It’s home to over 1,500 animals and offers engaging, interactive exhibits that make learning about wildlife fun for all ages.

This spring, Fort Wayne Zoo is hosting GloWild: A Wild & Wonderful Lantern Festival (through May 25). GloWild is a night show featuring a dazzling display of giant lanterns throughout the park, so you may want to visit both during the day and at night to make the most of your visit. Later this year, the Fort Wayne Zoo will also unveil a new Coastal Cove exhibit featuring seals and sea lions.

Fort Wayne Science Central

Another must-see is Science Central, a hands-on science museum featuring more than 200 interactive exhibits. From exploring physics to discovering biology, kids and adults alike will find this attraction both educational and entertaining. The museum will also unveil a highly anticipated planetarium in late 2025, which will be the only one in the region.

Promenade Park

For a relaxing day out, take the family to Promenade Park along the scenic St. Marys River. This park features a tree-top canopy trail, boat rentals, and a kids’ canal play area, making it a perfect stop for outdoor fun in downtown Fort Wayne.

Combat Ops

For kids who think everything is boring (I’m thinking of my 15-year-old nephew), Combat Ops Fort Wayne is the solution. Choose from laser tag, laser mazes, arcade games, mini golf, Nerf-style tag, mini bowling, and virtual reality. Parents can use their kids as an excuse to go here, but they’re probably going to have a great time themselves.

Minor League Baseball

For a fun, affordable night out, head to a TinCaps minor-league baseball game. The team is named after John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) who is buried along the St. Joseph riverbank in Fort Wayne. This authentic minor-league ballpark experience is packed with family-friendly entertainment, including the dancing groundkeepers affectionally known as the “Bad Apple Dancers.” Lawn seats start at just $7 so you’ll have money left over for all the apple-themed desserts. Visit on a Friday or Saturday and you’ll also be treated to post-game fireworks.

Outdoor recreation and natural beauty

Fort Wayne is an ideal destination for nature lovers, whether it’s a simple stroll through parks and plants, or a strenuous day of hiking, biking, and paddling.

Hiking, Biking, and Paddling in Fort Wayne

The Rivergreenway Trail System runs along all three of the city’s rivers—St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee—providing scenic views and access to several parks and natural areas. To make the most of the water, explore it by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Explore Fort Wayne’s water trails on your own, or book a half-or full-day paddling adventure with Fort Wayne Outfitters.

Fort Wayne boasts over 120 miles of trails that connect its parks and neighborhoods, offering great opportunities for biking, hiking, or just a peaceful stroll. Rent a bike or bring your own for a ride along the Fort Wayne’s trail network (much of which is family-friendly).

Lakeside Park & Rose Garden

The Lakeside Park & Rose Garden is another popular spot, especially in the spring and summer when the 2,000 rose plants (with at least 150 varieties) are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens, picnic by the lake, or simply relax in a peaceful setting.

Fort Wayne’s culinary scene: A foodie’s delight

Fort Wayne’s culinary scene is thriving, offering a mix of traditional Midwestern comfort food and innovative dining options. Downtown Fort Wayne is home to a variety of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops that showcase local flavors and creativity.

At The Hoppy Gnome, come for the craft beer and stay for the globally inspired food, from tuna tartare and tacos to Thai meatballs and cheddar beer soup (yes, you read that correctly). And don’t skip dessert! Swing by DeBrand Fine Chocolates, a Fort Wayne institution, for gourmet chocolates and truffles that also make perfect souvenirs.

Year-round events and festivals

Each spring, 35,000 people descend upon Fort Wayne from all over the country for the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale. Celebrating its 35th Anniversary (April 30-May 4), the sale is a five-day event of shopping and celebrating Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, and accessories, all up to 70% off in 100,000 square feet of space.

No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening in Fort Wayne. In the summer, the city hosts parades, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities all over town. Fall brings Johnny Appleseed Festival, an old-fashioned fair honoring the city’s most famous resident, John Chapman—better known as Johnny Appleseed.

During the winter, downtown Fort Wayne transforms into a festive wonderland with Night of Lights, a holiday event that includes the lighting of displays, Christmas markets, and ice skating at the 30-acre Headwaters Park. Feel like staying indoors? Why not take a stab (pun intended) at solving a true crime at Fort Wayne’s murder mystery dinner shows.

Affordable and easy to reach

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Fort Wayne is its affordability. Compared to other urban destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Fort Wayne offer excellent value, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. The city even created a Fort Wayne Savings Pass that gives visitors easy access to discounts on meals, museum admission, wine, and arcades.

Getting to Fort Wayne is also easy. The Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) offers direct flights to several major cities, and the city is just a few hours’ drive from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit, making it a convenient stop on any Midwest road trip.

Accessible travel options in Fort Wayne

Speaking of Fort Wayne’s airport, this year, the it’s wrapping up a transformative $122 million universal design renovation that goes beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This redesign will introduce the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program, which provides visual cues for those with invisible disabilities, and will ensure inclusivity for all passengers and goes way beyond offering free wheelchairs. Some highlights include low-profile baggage scales, high-contrast signage, a Sensory Room for passengers with cognitive disabilities, and a tactile “cane trail” for easy navigation.

Accessible options for families in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has worked very hard to integrate accessible programming and amenities for both travelers with autism and those with physical disabilities across all of its top attractions, so that all visitors and families feel equally welcome.

The previously mentioned Fort Wayne Zoo offers free wheelchairs and also rents strollers, wagons, and electric ECV scooters. Certified as a sensory-inclusive facility registered with KultureCity, the Fort Wayne Zoo trains staff to assist visitors with sensory needs, and they also offer quiet places, sensory bags, and headphones.

The hands-on science museum, Science Central, has a wheelchair-accessible theater, text-to-speech technology, and a family restroom with adult-size changing tables that children and adults of all sizes can make use of. The museum provides visitors with assisted listening devices, weighted blankets, fidget devices, and weighted blankets as needed, and also offers sensory-friendly days.

Getting back to your roots at Fort Wayne Genealogy Center

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is one of the best places in the country to research your family history. The Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana doesn’t just have one of the largest physical collections in the world, it also has unrivaled access to world-class digital resources. Best of all, these physical and digital resources are all free for visitors, as is the help you’ll receive tracing your family tree with one-on-one help from professional genealogists.

Plan your visit to Fort Wayne today

From its award-winning zoo and historic sites to its thriving arts scene and outdoor adventures, Fort Wayne, Indianaoffers an unforgettable travel experience. With its blend of family fun, cultural attractions, and Midwestern hospitality, this hidden gem is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the region.

So why wait? Start planning your trip to Fort Wayne today and discover all that this dynamic city has to offer.