Best Tourist Attraction Fort Wayne Near Me

4worldlovers: Science Central is a regional resource that provides inspiring and fun hands-on science education for all people of all ages.

4worldlovers: At Little River Wetlands Project (LRWP), we get our boots muddy while working towards the highest goals – quality of life, improvement and sustainment of our natural resources – for the betterment of our community.

Our mission is to restore and protect wetlands in the historic watershed of the Little River, a major tributary of the Wabash River, and to provide educational opportunities that encourage good stewardship of wetlands and other natural ecosystems.

4worldlovers: The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, Inc. was organized on April 20, 1974; two years after the City closed Fire Station #3 in downtown Fort Wayne. In 1975, they leased the building from the City and started collecting artifacts from Fort Wayne’s past. In 1979 painting and reconstruction began. The building was deeded from the City on April 8, 1987 and became the property of the Museum. The Museum finally opened on a limited basis in 1981. Additional renovations were done between 1998 and 2009 and again in 2019 to expand the exhibit area. In 2001, a staff was hired and regular hours were started, so the public could enjoy our past. Along with the many artifacts on display, the Museum also teaches fire safety to young and old alike.

4worldlovers: Impress your guests with the color, fragrance, and unique settings at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Located in downtown Fort Wayne, the Conservatory offers beautiful gardens and a variety of memorable spaces for receptions, parties, meetings, business functions and special events.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

4worldlovers: NOTICE: FOX ISLAND WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO EXTENSIVE STORM DAMAGE TO THE PROPERTY WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

WE ARE STILL CLOSED. While we have made significant progress on removals of downed trees and other damage to the park we still have a lot of cleanup and trail work to be done that CANNOT be accomplished safely with the public inside the park. Thank you to all the volunteers that have helped with planting of trees on our planting days.


As it stands right now we are not looking to open up the park in 2023. We apologize as we know a lot of people like to spend Memorial Day and other summer days at the park.

Click here to go to the Fox Island Storm Damage page


WE LOVE YOUR DOG BUT ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH AND UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PERSON WHO BROUGHT THE DOG.

FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN ANY ALLEN COUNTY PARK!

ALCOHOL, OF ANY KIND, IS NOT PERMITTED IN ANY ALLEN COUNTY PARK! COOLERS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AND SEIZURE.

PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept credit cards. Payments must be cash or check!

Click here for Streetside view of Fox Island and its trails This will bring up a Streetside Google Map. Any area that has a blue line can be viewed by dragging the Pegman to that spot on the trail or road. For help with this Google Map Help Streetside View

Fox Island is a 605 acre park located in southwest Allen County. Within this park, 270 acres are dedicated as State Nature Preserve, which protects areas having unique plants, animals or geographic features. Hundreds of species of animals and plants live at Fox Island because of the relatively natural condition of most of the area, with its habitats of marsh, seasonal ponds, wooded sand dunes, wetland forest, old fields and restored prairie. The park contains the largest contiguous forest in the county and a glacial sand dune.

Seven miles of marked trails through the preserve enable visitors to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the park. Over six miles are available during the winter for cross country skiing as long as we have four or more inches of snow on the ground. Hundreds of species of animals and plants live at Fox Island because of the relatively natural condition of most of the area, with its habitats of marsh, seasonal ponds, wooded sand dunes, wetland forest, old fields and restored prairie.

Nature Center – Large and small classrooms, conference room all available for rental; gift shop, education offices, and a variety of exhibits including the “Tree House”

Bowman Lake – Swimming beach – No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk

Fishing (additional $2 per person) – you must possess a valid Indiana fishing license

4worldlovers:
Promenade Park, the first phase of our transformational Riverfront Fort Wayne Project opened in 2019! Highlights of the opening weekend included the ribbon cutting and various arts performances, boating and recreation as well as nature and our rivers’ ecosystem activities.


Follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter at RiverfrontFW.org to stay current on updates!


The Grand Opening Celebration was held for Promenade Park August 9-11, 2019. Approximately 35,000 people came to visit the park that weekend. Park visitors continue to visit the park and enjoy all the amenities the park offers! Please check out the Park Amenity list and the Parking Map (Visit Fort Wayne) to learn more about the park. Feel free to visit daily from 6 am-11 pm!


Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Fort Wayne celebrated the fourth year of Promenade Park at the “Dragon Boat Races” on August 4-5, 2023. Around 5,000 people joined us for the two days to learn more about Dragon Boat Racing, take part in family friendly activities provided by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family, watch traditional Chinese performances, listen to music by "We are CheckMark", enjoy floating fire pits on the St. Marys River featuring Fire Dancers, participate in Tai Chi, or especially to compete in the 2023 Races! We are so thankful for the 11 teams that competed this year as well as the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family Association and McDonalds Owners/Operators of Greater Indiana and Southwest Michigan for making this event possible. Want to see more pictures and check out the teams? Check out the Dragon Boat Races link to learn more!

Mark your calendar to celebrate Dragon Boat Races with us again on August 2-3rd, 2024!


Riverfront 2 A officially opened on June 27, 2023! Pictured above Steve McDaniel, Director (far left), Mayor Tom Henry (in the middle) and the four Park Commissioners. Construction for 2 B will be at least a year and a half.


Upcoming events include: Sunday Heritage Concert Series, Open Mic Nights WIth Kyla J., Rolling at the River Comedy Show, Don't Act Your Age: Adult Game Nights, Yoga on the Riverfront, Dance Promenade!, Intro to Hula Hoop Dance, Be Your Own Artist: Mask Making, Sensory Expo, Muddy River Concert Series, Confluence Kitchen: Oktoberfest Continued!, Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Cruises Riverfront Halloween Hunt, Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown and much MORE! Check out the on-line calendar for information on all of these exciting programs!


Are you interested in volunteering or sponsoring an event for Riverfront Fort Wayne? We have plenty of great opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to help Riverfront events and programs be successful! Interested? Contact Riley.Hollenbaugh@cityoffortwayne.org or (260) 427-6248.


The PNC Playground is a fully accessible playground to be enjoyed by all! Do you have questions about the PNC Playground?

The Parkview Tree Canopy Trail is a stunner offering unique views of Parkview Park as well as the ever evolving skyline.

If you have your own canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or other watercraft feel free to explore Promenade Park by water! Fort Wayne Outfitters rents watercraft too and is adjacent to the park! For motorized watercraft please be aware of the New Law Aims to Address Increased River Traffic Safety by establishing the Idle Speed Zone that went into effect on June 8, 2023.


Ride aboard Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica. Purchase TICKETS TODAY!

The Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain are popular draws for both the very young and old alike.


Generally, the spaces available for rent in Promenade Park are the Park Foundation Pavilion (inside and outside), Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell East, Old National Bank Plaza and Sweetwater Band Shell west, and the historic Wells Street Bridge. The only space that is entirely covered, and therefore weather-proof, is the indoor portion of the Park Foundation Pavilion.


Additional information about Rental Opportunities at Promenade Park is now available.


Please e-mail: rentpromenade@cityoffortwayne.org to inquire about dates available for your next gathering.

At Promenade Park there are 3 Ping Pong Tables, 2 Cornhole games and 1 Foosball table for your enjoyment!