Fort Wayne: River Landscapes, Gardens and History

The city offers a range of places to explore these interests. The Rivergreenway Trail represents green space and active recreation; the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory puts its indoor spaces in the spotlight. Old Fort and the History Center present history in different ways. The Fort Wayne Zoo rounds out the picture with animals and rides.

Riverfronts and active recreation

The Rivergreenway Trail is a 25-mile linear park in Fort Wayne and New Haven, Indiana. In Fort Wayne, it offers protected green space for recreation, fitness, conservation and active recreation. The trail runs along the banks of the Saint Joseph, Saint Marys and Maumee rivers and connects 15 city parks. Its distinctive appeal for travelers comes from this combination: riverfronts and urban green spaces sit alongside activities ranging from exercise to conservation. If you consider scenic surroundings and active options together when choosing a destination, the Rivergreenway is a specific point of interest.

Water and gardens

At Promenade Park, you can explore the park on the water in your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard or other watercraft. Using your own watercraft is the key difference from a walk or garden visit: here, exploring on the water is the main focus.

The indoor spaces at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory include the Showcase Garden, the Tropical Garden and the Desert Garden. The three names highlight different garden areas; together, they form a clear indoor focus. The Conservatory is located in Downtown Fort Wayne. Compared with the Rivergreenway, the focus shifts from riverfronts, green space and active recreation to three named garden areas inside a conservatory. If you enjoy nature, this distinction can help you choose between outdoor spaces and the indoor areas mentioned here.

Fort Wayne and its history

Old Fort is a faithful reproduction of the fort built in 1815 by American troops under the command of Major John Whistler. Events and programs at Old Fort explore several hundred years of history. Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. uses interactive programs to inform the public about Old Fort and its significance to the Old Northwest Territory, Indiana and the United States. For visitors interested in history, both the fort itself and its place in a regional and national context are relevant.

The History Center offers a different historical perspective. Its permanent exhibits include artifacts documenting people, places and events important to Allen County and Fort Wayne. Compared with Old Fort, whose focus is a historic fort and its significance, the History Center takes a broader look at regional history. These different thematic focuses can help you choose a visit based on your interest in the history of the fort or in the people, places and events of the region.

Animals and rides at the Fort Wayne Zoo

Covering 40 acres, the Fort Wayne Zoo features animals, rides and attractive outdoor spaces. It is nationally ranked. This makes it a family-friendly attraction alongside the river landscapes, gardens and history. If you’d like to include a zoo visit in your trip, the animals and rides can be a specific point of interest when choosing a destination.

Discover more destinations: Roanoke.

See the main travel overview: Allen.