Classic Kia’s Road Trip Guide: Let’s Visit Fort Wayne, Indiana!

Aug 25, 2022

Today we’re covering some of the most interesting and exciting places to visit in nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana! Did you know that in just a few short hours you can explore a whole new state and see gorgeous artwork, explore historical sites, take in natural wonders, and enjoy a night out on the town? If you’re looking for an affordable road trip to take with family and friends, Fort Wayne has so much to offer. Check out our latest Travel Guide and find some new destinations to visit and make lasting memories with your loved ones!

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo first opened its doors in 1965, and this impressive 40 acre facility is now home to 1,400 animals. It’s a wonderful way to spend some time outdoors, learning new facts about animals, meeting critters up close and personal, and enjoying some quality family bonding for all ages. It’s budget friendly as well, with tickets under $20 (babies are free!)

Science Central is a regional museum dedicated to inspiring young minds to explore the sciences and STEAM activities with hands-on learning! Tickets are affordably priced between $10-$12, with kids 2 and under free. Where else could you check out mastodon bones, walk on the moon, and perform science experiments live? There’s also lots of great physical activities including a two-story slide! Perfect place to bring your high-energy kids to get the wiggles out.

The Genealogy Center and Lincoln Collection is a unique experience for those who love a more scholarly destination. Enjoy a tour of the facility with a knowledgeable guide for personal exploration or research purposes. Ask the Genealogy Librarians questions about researching your family tree, or schedule a personal consultation for a 30 minute in-depth one-to-one meeting.

Debrand Fine Chocolate is a super sweet way to have some fun and a delicious reward at the end! This artisanal chocolatier offers guided tours to visitors of all ages where you’ll watch a short informational film, sample some of the finest confections, get a behind the scenes look at operations, and then exit through the most delicious gift shop there is!

Sweetwater Music Store is the largest purveyor of instruments and music gear in the United. States. Want to try your hand at “Stairway” on a spectacular electric guitar? No one will stop you from rocking out, here! Open 7 days a week, this incredible musical supercenter is a musicians dream.

The Embassy Theatre was built in 1928 as a movie theatre, but was later converted into a music hall and performance center. It’s now the official home of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. Stop by and book tickets for an upcoming show and enjoy some stand-up comedy, musical theatre, live concert, and so much more.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a wondrous place to behold! This enclosed nature conservatory is located in downtown Fort Worth and is a lush, tropical paradise filled with bold blossoms, waving palms, and a cascading waterfall. With three indoor gardens covering 24,500 square feet, you’ll have plenty of exciting things to see. There’s also a whimsical goldfish pond that’s sure to delight curious minds!

The Fun Farm is a one-of-a-kind memorable experience with 100 square feet of space to explore in each unique playhouse! Rent an individual play house for your family and friends and spend the day laughing, making memories, and enjoying all sorts of cheerful entertainment. You can opt in to balloon art, face painting, caricature drawing, and even visits from costumed pals!

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in nearby Auburn is a must see for automotive fans! Dedicated to preservation of Auburn Automobiles, Cord Automobiles, and Duesenberg Motors Company. With a combination of both rotating and permanent exhibits, there’s always something new and exciting to see when you visit. Whether you’re enjoying car themed artworks, exploring vintage vehicles, or learning about automotive engineering, we’re sure it’ll be a hit on your vacation.

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s focus is collecting, preserving, and exploring decades of history in American Art, and encouraging the public to engage in these unique perspectives. With both permanent and rotating traveling exhibits, visitors can observe and appreciate artwork from the 19th century through today.

Escape Rooms in the Fort Wayne area include “Fort Wayne Escape Room”, “Escapology”, “LockedUpLife” and “Hysterium Escapes” with themes and difficulties of numerous levels tailored to your party’s age group. A great exercise for teamwork and camaraderie as you work to solve a puzzle, solve codes, and explore mysteries all before the clock runs out!

Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery is a regional non-profit organization that supports the creative arts through exhibitions, workshops, classes, and events! The gallery provides free admission for all to enjoy the work of local Indiana state artists.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve is an outstanding 100 acre wooded preserve with a gorgeous open-air pavilion, 4 different hiking trails to explore, picnic facilities, and a sparkling lake.

Lakeside Park and Rose Garden is a stunning facility with 2,000 rose plants,a fish pond, and 25.8 acres of space for enjoying recreational activities such as trail walks, tennis, basketball, fishing, skating, picnics, and more. It has been open since 1908 and named a National Rose Garden in 1928. It’s a wonderful place to rest, relax, and even enjoy a little romance!

Bread and Circus Gallery is committed to highlighting community connection to art through artist residencies, local and regional art exhibitions, and international and national artist mentorships. It’s the place to be if you want to have your finger on the pulse of emerging and newly established artists on the rise.

Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum is located in a former engine house, and showcases artifacts, gear, memorabilia, and even fire trucks from days gone by! It’s going to delight and impress even the youngest in your midst, especially the fire truck enthusiasts. You’ll have a chance to take a journey back in time through two floors of exhibits, and can even opt into a special workshop to get some safety training of your own!

Hanson Quarry Observation Deck is an impressive and thrilling viewing deck above a 1,000-foot-deep hole in the ground known as “Indiana’s Grand Canyon. You don’t have to be a geological expert to enjoy the magnificent sight of this limestone quarry! It’s a gorgeous photo op for the whole family to enjoy.

Have you got a favourite place to visit in Fort Wayne, Indiana that we’ve left off this list? Let us know in the comments on our social media and we may include it in a future road trip guide!

Walking Downtown Fort Wayne Indiana