Staff Report
Fort Wayne, the state’s second largest city, is home to many attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Located northeast of Indianapolis and just 50 miles from Michigan’s border, this metropolitan area is known for its big-city amenities and hometown appeal.
Read on for tips on where to go and what to do while visiting.
DINE
J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House
121 W. Wayne St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
jkodonnells.com
Who knew you could experience the Emerald Isle without ever hopping the pond? J.K. O’Donnell’s features traditional Irish pub eats, nearly 100 beers and a collection of ciders, whiskeys, bourbons and more.
The Oyster Bar
1830 S. Calhoun St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
fortwayneoysterbar.com
Established in 1888, The Oyster Bar has been dubbed a “locals favorite” and “an innovator in the culinary arts” by USA Today. This Fort Wayne staple is known for legendary food and impeccable service.
Bourbon Street Hideaway
135 Columbia St. W.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
bourbonstreethideaway.com
If Cajun food is more your speed, Bourbon Street may be the perfect spot for you. At the region’s only authentic New Orleans eatery, you’re sure to leave satisfied. In addition to many classic Southern dishes, diners can enjoy a wide range of signature cocktails, martinis and wine.
Casa Ristorante Italiano
Various locations
casarestaurants.com
Voted the top Italian dining option in Fort Wayne, the Casa family of restaurants has been family-owned and operated since 1977. Check out one of their four locations for dine-in or carryout service.
Dash-In
814 S. Calhoun St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
thedash-in.com
Dubbed Fort Wayne’s largest craft beer bar, Dash-In features more than 23 varieties on tap. A host of modern classic dishes are made in-house, and most can be made gluten free or vegan. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, specialty coffee drinks and desserts are served, as well.
Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island
131 W. Main St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
fortwaynesfamousconeyisland.com
Nostalgia is abound at this old-school spot. This family-owned business opened in 1914 and has been serving the area for generations. It is estimated that a million hot dogs and 100,000 Cokes are served here each year! The 1950’s era decor, spinning seats and porcelain tabletops complement the all-meat hamburgers, chili and Coney dogs. Be sure to wash it all down with a soda in the small vintage bottle.
LODGE
Don Hall’s Guest House
1313 W. Washington Center Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
donhallsguesthouse.com
Don Hall’s is the city’s only independent full-service hotel. A stay includes free dinner and breakfast, free WiFi, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, in-house laundry, full-service restaurant and lounge with entertainment plus plenty of hospitality/banquet rooms for any size party up to 500 people.
Beside Still Waters
18017 Devall Road
Spencerville, IN 46788
besidestillwaterslogcabinretreat.com
Sometimes we all need to get away for a little R&R. How about getting away to a restored 1850s log cabin nestled among 40 wooded acres on a scenic, private 8-acre pond? The cabin has a private bedroom with king bed, lofted bedroom with double bed and fully equipped kitchen for preparing your own meals. To add to the peaceful atmosphere, there is no TV, internet or phone.
Oakwood Resort
702 E. Lake View Road
Syracuse, IN 46567
oakwoodresort.com
Oakwood, founded in 1893 as a permanent camp meeting ground for the purpose of spiritual edification and physical recreation, is now a waterfront hotel featuring 77 spacious rooms and luxury suites. It was also named Fort Wayne Readers’ Choice award winner for best hotel. The grounds also have a beach, tour boat and full-service Aveda salon/spa. If you’re in need of a bite to eat, check out The Pier Restaurant & Bar. located on-site.
Potawatomi Inn Resort
& Conference Center
6 Lane 100 A Lake James
Angola, IN 46703
in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/potawatomi/
Potawatomi, located in Pokagon State Park, overlooks Lake James. The inn has 138 guest rooms with two restaurants, indoor pool, game room, library, gift shop and 10,500 square feet of meeting space. Guests can also enjoy the Nature Center, horseback riding, seasonal toboggan and paved bike trail (rentals available).
EXPERIENCE
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
kidszoo.org
Recently named “one of the top 10 in the nation” the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has fun the whole family can enjoy. Go and see the creatures of Africa, Australia and the Indonesian rain forest!
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Parkview Field
1301 Ewing St.
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
tincaps.com
Sports fans will be pleased to know that Fort Wayne has its own minor league baseball team. Take in a day of America’s favorite pastime at Parkview Field, located downtown. The entertainment is nice on the wallet as well with seats that start at just $5.
Headwaters Park
333 S. Clinton St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
fortwayneparks.org
Fort Wayne is home to lots of outdoor attractions for those interested in nature, live music, great food and more. Headwaters Park features a free splash pad that’s open all summer long. Be sure to also check out VisitFortWayne.com/festivals for a list of great events going on throughout the season.
Science Central
1950 N. Clinton St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
sciencecentral.org
Fort Wayne’s children’s science museum, Science Central, is a place that makes learning an exciting experience for people of all ages. Be sure to check out RiverWorks Discovery, a nationally touring exhibition that entertains while informing visitors about the city’s inland waterways.
Foellinger-Freimann
Botanical Conservatory
1100 S. Calhoun St.,
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
botanicalconservatory.org
What started as a shared vision between two friends — Helene Foellinger, publisher of the News-Sentinel, and Bill Sowers, a local attorney and trustee — is now known as “an oasis in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne.” The conservatory hosts four changing showcases each year, four gardens, and over 20,000 square feet of plant life.
