Best hotels in Fort Wayne
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Wayne
1150 South Harrison Street, IN, 46802
A brilliant spot for Downtown, this Marriott Courtyard is next to the Grand Wayne Convention Center and Embassy Theatre. The Botanical Conservatory and Parkview Field are only seconds away. There’s a small indoor pool, and Conner’s Kitchen and Bar is a step above most chain hotel restaurants.
Tru by Hilton
5345 Distribution Dr, IN, 46825
One of the more modern Hilton brands, Tru has a modern hub in reception, with games areas and charging points, as well as a heated indoor pool. Perfect for a short stay, it’s near to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
Towneplace Suites Fort Wayne North
3949 Ice Way, IN, 46805
Just off US 27, this all-suite hotel puts you in pole position for the Children’s Zoo, Glenbrook Square shopping mall and Franke Park. Both the business center and fitness center are open 24 hours a day, while rooms have kitchenettes.
Best restaurants in Fort Wayne
Cindy’s Diner
230 W Berry St, IN, 46802
The epitome of the classic diner, Cindy’s might be small in stature but it’s big on leaving you happy. It has been here since 1950 – it has been Noah’s, Paul’s and Marge’s Diner over the years – and serves up greasy spoon classics. Try the hot cakes, sausage, gravy and biscuits or ‘Garbage, their own mix of eggs, cheese, potatoes and ham.
The Oyster Bar
1830 S Calhoun St, IN, 46802
Originally opened as a saloon in 1888, this stalwart of the Fort Wayne dining scene is now celebrated for its oysters, scallops and other seafood specials. It ticks a lot of boxes – you can start with snails, move on to oysters Rockefeller, then dive into baby back ribs with their signature rub, or choice filet mignon.
Don Hall’s Gas House
305 East Superior St, IN, 46802
Housed in what was once a Downtown gas plant near to St. Mary’s River, Don Hall’s is the place for prime rib or surf and turf, accompanied with classic sides and rich sauces. The coffee-crusted New York strip steak is a winner, as is the jambalaya risotto.
What to do in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd, IN, 46808
This zoo in Franke Park has been charming children since 1965, with 40 acres to explore and a world of animals to say hello to. There are distinct areas and habitats, including an Indonesian Rain Forest, Australian Adventure and African Journey. The Central Zoo is home to capuchin monkeys, penguins and sea lions, while the family farm will let your kids brush a goat. Elsewhere, they might even get to feed the giraffes.
The Old Fort
1201 Spy Run Ave, IN, 46802
Fort Wayne earned its name as a fort for traders in the 19th century, and you can get a sense of life back then in this replica of the original. It’s free to enter and wander around, with numerous reenactments throughout the year focusing on the 1812 siege and revolutionary war.
Riverfront Fort Wayne
1 S High Street, OH, 44308
Fort Wayne was sighted at the confluence of three rivers – the St. Joseph, St. Marys and Maumee – and the Riverfront area is close to where they all meet up. It’s an area that encompasses the Old Fort, but also the wonderful Promenade Park, Science Central, river cruises, walking trails and the Landing District with its hotels and dining spots.