From its historic neighborhoods to its parks and rivers, Fort Wayne is full of surprises. This Indiana town has one of the country’s best zoos and a number of popular museums. Considered one of the most affordable cities in Indiana, paying less for rent could mean you’ll have a slightly bigger budget to explore the city and find your favorite spots.
Here’s what some Fort Wayne locals are saying about the best places to check out in Summit City.
1. Five Lakes Coffee, The Perk and Mocha Lounge
Source: facebook.com/Five-Lakes-Coffee
Ask locals about their favorite hidden gem and many are quick to point to a coffee shop. In the Northwest area of town, you can stop in at Five Lakes Coffee for a cup of Joe as one option.
Christine Miller of Christine Danae Photography has trouble narrowing down her favorite coffee spots. Though, two notable frontrunners are The Perk Coffee House and Mocha Lounge. The Perk provides, “fantastic coffee and a fabulous environment to meet up with people and get work done,” says Miller. Mocha Lounge also has fantastic coffee and a “great atmosphere.”
2. Sassie Cakes
Source: facebook.com/SassieCakesFW
There’s nothing like a solid dessert place, and Hope Denton of Hope Denton Photography LLC recommends Sassie Cakes. Located right in Downtown Fort Wayne, this custom cake shop also features regular in-store treats like sandwich cookies, macarons and cookie dough shots.
“Sassie’s has the best cakes I have ever tasted, and is sure to wow you!” says Denton. Her favorite is red velvet.
3. Sweetwater
Source: facebook.com/sweetwater
For Paul Smith of Five Lakes Coffee, a favorite stop in the city is Sweetwater. This music megastore has its own hidden gem inside. It’s the acoustic guitar room, where Smith loves the sounds.
4. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Source: facebook.com/fwkidszoo
To make your exploration of Fort Wayne family-friendly, Amy DeLap of Kiss My Grass Soapery is quick to pick a trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as a fun way to spend the day.
Also located in the northwest section of Fort Wayne, the Zoo features African, Australian and Indonesian sections in addition to the central zoo. There are also a few rides, animal keeper chats and special animal experiences, including the opportunity to feed a stingray.
5. Watch the Tin Caps
Source: facebook.com/tincaps
Mark Smith of The Light House Coffee Bar recommends catching a Tin Caps game to really experience the true heart of this city. This minor league baseball team plays in Parkview Field downtown.
6. Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island
Source: facebook.com/FortWayneConeyIsland
While Coney Island is known as a New York City amusement park, in Fort Wayne, it’s a locally -loved restaurant. More than that, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island is the oldest coney stand in the country, opening its doors in 1914.
The menu hasn’t changed much in the last 100+ years either, and the restaurant sells hundreds of hot dogs each day along with burgers, chili and pie.
7. The Parks
Within the city limits, you’ll find the convergence of the St. Marys River, the St. Joseph River and the Maumee. Fort Wayne naturally lends itself to outdoor activity. Along the riverfront, you have access to boat tours and river excursions along with self-guided kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. There are also plenty of river-side hiking and bike trails.
Fort Wayne has no shortage of parks to enjoy as well. Some local favorites include:
- Salomon Farm Park — a working farm and educational center that focuses on what life was like in the 1930s
- Shoaff Park — a 184.5-acre green space that includes a golf course, sports facilities and activity pavilions
- Lakeside Park and Rose Garden — a fragrant park in Northside with more than two-thousand rose plants
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is yet another spot in Fort Wayne to connect with nature. Located in the city’s Southwest area, the Conservatory features seasonal flowers and plants beside a tropical garden, desert garden and more.
Other hidden gems across Fort Wayne
Source: facebook.com/brassrailfw
Suggestions for other hidden gems in Fort Wayne can really help you find places that cater to your interests. The city’s diverse assortment of restaurants, music venues, bars and more allow anyone to enjoy their favorite pastime. Our local experts had a diverse assortment of recommendations to share.
For foodies:
- Cebolla’s Mexican Grill — a recommendation from Lori Eddy of Coutour Cottage, has multiple locations around town. That gives you options when you’re craving burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas or any of the restaurant’s specialties.
- Paula’s on Main — a casual restaurant and seafood market in the Nebraska neighborhood.
- Nawa — a locally-owned Thai restaurant with signature dishes and drinks to excite the palate.
- Asakusa — the first sushi bar in Fort Wayne, with sushi, teriyaki, tempura, katsu and many other Japanese specialties.
For entertainment seekers:
- The Clyde — live music, comedy and performance venue
- Brass Rail — a live music venue specializing in rock music
For beer drinkers
- Henry’s – wood-adorned pub-style tavern that serves American food
- Deer Park Pub — an Irish pub with a unique character entirely its own
- Hop River Brewing Company — a brewery beside Lawton Park specializing in true-to-style beers
Where to next?
Find the Fort Wayne hidden gem for you
Not entirely convinced that a mid-size Midwestern city has enough to offer? Get out there and check it out yourself. The variety of activities and emerging small business scene make Fort Wayne a city that you need to experience for yourself. If you stop by one of the hidden gems on this list, tell them we sent you!
