Fort Wayne



Fort Wayne is a city in the northeastern part of Indiana, a state of the United States of America. It is 30 minutes from the western Ohio border and 70 minutes from the southern border of Michigan. With a population of around 260,000 in the city and 615,000 in the metropolitan area, it's Indiana's second largest city.

Fort Wayne is a metropolitan city with a small community feel. It provides the rush of urban activity while never losing an intimate personal connection with those who live or visit here. Fort Wayne is the second largest city in the state of Indiana, located in Allen County, the largest county in the state by geography. It is the regional commerce and industry center for Northeast Indiana and also impacts the economies of Southwestern Michigan and Western Ohio. Fort Wayne has been and is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and high tech industries.

The city has many historical buildings that usually offer regular tours. The city itself has a long history going back to the 1700s, but has lately succumbed to the urban sprawl so widespread in the Midwest. It is nicknamed the "Summit City" because, even though the surrounding area seems completely flat, it is on the high point of the old Wabash-Erie canal.

By plane


There is a cookie factory right across the street from the airport, and you can tell what they're baking that day by smell. Volunteers meet you when you arrive and give away free cookies as you come through security.

For flights to Chicago, expect to pack your hand luggage into a small cargo hull. It is recommended that you avoid packing anything fragile in your carry-ons. The smaller lines operate tiny planes in between FW and Chicago and there is little room for even ladies' purses.

There is a shuttle bus service between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne run by Hoosier Shuttle.

By car

 * Interstates 69 makes Fort Wayne easily accessible by car from the north and south. It connects to Indianapolis, in the south and Lansing, to the north.
 * I-469 is a southern and eastern interstate by-pass of Fort Wayne that connects with I-69 at both ends.
 * U.S. 24 is an important expressway and connects to Toledo, Ohio in the northeast and Lafayette, Indiana, to the southwest.
 * U.S. 27 is an important highway, providing access primarily from places to the south and is the main north-south highway through downtown.
 * U.S. 30 is an important expressway, providing access primarily from places to the west and east. It connects to Lima, Ohio in the east and Valparaiso, to the west.
 * U.S. 33 is an important highway, providing access primarily from places to the northwest and south. It connects to Columbus, Ohio in the south and Goshen and Elkhart, to the northwest.

By bus
Greyhound has multiple long-haul services to Fort Wayne from most nearby cities. The is located downtown at 121 W Baker St.

By train
Fort Wayne is not directly served by passenger rail, but Amtrak has several daily services to nearby Waterloo, half an hour north of Fort Wayne. Be prepared to phone for a cab or have someone meet you because transportation from the station to the city is limited. The station is served by Capitol Limited between Washington D.C. and Chicago as well at the Lare Shore Limited between New York, Boston and Chicago.

By bus
There is a municipal bus system that can get you around called Citilink. The system has limited routes and hours of operation.

By car
To get into downtown US 27 would be the main route from north or south and Jefferson Boulevard from the west. From the east the route to downtown Fort Wayne Washington Boulevard and would pass through New Haven. All major Rental Car Companies have franchises are at the airport, but don't rent here. The airport branches are much more expensive. Call the Enterprise Car Rental location on the SW or NE side and have them pick you up. They have a weekend rate for $9.95 a day, from Friday morning through Monday morning. Reserve other rates online for the best rates.

If you get into the airport on a late flight, don't assume there will be taxis waiting. Call ahead and arrange one on A-1 taxi at 260-478-9910 or 800-871-0518.

Sports




Buy
Fort Wayne has great shopping. Visit Jefferson Pointe on the southwest end of town for the up-scale department store Von Maur, a DeBrand chocolate shop, Barnes & Noble bookstore, Rave movie theater, restaurants (including the excellent Eddie Merlot's and popular Biaggi's) and mall stores (Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works). What makes it fun, especially in warm weather, are its wide concourses for strolling and window shopping, with beautiful garden areas, potted plants, and fountains. Live music on Friday nights during the summer is especially fun. Look online for a listing of summer music acts.

Glenbrook Square Mall, located on the north end of the city at 4201 Coldwater Rd, is a legacy-type enclosed mall. It is always busy, has many stores, three big department anchors, and a really nice food court.

Eat




Drink

 * After Dark 112 E Masterson Ave - LGBT nightclub open every night 6-3am. Sunday, Monday, and Wednesdays are kinda quiet, with karaoke going on.  Tuesday nights are often busy, featuring male strippers that are usually pretty good.  Thursday through Saturday offer drag shows that feature great local talent (with some not-so-great ones as well) and the best visiting queens from around the midwest. Dancing is always going on in-between and after the shows.  Crowd is fairly eclectic; lesbian, gay and straight - young and old - trendy and traditional.

Stay safe
Like many cities, Fort Wayne has some trouble spots. To be safe, lock your vehicle when you plan to leave it unattended anywhere in the city, but especially in a parking garage or low lit area after dark. Places to be careful during the day and not walk through after dark include areas on the southeast side of downtown. Take care as you would in any major city after dark.

One natural threat to be aware of are tornadoes: if you hear a siren or there is a tornado warning issued, take it seriously.

Television

 * WANE 15 CBS
 * WPTA 21 ABC
 * WPTA 21.2 CW
 * WISE 33 NBC
 * WISE 33.2 My Network
 * WFWA 39 PBS
 * WFFT 55 FOX

Cope

 * YMCA Downtown - If you are a member of a YMCA anywhere you can work out here. Also, if you stay at the downtown Holiday Inn or Hilton, you can work out here (both are a short walk). They have 4 fullcourt basketball courts, and indoor track (1/8 mile), 5 racquetball courts, an aerobic room, a machine area (new Cybex machines) and a serious free weight room in the basement. They also have "Health Clubs for members of Y's that have that option that includes sauna, steam, whirlpool and a TV lounge.
 * Kachman Mind Body Studio - Honor your mind body and spirit at Fort Wayne's premier yoga studio. Offering Yoga, Pilates, Personal Training, Nutrition, Thai Yoga Massage and Corporate Wellness Programs. Located in Downtown Fort Wayne on the corner of Lafayette and Douglas. +1 260-420-9642. Drop-ins welcome!

Go next

 * Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum - About 30 minutes' drive north of Fort Wayne, in Auburn, is the famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. It harks back to Fort Wayne's earlier glory days as part of the automobile industry. (The gas pump was invented here.) Apart from the exhibits, they have an elaborate souvenir shop, conference center, and other facilities. In the same area and within a few minutes' drive are several other substantial museums, including one with a very large collection of WWII land vehicles.
 * Black Pine Animal Sanctuary - A non-profit exotic animal sanctuary located about 45 minutes north of Fort Wayne in Albion. Albion's a quaint small town with a beautiful courthouse. Black Pine is 1.5 west of town on Main Street (1426 W. 300 N.), and is home to lions, bears, chimps, tigers and other exotic animals. All their keep are rescued pets or retired performers, and their volunteer staff offer guided tours to show you around, are very friendly, and very knowledgeable. If you love animals, this is the place to see them really up close. Not great for little kids, but great for older kids and adults. Visitors must be on their best behavior for the comfort of the animals at all times.