Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures in Fort Wayne

For nature-lovers looking for the next rugged patch of terrain to explore, Fort Wayne should definitely be at the top of your list of adventurous destinations. With three beautiful rivers to explore, over 100 miles of easily navigable trails, 2,805 acres of parks and incredible nature preserves nearby, there are so many exciting and easy ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Fort Wayne. 

Promenade Park

To get a taste of all the fabulous fun you can have out in Fort Wayne’s fresh air you don’t even need to leave downtown. Promenade Park is a new, innovative public park built on the riverfront. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards to scout any of the city’s three rivers, traverse the treetop canopy trail, rent a bike and pedal the waterfront trail or simply hang out on the grass and enjoy the view. 

Trail Systems

One of Fort Wayne’s most treasured features for cyclists, hikers and joggers is over 100 miles of paved multipurpose trail systems that connect different areas of interest in Allen County. The trails are easy to navigate through a series of maps (or you can download the Fort Wayne Trails App to your phone) and vary in length and difficulty. Some are urban, adjacent to wonderful cafes and restaurants, and some pass through gorgeous natural meadows and forests teeming with wildlife. Try Franke Park Mountain Biking trails. Need gear or a tune up? Head to Summit City Bikes.  

Kayaking and Canoeing

Fort Wayne’s most recognizable features are the three great rivers that intersect and splay across the city, the Maumee, the Saint Mary’s and the Saint Joseph. They are undeniably eye-catching and any outdoor adventurer can’t help but want to see what sort of excitement lies further downriver. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get your hands on a kayak or a canoe so you can paddle along and see the kind of wildlife and marsh views that only waterside seats will get you. We like renting from Fort Wayne Outfitters, as they transport you and your equipment and get you started on the water. 

River Cruises

River cruises are a charming way to tour Fort Wayne and you certainly can’t visit without taking one! The Captain Black Boat Tours offer stunning views of downtown on the St. Mary’s and St. Joseph Rivers on open-air pontoons, with the option of a delicious onboard dinner. For those who feel the need for speed, airboat rides are an exhilarating way to see as much of the rivers as you can in 13 minutes. And for revelers looking to take a celebration onto the water, the Rum Runner Party Boat is perfect for a party. 

Lindenwood Nature Preserve 

Just a few miles from downtown Fort Wayne, when you step into the 110-acre Lindenwood Nature Preserve, you feel like you’re being transported to an enchanting new world. The lush canopy of trees — a bold, energizing green in the spring and summer, and vivid gold and red in the fall — surround a peaceful pond in. Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed, which means wildlife thrives here, and you might see deer, rabbits and hundreds of birds as you travel any of the four hiking trails.  

Please check outfitters websites directly for changes to hours and operations.