Van Wert, OH Area Overview

Van Wert, OH
Area Overview
About Van Wert
Van Wert is located on the Ohio-Indiana border in
northwestern Ohio in northwest Ohio’s rich agricultural area,
situated. The City of Van Wert is the county seat and is
recognized as the area’s center for business growth and
development, medical and cultural opportunities.
Major communities surrounding Van Wert County include Lima,
Ohio, 20 miles to the east, Ft. Wayne, Indiana 30 miles
west, Dayton, Ohio 80 miles south and Toledo, Ohio 85
miles north. It is located within a 350 mile radius of the Great
Lakes, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Pittsburg, St. Louis,
Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Buffalo, Cleveland,
Columbus, Indianapolis, Toledo and Dayton. This central
location illustrates the convenience of Van Wert not only for
economic development amenities, but also for entertainment
possibilities for its citizens.
Van Wert is home to the first county library in the United
States, the Brumback Library. It also has a thriving community art center the Wassenburg Art Center and
the award-winning Van Wert Civic Theatre. Van Wert is the smallest city in the United States with both a
YMCA and a YWCA.
Van Wert’s superior standard of living, community pride and solid work ethic make it especially attractive.
Its hometown atmosphere offers a fine educational system, an overall low cost of living and
outstanding medical and recreational facilities. The city’s central location and Midwestern roots give it a
unique social and cultural awareness that makes it a special place to call home.
Population (2012)
Van Wert
Van Wert County
10,846
28,744
Distance to Nearby Cities
Lima, OH
Ft Wayne, IN
Dayton, OH
Toledo, OH
Columbus, OH
South Bend, IN
Cincinnati, OH
Ann Arbor, MI
Indianapolis, IN
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
20 Miles
30 Miles
80 Miles
85 Miles
127 Miles
151 Miles
152 Miles
153 Miles
159 Miles
163 Miles
175 Miles
Climate
The climate in Van Wert is warm during summer
when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and colder
during winter when temperatures tend to be in the
20's. The warmest month of the year is July with an
average maximum temperature of 84.70 degrees
Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is
January with an average minimum temperature of
15.90 degrees. The annual average precipitation is
36.86 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed
throughout the year. The wettest month of the year
is June with an average rainfall of 4.33 inches.
Area Attractions
Brumback Library: The Brumback Library stands as the first county
library formed in the United States. The cornerstone of the building
was laid in 1899 with dedication on January 1, 1901. The architecture
is a combination of Gothic and Romanesque. With turreted towers and
a Ludowici tile roof, the library is nestled amid the trees of the park
where it is located. It contains an excellent Children's Department that
provides meaningful reading related activities for the youth of the
area. The library's total holdings, now numbering over 181,000 items,
cover every imaginable topic and genre.
America’s Main Street: The Historic Lincoln Highway: A twentysix mile section of the first paved coast to coast highway in the United
States travels through the heart of Van Wert County. This 3,000 mile
“Main Street Across America,’ constructed in 1913, stretched from
Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco,
California.
Van Wert County Court House: Built in 1876, the
Van Wert County Court House celebrated its 130th
birthday in 2006. The structure remains today much as
it was when built at a cost of $110,174. The building
contains a clock whose bell weighs 2,000 pounds and
whose clapper weighs 430 pounds. The Court House is
listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Central Mutual Antique Fire Equipment Museum:
In 1876, Central Insurance Company was founded in
Van Wert as a fire insurance company. The threat of
disastrous fire was always very real in rural
communities and the equipment used to fight fires was
primitive. The president of the Company took an interest in collecting fire equipment. He was particularly
proud of Central’s heritage and gradually built Central’s Fire Museum into one of the finest privately held
collections in the United States. There is a large collection of antique fire toys, a wardrobe of antique
fireman helmets and uniforms, a collection of leather buckets dating back to the 1700s and a rare and
valuable collection of “firemarks” dating back to 1720.
Van Wert Historical Museum: The Van Wert Historical Society was
organized in 1953. The original property has been maintained as a
Victorian home and features many displays. The 1986 Annex building
depicts other phases of early Van Wert history. This building features
a historical walking tour of early Van Wert with Native American
artifacts, a display of items from war times and pictures of old Van
Wert, among many other attractions. Additional exhibits are on
display in a 1951 Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, a 1906 one-room
school, an 1860 log house, an 1875 gazebo which originally stood in
front of the Van Wert County Courthouse, and the newest addition –
a big, red barn which is used to house agricultural related items.
Children's Garden & Butterfly House: This garden, located in
Smiley Park on the
southwest side of
Van Wert, provides a
hands-on learning facility for the children of Van Wert
County. A gazebo is positioned in the center with
several theme gardens radiating out from this structure.
The first garden is a large butterfly shaped garden
outlined by flagstone and incorporating vibrant plantings
that butterflies love. A walkway through the center of
the garden leads you to the colorful Butterfly House that
has lush plantings of aromatic flowers that attract the
many multihued butterflies which will be making their
residence in the House.
Delphos Canal Museum: This folklore museum features exhibits on canals (and the Miami-Erie Canal in
particular) and canal boat history, as well as artifacts from life in Delphos, Ohio from 1851 on. The
museum also includes a 1902 Sears Buggy Roadster, antique tools and manufacturing equipment along
with many other displays depicting the history of business, industry, schools, churches, events, homes
and more. Exhibits include the only preserved canal boat in Ohio.
Delphos Postal Museum: Step into the refurbished lobby of this unusual sandstone and granite James
A. Farley style Post Office built in 1933, and experience through sight and sound, the development of
transportation from the days of horse drawn wagons to sorting mail on trains and buses. Learn about the
evolution of letters, envelopes, manuscript postmarks, and special cancellation of rare stamps. Explore
the role of the U.S. Postal Service in WWII. Would you believe there are rules for mailing students' dirty
laundry or regulations for the care of cats to keep mice
out of the post office? Most items are property of the US
Postal Service. Many displays are on long term loan from
the Smithsonian Institution of Washington, DC.
Van Wert County Fair: One of Ohio's premier county
fairs, the Van Wert County Fair celebrated its 156th
edition in 2012. It is one of the longest continuous county
fairs in Ohio. Activities include midway rides, livestock and
agricultural exhibits, youth programs, harness racing in
front of the grandstand, daily entertainment, and much
more.
Arts and Culture
Niswonger Performing Arts Center of
Northwest Ohio: The Niswonger Performing Arts
Center of Northwest Ohio opened in the spring of
2007. The Center provides the community a place for
its cultural legacy. The 1,200 seat Auditorium, 200
seat Lecture Hall and spacious Grand Lobby offers
many amenities that will be available for community
and school use. This facility allows the Van Wert
community to expand a thriving arts culture. The Van
Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation has established
exciting programming providing culture, education
and first-class entertainment in a state-of-the-art
facility for people to enjoy and benefit from.
Van Wert Civic Theater: Organized in 1959, the Van Wert Civic Theater is a mainstay in the cultural
life of the Van Wert community. The award-winning Van Wert Civic Theatre is recognized as one of the
premiere community theatres in the state of Ohio. As a member of the Ohio Community Theatre
Association, VWCT has become a consistent winner of awards for both acting and technical performances
in state-wide competition. The all volunteer theatre group produces five shows per season, offering a
balanced variety of comedy, drama and music, in their own 170-seat playhouse, and also sponsors a
summer youth theatre program.
Wassenberg Art Center: The Wassenberg Art Center,
which has been favorably compared with upscale
galleries in New York and other large cities, presents an
average of eight different and unique free exhibits each
year. It is also home to the Van Wert County Art Club
and the Wassenberg Camera Club. They also offer
classes and workshops for people of all ages.
Community Concert Series: Each year, the
Community Concert Association brings Carnegie Hall
quality music to Van Wert. For over 50 years, the
residents of Van Wert and the surrounding area have
been treated to four or five excellent performances from
September to May. Attendance at the concert series is by membership only and, with the opening of the
Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, membership in the association will be open to
increasing numbers of interested music-lovers.
Off Stage Productions: Off Stage Productions, "Where theatre comes to life", presents two to three
dinner theater shows each season. The meal is a buffet dinner, while the shows are usually comedies
with adult themes. Performances fill up quickly, and reservations are required.
Van Wert Arts Factory: A great new addition to downtown Van Wert is the Van Wert Arts Factory,
housed in the offices of Main Street Van Wert, Inc. and the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors
Bureau. The "factory" displays for sale works by area and regional artists. Works include paintings, glass,
fabric, 3-D art, and more.
Fountain Park Summer Music Series: Fountain
Park, located on the west side of downtown Van
Wert, provides a beautiful setting for outside
summer concerts. Surrounded by trees, park
benches, and a fountain, the park’s amphitheater
offers a wonderful outdoor concert setting. All
concerts in the Fountain Park Music Series are free
to the public, sponsored by The Van Wert County
Foundation. Most concerts offer a menu of summer
cuisine, served by local churches and charity
organizations. Picnic tables are available, but you
are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax
to some beautiful music and enjoy good food with friends, under the stars.
Sanctuary Music Series: The Sanctuary Music Series is dedicated to bringing the gift of music to the
church community and general public. With Van Wert’s rich heritage of churches and religion, a music
series in some of its grandest cathedral and sanctuary settings seems most appropriate. These concerts
are presented approximately three times a year on Sunday afternoons.
Garden of the Senses: The Master Gardeners of Van Wert have created
a garden in downtown Van Wert, located in an empty lot between two
businesses that had been used as a parking lot. This lovely oasis, called the
Garden of the Senses, today contains trees, flowers, herbs, and shrubs
with raised beds and brick walkways curving around the flowers and trees
with benches to stop and rest and enjoy the peacefulness of the garden. A
pergola was built on the spot, which in the summer is adorned with
hanging baskets and during the Christmas season houses a stately
decorated Christmas tree.
Music in the Park: In Delphos, Ohio, a variety of music genre will
entertain the crowd at the Music in the Park Series in Stadium Park. A short
16 mile drive to Delphos will allow you to enjoy concerts ranging from
waltzes and polkas to Celtic traditions to jazz and big band music.
Southern Gospel Music Expo: The Expo presents four consecutive nights of Gospel music each
spring. Hosted by the group, Trinity, the event features gospel artists from across the country. Held in
the Family Life Center of Trinity Friends Church, the concerts run from Thursday evening through Sunday
evening.
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Bike Tours: The flat landscape of northern Van Wert County, created when the Great Black Swamp
covered the area, provides an easy ride for cyclists who enjoy the serenity of riding less-traveled rural
byways along-side of wheat, soybean or corn fields and picturesque family farms. The southern portion
of the County offers a bit more rolling terrain, but again along quiet country roads that allow for safe
family biking.
Fishing: Fishing is available at two Van Wert City Reservoirs located at the south side of the city, as well
as along the Little Auglaize and St. Marys Rivers, and Dog Creek. There are also numerous farm ponds
stocked with fish in the county. Small mouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth
bass, and crappies are most common. Rainbow trout are released into the city reservoirs each year.
Tennis: Tennis courts abound throughout the Van Wert Area. Within the city itself, there are 3 tennis
courts in Smiley Park and 4 in Jubilee Park. The YMCA also has tennis courts available, including an
indoor court at Camp Clay. Convoy’s Edgewood Park has 2 courts, and Middle Point Ball Park has one.
Stadium Park in Delphos has 6 tennis courts.
Baseball and Softball: America’s most popular pastime may be enjoyed throughout the park systems
in the Van Wert area. Smiley and Jubilee parks in the city of Van Wert provide ball fields, as does
Edgewood Park in Convoy, Fireman’s Park and Water Tower parks in Ohio City, Middle Point Ball Park and
Stadium Park in Delphos.
Parks Department
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Smiley Park: This 29.4 acre park is features 2
lighted softball fields, 2 lighted baseball fields, 3
tennis courts, 3 basketball courts. The park also
contains children’s playground areas, 4 pavilions,
picnic tables and grills. There is a pond for
fishing.
Fountain Park: This 2 acre park contains a
fountain plaza, gazebo, band shell, a concession
stand, and picnic tables. Summer concerts in the
park are held in June, July and early August.
Reservoir Recreation Area: The recreation
area is located at the Van Wert City Reservoirs.
The area has been developed to provide boating
and fishing, as well as a 2.7 mile Health Trail, a nature area, sledding in the winter and plenty of
parking.
Memorial Park: Memorial park provides lots of open space in its 2.1 acres, as well as Veterans
Monument and Garden Club Gardens.
Jubilee Park: Jubilee Park is an 8.6 acre park that offers 4 tennis courts, 4 shuffleboard courts,
basketball and volleyball courts. There are 2 horseshoe courts, a playground area, a youth ball
field, 2 pavilions, picnic tables and grills.
Hiestand Woods: Although not a part of the Van Wert City Parks Department, Hiestand Woods
is open to the public. It has 2 pavilions, picnic tables, playground equipment and hiking trails.
Hat Creek Arena Rodeo: Hat Creek Rodeo operates
from November to May and offers bull riding at its best
on Saturday nights. The rodeo features a heated arena,
and kids’ activities.
Y.M.C.A.: The Van Wert YMCA has been an important
part of the community since its founding in 1917. Today
the "Y" features aquatic programs in its pool, volleyball,
indoor soccer, gymnastics and tumbling, and basketball
in its 5 gyms; fitness classes and personal training
programs in its wellness center; and racquetball courts.
Outdoor programs include tennis, flag football, and
outdoor soccer.
Y.W.C.A.: For many years Van Wert was reportedly the smallest community in the country with both a
YMCA and a YWCA. The local YW provides transitional housing for women and children, a highly
successful travel program, swimming lessons, aquatic and land fitness, volleyball leagues, a summer food
program and Kid’s Day Out Events. The building offers a, gymnasium, fitness center, aerobics center, a
warm water pool with a moveable pool floor, whirlpool, and sauna.
Y.M.C.A. – Camp Clay: Situated on 252.6 acres of
land just west of the city of Van Wert, Camp Clay offers
many activities for lots of family fun. Included at Camp
Clay is Lake Rotary, a 5-acre lake in the shape of Ohio.
Boating, fishing, and swimming are encouraged. A
shelter house next to the lake provides shade and picnic
facilities. Clay Center is a multi-purpose gym area
equipped for indoor soccer, roller skating/hockey, and
indoor tennis. The camp also features the Rotary Nature
Center housing a live bee hive, snakes, turtles, fish,
mice, and other animals as well as rock, leaf, insect,
and other environmental displays. A 1-mile hiking trail
through a wooded area and a Challenge Course consisting of 35-foot high obstacles provide opportunities
for leadership and team building events.
Golf Courses
Willow Bend Country Club: Willow Bend is a private country club, although out-of-town visitors are
invited to call for information about open times. Hours of operation are 8:00 am to dusk. It is a 9-hole,
35 par course. Willow Bend has a driving range, practice green, pro shop, restaurant and snack bar.
Lessons are offered.
Hickory Stick Golf Club: Hickory Stick Golf Club is a
public course located 2 miles south of Van Wert. The
course is open from dawn to dusk. The course has 27
holes, a driving range and practice green, pro shop,
restaurant, snack bar and offers lessons.
Delphos Country Club: The Delphos Country Club,
located northwest of Delphos, is a public course with
memberships available. The course is open from 8 am
to 8 pm. The course is an 18 hole, 72 par course. They
provide a driving range, practice green, pro shop,
restaurant, and snack bar.
Nearby Attractions and Recreation
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park: Grand Lake St.
Marys is a manmade lake located just west of St. Marys,
Ohio. The lake covers 13,500 acres in Auglaize and
Mercer counties. Grand Lake St. Marys is the largest
inland lake in Ohio in terms of land area. It was
constructed in the early 1800's as a reservoir for the
Miami and Erie Canal. In the 1890's oil was discovered in
the area, and oil derricks were set up in the lake. In
1949, it was made one of Ohio's first state parks. The
lake and the surrounding state park are a popular site for
recreational fishing and camping, and there are four
swimming beaches.
Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum: A short drive
of 50 miles can put you on the moon. Named in honor
of local native, Neil Armstrong, first man to set foot on
the moon, this museum in Wapakoneta chronicles Ohio's
contributions to the history of space flight. Among the
items on display are a F5D Sky Lancer, the Gemini VIII
spacecraft, Apollo 11 artifacts and a moon rock. In the
museum's Astro-theater, multimedia presentations of
the sights and sounds of space unfold against a starry
background.
Historic Sauder Village Located 60 miles north of Van
Wert in Archbold, Ohio, this is a living history village featuring costumed guides and working craftsmen
everyday late April through October. The village also houses the Doughbox Bakery and the Barn
Restaurant.
Garst Museum: Located 55 miles south of Van Wert,
the museum features the largest known collection of
memorabilia on Annie Oakley; memorabilia and artifacts
from the world famous radio broadcaster Lowell Thomas,
along with historic artifacts relating to Anthony Wayne
and the Treaty of Greene Ville, and Native American
artifacts. Other wings in the museum include a village of
shops, a wing of early American furnishings, pioneer life
and military uniforms, as well as an early Indianapolis
500 race car built in Greenville.
Famous Old Time Music Company: If you like
bluegrass music, this is a must stop for you. Located just
east of Wapakoneta in the old United Local School building on U. S. Rte. 33, they offer new and used
instruments, lessons, repairs, appraisals, accessories, books, and both audio and video recordings. They
have a monthly "Bluegrass in the Cornfield" concert series in the Boatwhistle Memorial Hall. Good food
on site allows concert patrons to enjoy a full day of music without leaving the comfort of the Hall. There
is also a small stringed instrument museum displaying piccolo banjos, bowl back mandolins, and lots of
unique, rarely seen instrument.
Auburn Cord Duisenberg Museum and the
National Automotive and Truck Museum of the
United States: The city of Auburn, Indiana, 52 miles
northwest of Van Wert is the home to two of the finest
museums in the United States dedicated to
transportation. The Auburn Cord Duisenberg Museum
has more than 100 antique, vintage, classic, and special
interest cars, from horseless carriages of the nineteenth
century to muscle cars of the present. The National
Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States
focuses on post-WWII automobiles, trucks and engines
of all years and automotive toys and models. Over 1000
automotive exhibits and thousands of toys and models are on display.
Grabill, Indiana Nestled in the midst of a large settlement of Old Order Amish, Grabill, located just
outside of Fort Wayne and 46 miles northwest of Van Wert, offers history, culture, wonderful restaurants
and unique shops and businesses with special items and collectibles. The Amish go about their daily
shopping and business in the Grabill community and are especially friendly and helpful to their out-oftown guests. An exciting Country Fair is held the weekend after Labor Day each fall and special Country
Christmas activities are observed during November and December.
Shopping and Dining
Van Wert offers a wonderful selection of dining
choices from fast food to eloquent meals served in
warm and comfortable surroundings. Many
restaurants feature food prepared following family
recipes. Specialty menus such as ice cream, frozen
custard, cappuccino and latte, along with fine ethnic
foods can be found. Tourists and visitors alike have
enjoyed the friendly environment of Balyeat's
Coffee Shop since 1924. The original owners raised
the first neon sign in the city of Van Wert.
Who doesn’t like shopping? In Van Wert you'll find
shopping experiences ranging from small, unique
family businesses to antique and specialty shops to national chains. Stop by any of the friendly
businesses where you'll be amazed at the variety and exceptional buys.
Education
In keeping with the tradition and values of the state of Ohio, quality schools and colleges are a major
quality of life asset in the communities of the Van Wert area. There are a variety of daycare facilities,
preschool programs, and public and parochial schools ready to serve young people from Pre-Kindergarten
through High School. Dedicated faculty, innovative programs, and attractive facilities are often found in
local school districts.
Van Wert City Schools
District schools include Van Wert High School for
grades 9-12, Lincolnview Jr/Sr High School for grades
7-12, Van Wert Middle School for grades 6-8, and 5
elementary schools.
Van Wert High School sports participate in the Western
Buckeye League, an athletic body sanctioned by the
Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Van
Wert has recently built a new high school and middle
school complex. In 2005 and 2006 Van Wert Middle
School received a "National Schools to Watch" award.
The Van Wert High School Symphony Band received
straight superior ratings at the state contest in 2007.
They were one of only four bands to do so at the site in which they performed.
The private school in Van Wert is St. Mary Elementary School for students in grades KG-6.
Area Universities and Colleges
Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne:
IPFW offers more academic and extracurricular
opportunities than any other higher education institution
in northeastern Indiana. A joint campus of two
internationally recognized Big Ten schools, IPFW grants
both Indiana University and Purdue University degrees.
Nearly 8,000 students are enrolled in more than 175
academic programs. The university offers undergraduate
and graduate degrees, as well as certificate options.
Additional students pursue non-credit continuing
education courses. While the diverse student body
continues to grow, the average class size remains 24.
Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana is a Christian liberal arts college affiliated with The
Wesleyan Church. IWU is one of the fastest growing
universities and has a full-time enrollment of 6,500+
students. The university is located in Marion Indiana,
about 60 miles from Van Wert.
Ball State University is a state-run university in
Muncie, Indiana, about an hour’s drive from Van Wert.
It also serves as the administrator and campus for The
Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and
Humanities, a selective residential program for high
school juniors and seniors. Ball State University has
excellent programs in architecture, teaching,
anthropology, and communications.
Housing
Van Wert offers a wide variety of housing with neighborhoods ranging from quaint to upscale. The
perfect house awaits the first time buyer, the growing family, the empty nester, and everyone in
between. From charming historic homes to sprawling farmhouses in the countryside, the Van Wert/Ft.
Wayne area residences are as diverse as the people that call them "home."
New home developments can be found throughout the area, offering homebuyers a neighborhood
atmosphere in a rural setting. The median home cost in Van Wert is $84,180. The median home cost in
Fort Wayne is $83,060. The price range for the following houses is $1,675,000 to $495,000.
Economy
The City of Van Wert is the county seat and is recognized as the county’s center for business growth and
development, medical and cultural opportunities. The economy plays a central role in maintaining the
vitality and quality of life within a community. A healthy economy creates good-paying jobs, providing
economic opportunities to all citizens. The economy also supports the tax base, providing for schools,
police, fire protection, parks and many other facilities and services. In 2007, Van Wert County was ranked
by Site Selection Magazine in the top 100 Micropolitan areas based on development of new and expanded
facilities.
The manufacturing base in Van Wert ranges from very large corporations (Eaton Corp. employs over
1,300) to smaller, locally owned companies (National Door & Trim employs around 80). The variety of
products made by our outstanding workforce include handbags, ambulances, automotive parts, hoses
and fittings, processed turkey products, plastic products, tool boxes, fiber drums, FFA & 4H jackets,
wooden doors and trim, sealing systems and much more.
Air Transportation
Fort Wayne International Airport: Fort Wayne International Airport has undergone an aggressive
improvements plan which included expansion of the terminal and parking areas, upgrades to the
runways, and the creation of an Air Trade Center to promote economic development in Northeast
Indiana. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was
recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. Fort Wayne International is a
joint use facility that has a variety of hangars and services to offer its GA customers. Adjacent to the
main terminal is an upscale FBO terminal, operated by Atlantic Aviation, where pilots will find services
including fueling, oxygen services, tie down, aircraft maintenance, avionics sales and service, aircraft
parts, de-icing, lav service, and air start. The 4 air carriers of Fort Wayne International Airport serve
residents of the tri-state area with daily non-stop flights to 7 destinations. Beyond that, passengers will
find access to hundreds of one-stop destinations including locations in the Orient and Europe. Airlines
serving FWA include Allegiant, American, Delta and United.
Dayton International Airport: Located near the “Crossroads of the America” – Interstates 70 and 75,
the Dayton International Airport provides air service to meet the needs of travelers to and from
Southwest Ohio. Numbers tell a great deal about Dayton International Airport’s activities, trends and
performance. Dayton International Airport is host to 10 airlines serving 21 non-stop destinations.
Dayton’s location at the “Crossroads of America makes the airport “Easy to and Through.”
Nearby City: Fort Wayne, IN
In the northeast corner of Indiana, not
far from the Michigan border and a
stone’s throw from Ohio, rests Fort
Wayne. Fort Wayne is an unassuming
town, made special by its exceptionally
high quality of life. Wonderful
opportunities exist in education,
employment, arts, and recreation. All of
this, plus a comfortable climate,
excellent medical care, a secure
environment and low prices on
everything the city has to offer make
Ft. Wayne a truly appealing place.
Ft. Wayne Attractions
Fort Wayne is ready to delight your senses with its
vibrant mix of art galleries, entertainment venues and
cultural attractions. Catch a touring Broadway show
at the beautifully restored Embassy Theatre. Take in
a big-name concert at the renovated and expanded
Memorial Coliseum. Enjoy an inspiring performance
by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Or catch a foreign
film at Cinema Center. When it comes to arts and
culture, Fort Wayne always puts on a show.
The Lincoln Museum: Few presidents have left a
legacy as memorable as that of Abraham Lincoln, and
nowhere is it presented as it is in this museum. The award-winning permanent exhibit, Abraham Lincoln
and the American Experiment, includes 11 exhibit galleries featuring hundreds of artifacts from Lincoln's
era. Eighteen interactive exhibits allow visitors to read Lincoln's mail, decorate the White House or fight a
Civil War battle.
Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo: Come and enjoy 42 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and find out
why 500,000 annual visitors call it the world's finest children's zoo. Visitors may journey to the jungle in
the award-winning Indonesian Rainforest, hike through Orangutan Valley and the Tiger Forest or travel to
Africa in their own motorized jeep. Children will enjoy a ride on the world's only Endangered Species
Carousel and strolling among a mob of kangaroos in the Australian Adventure.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory: Stop and smell the flowers and explore one of the
best botanical conservatories in the Midwest. Three distinct inside gardens will draw you into one tranquil
environment after another, from the Showcase House with its seasonal displays, to the lush Tropical
House, where orchids and palms thrive in the shadows of a cascading waterfall, to the sparse beauty of
the Sonoran Desert House.
Fort Wayne Museum of Art: This contemporary museum offers artworks from its own permanent
collections as well as national traveling exhibitions, classes, lectures, and a museum gift shop. It houses a
1,300-piece collection of 19th- and 20th-century art and highlights major exhibitions from museums
throughout the United States. A special hands-on education gallery makes learning about art a fun
experience for youngsters.
Ft. Wayne Parks and Recreation
Fort Wayne has 87 parks totaling nearly 2,200 acres. There are golf courses, pavilions, swimming pools,
tennis courts, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, walking trails, campgrounds, nature preserves,
ice rinks, free concerts and youth, adult & senior classes.
Foster Park: One of Fort Wayne's most beautiful parks,
Foster Park features the lovely Foster Gardens with the
Bridal Glen and gazebo. A pathway for joggers and
bicyclers circles the 18-hole public golf course. Foster
Park also includes pavilions, tennis courts and
handicapped-accessible playground equipment.
Lakeside Rose Garden: The award-winning Lakeside
Rose Garden is one of America's largest rose gardens,
displaying nearly 2,000 rose bushes representing about
154 varieties. Lakeside is a favorite for weddings and picnics. The park also features basketball courts,
tennis, fishing and pavilions.
Rivergreenway: Linking many of Fort Wayne's major parks, the Rivergreenway is a system of pathways
that follow the St. Joseph, Maumee and St. Mary's rivers for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Since the
1970s, nearly 15 miles of paths, boardwalks, pedestrian underpasses, landscaping projects and scenic
overlooks have been created through the efforts of the Rivergreenway Consortium.
Ft. Wayne Sports
Fort Wayne and sports go way back. Believe it or not, the city is the birthplace of the National Basketball
Association. The first night baseball game was played right here. Fort Wayne was also the home of the
Daisies, the first women's professional baseball team. The city's sports present is just as exciting, with
professional hockey, baseball and indoor football and Division I college
basketball. If you'd rather play than watch, Fort Wayne is home to worldclass golf courses, modern bowling centers and top-notch recreation
facilities.
Soccer: The Fever is a semi-pro sports organization whose goal is to create
a wonderful game atmosphere for the fans. The season runs from May to
July.
Football: Catch the excitement of Indoor Freedom Football in Fort Wayne!
The city’s newest professional sports franchise begins its third season in
March 2005 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Baseball: The Wizards baseball team is the Class-A affiliate of the San
Diego Padres in the Midwest Baseball League. 2009 marked the Wizards'
17th anniversary season.