Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Fort Wayne’s 9.2 million visitors spend more than $1.1 billion annually on lodging, entertainment, dining, and activities—visitors have a tremendous impact on our community!
On Sunday, September 13, 2026 you can celebrate with us and Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown. Use the Be A Tourist passport to gain FREE admission to any participating attraction! One passport is good for an entire party.
Passports are now available for pickup at select Kroger and Old National Bank locations around Fort Wayne.
2026 Participating Attractions
African/African-American Historical Museum
(260) 467-1457
12 noon – 5pm
The African/African-American Historical Society and Museum houses exhibits on Africa, African American inventors, musicians and local entrepreneurs, as well as pioneers in business, education, social work, and health.
Allen County Courthouse
(260) 449-4246
Special hours: 12 noon - 4:00 pm
Cameras welcome
Visit the magnificent Allen County Courthouse—a National Historic Landmark. The building is a premier example of Beaux Arts architecture and is one of the largest and most elegant courthouses in the nation. Visitors can tour the four grand courtrooms and experience the grandeur of the 110-foot rotunda, adorned with original stained glass dome.
Guided tours available on an ongoing basis from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Allen County Public Library and
Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the ACPL 🎶
(260) 421-1200
12 noon – 5pm
Visit the largest library system in the region and experience the power of stories! Check out local art in the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery featuring the Vwazen Group, a traditional Irish concert by Soltre on the Plaza (2 p.m.), or family history and civil rights stories with a traditional “bed turning” at “If Quilts Could Talk” (3 p.m.). You can also discover your family’s story with a visit to the world-famous Genealogy Center (tours at 2 and 4 p.m.) or learn more about the life and times of President Abraham Lincoln at the state-of-the-art Rolland Center for Lincoln Research (tours at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15 p.m.). It’s all happening at your library—where stories and community connect. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Artlink
(260) 424-7195
12 noon – 5pm
Discover something unexpected at Artlink, a free art gallery in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Since 1978, Artlink has connected people and creativity through engaging exhibits, hands-on programs, and community events. Right now, explore three unique exhibitions: Keepsakes, a solo exhibition by Dana Caldera whose work investigates the storied layers of a life deeply lived. Alongside two juried exhibitions, Mark: Contemporary Drawing and Night Vision, an exploration of artwork with nighttime as its subject matter. Whether you're an art lover or just curious, there’s something here to surprise and inspire you.
Diocesan Museum and Cathedral
(260) 422-4611 x401
12 noon – 5pm
Visit the Diocesan Museum in the beautifully refurbished Chancery Building, next to the Cathedral, on the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun. The Museum houses religious artifacts dating back to the time of Jesus Christ and Abraham, including a permanent exhibit of a replica of the Shroud of Turin. Come roam, free and self-guided, through our rich and varied exhibits. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Electric Works 🎶
(260) 439-3330
12 noon – 5pm
Experience Electric Works through music, local stories, and play. Enjoy live musical performances in Weigand Yard, then stop by Union Street Market to grab a bite from one of its locally owned merchants or a drink from Crane Bar in a DORA cup before exploring the campus. Discover films and stories on the Stadium & Screen celebrating the people and businesses that call Electric Works home, and enjoy interactive recreational activities in the historic GE Club Gymnasium for guests of all ages!
Embassy Theatre 🎶
(260) 424-6287
12 noon – 5pm
Experience a self-guided tour featuring the stage, dressing rooms, ballroom, rooftop patio, and Heritage Center. The Grande Page pipe organ will entertain with its beautifully unique music and amusing sound effects. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
(260) 427-6440
Special hours: 12 noon – 4pm
Celebrate the best of Fort Wayne with free admission to one of the city’s favorite hometown attractions—an oasis in the heart of downtown.
Guests are invited to explore the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory’s stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, including tropical, desert and seasonal displays. During your visit, experience Pueblo Garden: Styles of the Southwest, the Botanical Conservatory’s vibrant summer showcase exhibit inspired by the landscapes, colors and horticultural traditions of the American Southwest. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to a longtime favorite, discover why the Botanical Conservatory remains one of Fort Wayne’s most treasured destinations. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Fort Wayne Curling Club NEW
(260) 739-5182
12 noon – 5pm
Join the Fort Wayne Curling Club on their brand-new bowling green for “Curling on Grass” – The Sport of Lawn Bowls! Lawn Bowls is very similar Bocce and also very similar to Curling (but without the ice and the sweeping). Roll biased balls down a finely manicured green with the goal of getting your balls closest to the jack.
Plus try Golf Croquet - A fast-paced, exciting version of the classic backyard game played on the bowling green.
Freemasons Hall
(260) 426-4728
Special hours: 1pm – 5pm
Freemasons Hall (Downtown Masonic Temple) invites you to take a guided tour through its public and fraternal spaces. This Nationally Registered landmark, designed by renowned Architect Charles Weatherhogg, celebrated its centennial in 2023, and has recently undergone a minor preservation facelift with more to come! Learn about the history of the building, Fort Wayne’s founding fathers, and the fraternal orders that actively reside here. Come explore Fort Wayne’s best kept secret!
Heartland Sings
Performances at 927 S Harrison St (260) 436-8080
12 noon – 5pm
Discover the power of music with Heartland Sings, where professionalism and innovation shape every performance. Through transformative vocal arts training and community outreach, they’re changing lives with music education for all ages and experience levels. Enjoy 20-minute live performances outside the Visitors Center, located at 927 S. Harrison St., at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 PM.
The History Center
(260) 426-2882
12 noon – 5pm
Journey to Fort Wayne’s past when you visit the History Center! Located in the Old City Hall Building, the museum is filled with three floors of interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history and unique heritage of our community. Experience the lavishly restored Old City Courtroom, the Old City Jail, and explore galleries of artifacts and engaging displays. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
The Lincoln Tower
12 noon – 5pm
Immerse yourself in one of Fort Wayne’s architectural gems, an Indiana landmark in the heart of downtown! Completed in 1930, The Lincoln Tower building is a premier example of art deco design and for decades, it was the state’s tallest building. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this gorgeous Art Deco lobby.
* The rooftop observation deck and basement vault will not be open during this year’s Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown.
LC Nature Park
(260) 999-3153
12 noon – 5pm
Discover the hidden gem in your backyard at LC Nature Park, a sprawling 300-acre nature preserve that promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Nestled in the Little River Valley, our park is home to majestic bison, graceful elk, enigmatic wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers. Enjoy our scenic trails at your own pace- wander through winding paths that lead you through our dune forest and prairie, perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit our Mills Education Center, where interactive exhibits bring the wonders of our ecosystem to life. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
* Safari bus tours will not be going out, trail exploration is walking only.
Master Gardener Display Gardens of Allen County
(260) 478-2515
12 noon – 5pm
Don’t miss Display Gardens, featuring 15 themed landscapes designed and maintained by nearly 100 volunteer Allen County Master Gardeners! Explore this stunning showcase of plant micro-ecosystems (including native species) that thrive in local soil types, climate, aesthetics, budget, and more. Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer your questions or help brainstorm ideas for FREE! Enjoy multiple kid-friendly, hands-on activities, accessible wandering paths, and plenty of seating areas perfect for a self-paced, quality family adventure. Information on how you can build your own natural space starts here.
The Old Fort 🎶
(260) 437-2836
12 noon – 5pm
History comes to life at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort! The Old Fort is a faithful copy of the post built by American Troops under the command of Major John Whistler in 1815. Whistler’s fort was the third and last American fort built in the area. Meet soldiers and civilians and discover the earliest days of Fort Wayne. Experience the sound of muskets and cannons! See demonstrations on blacksmithing, spinning, gardening, period cooking, and baking. Enjoy games for all ages. Check out the Old Fort merchandise and purchase a sweet treat at the Bake Sale! Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the Fort. Please use extreme caution when crossing Spy Run Avenue. The Old Fort can also be accessed by using the footbridge from Headwaters Park and the new pedestrian bridge from Lawton Park.
Parkview Field
(260) 482-6400
12 noon – 5pm
Experience the excitement at Parkview Field! Go behind the scenes with exclusive tours of the ballpark, shop fan favorites and new gear in the Team Store, and relive the magic of the season with the 2026 End of Season Video playing on the videoboard and throughout the ballpark. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Parkview Field will not be able to participate in Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown if the TinCaps host or play a game on Sunday, September 13.
Riverfront Fort Wayne Promenade Park 🎶
(260) 427-6000
12 noon – 5pm
Come see why Riverfront is Always Moving! Express yourself with sidewalk chalk in the Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre, stop on the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail for a photo opportunity, enjoy food and beverages at Teds Snack + Bar, play cornhole, ping pong, and foosball in the Outdoor Games area, splash around in the Doermer Kids' Canal, have fun in the PNC Playground, and relax on the urban swings overlooking the St. Marys River. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Ruoff Mortgage Stadium NEW
(260) 266-6024
12 noon – 5pm
We welcome you to visit Northeast Indiana’s newest and largest outdoor venue. We’ll be offering exclusive tours of the stadium, a large selection of all new team merchandise and gear in our Team Store, and a chance to ‘sit in the very seats’ that could be yours to join us for the remainder of the 2026 season and/or get a jump on 2027. Lots of other surprises in store including the chance for kids to play in our FanZone, Indiana’s second widest videoboard, and food and beverage specials all afternoon. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Science Central
(260) 424-2400
Special hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Spark your imagination! With more than 200 exhibits, displays and demonstrations, Science Central is the region’s premier hands-on science center. Inspiring and fun interactive programs and exhibits cover the physical, natural and applied sciences. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Sweetwater 🎶
(800) 222-4700
12 noon – 5pm
Tour Sweetwater and learn more about the nation’s largest online music retailer.
The Sweetwater Academy is going to offer a free interactive 30 minute Drum Circle at the top of each hour during the event (12,1, 2, 3 and 4pm). And check out the Sweetwater Retail Store, who will be offering a special Be a Tourist t-shirt deal!
Trinity English Lutheran Church 🎶
(260) 426-3424
Special hours: 12 noon – 4pm
Trinity English Lutheran Church will be open for neighbors to enjoy the architecture and stained glass. Families can pick up a free hot dog, enjoy the petting zoo, climb to the base of the steeple, and more!
Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum
(260) 267-5022
12 noon – 5pm
New monuments include World War II Memorial and Eric & Cleo Scott archway entrance to the memorial park. See the new POW/MIA black granite bench at the entrance to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The new Sterling Chapel is now open, as well as the Gold Star Families Memorial. The historic 40/8 Merci Box Car in the annex, across from the War History Museum, has been completely restored to its original condition. The 6,000 sq. ft W. Paul Wolf War History Museum has new exhibits and artifacts. The P.O.W. Watchtower is on display, as well as a M-247 Sgt. York Tank, and the new Purple Heart Memorial has been updated. See the memorial columbarium, which was recently installed with the final phases arriving in the next six months. ♿ Find Accessibility features here.
Visitors Center 🎶
*Special hours: 11 am - 5 pm
Make the Visitors Center a stop to find brochures, maps, guides, and a great selection of exclusive Fort Wayne merchandise including postcards, apparel, enamel pins, patches, mugs, artwork, and more! While at the Visitors Center, enjoy 20-minute live performances by Heartland Sings at noon, 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m
You’ll also want to stop by Sweetwater’s newly-built Airstream mobile recording studio, where you can experience Dolby Atmos immersive audio firsthand and explore their immersive home audio gear.
And, be sure to grab your free DRUMSTICK, courtesy of DREYER’S, while supplies last.
♿ Find Accessibility Features here.
* Passport books available here!
Legend
🎶 = Enjoy the sounds of Fort Wayne at locations featuring this icon!
= Look to these locations for accessibility resources, including attraction maps, sunflower stickers, and fidget toys (while supplies last). For additional information and assistance: VisitFortWayne.com/Accessibility
Thanks to our 2026 Sponsors









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