New to Explore in ‘24

1

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is home to several new additions including Red Panda Ridge, Bamboo Forest, and Coastal Cove. The Zoo’s new adventure play area for kids of all ages features a two-story ropes-style course, a free-flying sky rail, and more for the little tykes.

2

Coming in 2024, The Pearl, a one-of-a-kind, mixed-use space, will provide opportunities for local businesses, shops, and restaurants. Explore this gem in downtown Fort Wayne.

3

The Pearl Street Arts Center will add a music academy, auditorium, classrooms, performances, galleries, and exhibits to The Pearl’s mixed-use development.

4

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art adds a fanciful new element to the already popular Glass Wing, with a new collection of the work of Paul Stankard, the world’s foremost flameworked glass paperweight artist.

5

Catch the fastest-growing sport at Ace Pickleball Club, newly opened with 21 professional courts under one roof! Just next door inside the same building, kids and adults can experience indoor fun at Power Up Action Park — offering a ropes course, ninja warrior course, axe throwing, and more.

6

Kuehnert Dairy has opened a whole new way of providing fresh milk and dairy products! Browse their new on-farm shop, Kuehnert Milk House, for fresh butter, cheese curds, milk, flavored milk, and ice cream. Coming soon to the Milk House, the Udder Upp Cafe will serve a curated menu of artisan pizzas, specialty milk, hand-dipped ice cream, and craft beer.

7

Middle Waves is back! This innovative music festival features national artists in a truly magical format.

8

At Union Street Market food hall at Electric Works, new dining and shopping spots pop up monthly. It’s the perfect place to take the family – you’ll all find something you love!

9

Experience hands-on learning at Science Central! The rotating gallery features some exciting exhibits in 2024: Quilts: Light the World in the spring; America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains in the summer; and Life in the Wild in the fall.

10

Two new hotels will be opening in southwest Fort Wayne in 2024: Springhill Suites and Home2Suites.

11

The continuation of our downtown riverfront redevelopment at Promenade Park features expanded public spaces, including an extension of the Tree Canopy Trail, boat docks for private watercraft, a universally accessible bouldering mound, and a hammock grove.

12

New at Promenade Park, teds snack + bar offers a small menu of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, as well as Tropical Sno shaved ice.

13

Local coffee roaster, Utopian Coffee, will unveil a new coffee lab concept that will immerse you in the flavor profile and techniques of brewing a Utopian cup of coffee.

14

New locations are being added to our digital passes – offering visitors the chance to earn prizes for free as they explore Public Art, History, and Outdoor Adventure! Learn more at VisitFortWayne.com/Explore

15

Newly opened, Kids Empire at Jefferson Pointe offers indoor space for kids to run, play, climb, and explore.

16

Shop the charming main streets in New Haven, Leo, Huntertown, Grabill, and other towns and communities around the county for new shops and experiences you won't find elsewhere. Check out our guide to exploring Allen County.

17

2024 marks 200 years since Allen County was founded. Celebrate the Bicentennial with events throughout the year. allencounty200.com

18

The Landing welcomes several new restaurants in 2024, including Dana’s, Night Train, Blue Bottle, and Papi’s Pizza.

19

Bring your horse to the new Allen County Equestrian Course, with 10 miles of horse-riding trails in southeast Allen County - opening in May 2024.

20

Part of our over 142-mile trail system, the Pufferbelly Trail will continue to grow. The newest section is now open from LifeBridge Church, near the corner of Corbin and Union Chapel Roads, north to Fitch Road. Find trail itineraries and outdoor adventure: Parks and Outdoors 

21

The Botanical Conservatory offers three gardens under glass, and these four exhibits in 2024: Botanical Speedway in the spring, Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit in the summer, Raise a Glass in the fall, and Grove for the Holidays in the winter.

22

Explore the shops and restaurants of downtown New Haven and learn about their canal and railroad history with the Allen County Historic Sites Digital Pass.

23

In Spring 2024, Country Heritage Winery and Vineyard will add a new distillery, offering locally grown and locally produced spirits!

24

Learn more about these and many other NEW discoveries at VisitFortWayne.com.

This article originally appeared on page 14 of the 2024 Visitors Guide.