Fort Wayne offers many day and overnight trips for experiential learning. From exploring behind the scenes of a music-lover’s dream at Sweetwater to visiting the nationally recognized Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the city has something for every class subject. “There is plenty of entertainment and quality hotels in Fort Wayne to fill any student group’s agenda and give a warm welcome to our city,” said Rachel Stephens, Visit Fort Wayne group services manager.
As Indiana’s second largest city, Fort Wayne is filled with a vibrant and booming arts and music culture with plenty for groups to see and do. What’s more, Visit Fort Wayne has friendly staff members who can help educators craft an itinerary to maximize their students’ experience.
“Our sales team is ready to help with coordinating hotel blocks, preparing itineraries and answering your questions,” Stephens said.
Located in the easily accessible northeast corner of Indiana, Fort Wayne is full of that famous “Hoosier hospitality” and ready to welcome students to its unique attractions, dining and entertainment.
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Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Credit: Visit Fort Wayne
Any trip to the city should include a visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo to ignite curiosity in geography, science, language and culture. Students can travel around the globe to see lions and monkeys in the “African Journey” exhibit, walk among kangaroos in the “Australian Adventure” and hide out with the orangutans in the lush “Indonesian Rain Forest.” All exhibits have interactive features, so students can pet a stingray, feed a giraffe, ride the skyride and enjoy a leisurely log ride.
Sweetwater
Credit: Visit Fort Wayne
Go behind the scenes of the country’s largest online retailer of musical instruments and studio gear. Browse and play in the Sweetwater Music Store, which has the largest on-site inventory of any music store in the U.S. Take a sneak peek at the state-of-the-art recording studio and check out the free arcade, where there is virtual golf, skee-ball and pool. And, of course, be sure to take the two-story swirly slide and step over to the Crescendo Café for refreshments.
Fort Wayne Riverfront
Credit: Visit Fort Wayne
Take a leisurely tour of Fort Wayne’s famous rivers aboard Sweet Breeze, a replica of an authentic 1840s canal boat. Or jump right in the water with some help from Fort Wayne Outfitters’ river recreation rentals. Enjoy the brand-new, interactive Promenade Park, which features community green space, public art and plenty of entertainment options. Since the city’s establishment, its rivers — the St. Mary’s, the St. Joseph and the Maumee — have been an intrinsic part of the city.
Parkview Field
Credit: Visit Fort Wayne
The city’s minor league baseball park, Parkview Field is home to the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Parkview Field has been ranked No. 1 in ballpark experience for four consecutive years by Stadium Journey. The stadium sits in the center of downtown, and the TinCaps play in the Midwest League and are a Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The team’s name refers to a fictionalized depiction of John Chapman wearing a cooking pot as a hat in the 1948 Disney movie Johnny Appleseed.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Credit: Visit Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne’s world-renowned chocolatier offers small bites, decadent desserts and a tour complete with samples at the Auburn Road location. Participants watch a short video on the history of the company and view the chocolate making kitchens, where they see the artisan process involved in making DeBrand chocolates. Each tour typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. DeBrand’s four Fort Wayne stores offer an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, and fine chocolates made with only the highest-quality ingredients.
