Major Tourist Attractions In Fort Wayne

 African American Historical Museum : The museum is housed in a large Victorian house. Inside, two floors are devoted to African-American history, tracing African heritage, slavery in America, the Underground Railroad, and the history of the local Fort Wayne African-American community. One can see the work of black inventors and learn about musical and cultural heritage.

Allen County Public Library : People seeking to trace their ancestry often travel from far and wide to this library, thanks to its huge genealogy department - the second largest in the country

Artlink : This impressive brick building with large windows is full of local paintings, sculpture and fabric wall hangings. Each year the facility features nine original art exhibitions, focusing on emerging artists from across the country.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum : Classic automobiles are the focus at Auburn-Cord, which houses more than 150 cars from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Luxury cars on display include early Packards, Cadillacs, and Rolls Royces, as well as lesser-known models like Cords and Duesenbergs. Formerly an automotive factory, today the Art Deco showroom features some of the first cars made, as well as modern luxury vehicles.

Cathedral Museum : The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was founded in 1857, making it the oldest functioning building in the region. A recent renovation has left the Gothic masterpiece in pristine condition, with intricately carved wood and original Bavarian stained-glass windows paying homage to the church's patroness, the Virgin Mary. After wandering through the church, visit the adjacent museum that features religious artifacts dating back to the mid-13th century.

Firefighters Museum and Caf : Housed in one of the many historic firehouses scattered throughout Fort Wayne, this museum has displays to intrigue young and old. Built in 1893, the facility was in use as a fire station until 1972. Trace the development of firefighting techniques over those years as you examine old uniforms, classic fire trucks, and other artifacts.

Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory : One of the best places in the Midwest, this facility includes three buildings interconnected by underground tunnels. Each is a vast solar conservatory, and together they employ more than 1,300 solar panels. Inside, one can find breathtaking floral displays, a tropical garden complete with waterfall, and a recreation of the Sonoran Desert.

Fort Wayne Children Zoo : This interactive playground one can see kangaroos, parrots, giraffes, apes, and even a Tasmanian devil! Pet the animals in the petting zoo, take a jeep on a safari ride, or explore a replication of the Great Barrier Reef. With more than 2,000 creatures and 42 acres of landscaped grounds it is an exciting place.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art : A broad selection of art and hands-on exhibits awaits you at this contemporary art museum. More than 1,300 pieces are on display, so you could spend hours perusing the permanent displays which focus on 19th and 20th century art.

Old City Hall Historical Museum : The oldest museum in northeastern Indiana, this huge limestone building (formerly the city hall and jail) covers one full block of downtown. The architecture is eye-catching on its own, with original 19th century gargoyles, a massive grand staircase and polished marble.

Inside, find two floors of memorabilia and well-planned displays about Fort Wayne's history. The section on the development of electronics in the area is particularly interesting, as it touches on the inventor of the television and the growth of locally based Motorola and General Electric.

The Lincoln Museum : This riveting museum is a must for anyone interested in American history or in Abraham Lincoln, widely revered as one of the country's greatest Presidents. You'll find a diverse array of historic items, including paintings, letters, Lincoln's personal possessions, books (more than 18,000 of them), photos (including the one used on the $5 bill), and the flag draped over Lincoln's box at Ford Theatre when he was shot.

Recently, the museum acquired one of the few original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, complete with Lincoln's signature and dated 1864. A fascinating look at a complex American hero and his lasting legacy.