5 Fort Wayne parks that will feed your soul

During my time in Fort Wayne this summer, I’ve discovered that there are a wide variety of parks and places to enjoy nature.

Together, these sacred spaces are a helpful reminder that no matter how bad the day seems, life blooms around every corner in this city.

Whether you have five minutes or a whole afternoon, visit one of these parks in Fort Wayne to ground yourself.

 

1. Lindenwood Nature Preserve

600 Lindenwood Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46808



The second you close your car door, hear the click of the lock, and step foot onto the gravel of your chosen trail, you’re submerged into a nature abyss.



Life quietly floats along through the tangled branches of this isolated society, moving too fast for us to keep up—constantly flying too far out of reach before, finally, resting on a branch. It's too fast to blink, but just long enough to snap a photograph.

2. Lawton Park

1900 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805



Something about the red and green landscaped grounds of Lawton Park brings me a sense of comfort, reminding me of home. The colors wrap me up in the aura of sitting together around our kitchen table with red and green garland, sprinkling the house with color and the lifted spirits of the holiday season.


 

Meanwhile, under the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge, two bikers take a break from the summer heat while on their trek through Fort Wayne.

3. Old Fort Park

Clay St, E Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802



Intricate webs weave their way through the historic, aging wood of the Old Fort, standing as a symbol of Fort Wayne’s everlasting history.



The fading architecture allows you to take a step back in time just a short walk from downtown. Enclosed inside the safety of the fort’s walls, the outside world seems to cease to exist.



Meanwhile, brilliant yellow sunflowers reach up to the sky, symbolizing the flourishing love of the city’s roots—their silent beauty demanding attention.

4. Lakeside Park & Rose Garden

1401 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805



I think this will always be one of my favorite spots in Fort Wayne. This garden contains a beautiful combination of man-made and natural beauty. It's a charming getaway just blocks away from the hustle and bustle of downtown that stands as a perfect escape from our busy lives.

5. Franke Park

3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

What caught my eye about Franke Park wasn’t the famous bike course, but the life thriving all around it. A little boy with an accomplished smile was carrying his catch back to his car, one hand on his fishing pole, the other in his dads, while the ducks splashed around happily in the water.



The exquisite blues and greens of this place enchant us to pause and realize the allure of the world we rush past every day.