Written by John Morris, WheelchairTravel.org, June 17, 2024
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Fort Wayne, Indiana is a vibrant city, lovingly referred to by locals as a “big small town,” that offers all of the amenities of a big city in a compact area that is surrounded by public parks and greenery. In 2023, Visit Fort Wayne unveiled a 10-year Tourism Master Plan Initiative that commits to incorporating the principles of universal design.
Visitors to Fort Wayne will notice major accessibility improvements already in place or underway, starting with Fort Wayne International Airport, where the $140 million Project Gateway has seen the installation of the first adult changing table at an Indiana airport, a dedicated sensory room, and improved way finding features throughout the terminal. Local attractions and business have made their commitment to inclusion clear, and I was delighted to share my “Equal Access Everywhere” message with nearly 300 tourism professionals and business leaders during a keynote address in May 2024.
After visiting the city, wheeling around in my wheelchair, and touring its local shops, restaurants, parks and attractions, I was confident in calling the City of Fort Wayne my “Hidden Gem in Accessible Travel” for 2024. Using this guide to wheelchair accessible travel in Fort Wayne, Indiana, you will be prepared to explore and experience this city in the same way that I have.
Fort Wayne Airport Accessibility
Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) welcomed nearly 800,000 passengers in 2023 and is served by the regional affiliates of many of the largest U.S. carriers, as well as low cost carrier Allegiant Air. FWA is presently in the midst of a major capital improvement project that will see the terminal building expanded, with tremendous investments being made to improve accessibility for disabled travelers.
The airport’s single terminal building is easy to navigate, and a TSA security checkpoint is located steps from the check-in area.
Airlines & Concourse
At the time of writing, the following airlines provide service to Fort Wayne International Airport and operate out of the main terminal building:
- Allegiant Air
- American Eagle
- Delta Connection
- United Express
All airlines operate from a single terminal and check-in is easy. Passengers should find their airline’s ticket counter, then follow the airport signage to the security checkpoint and boarding gate.
For domestic flights, it is recommended that passengers with disabilities check-in two hours prior to departure. At this time, no international flights depart from Fort Wayne but, should that change, airlines advise passengers to arrive three hours prior to scheduled departure. While it is always best to arrive early, it took me less than 20 minutes to check-in and clear security.
Special Assistance Services & Accessibility at Fort Wayne International Airport
Disability assistance services should be requested prior to travel. If you have not yet made a request for assistance, be sure to contact your airline or consult this list of wheelchair assistance contacts at major airlines.
For those traveling with a personal wheelchair, it is possible to gate-check the device at Fort Wayne International Airport, regardless of whether it is manual or powered. I found that, upon arrival to Fort Wayne, my wheelchair was delivered within about 20 minutes.
The airport’s bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and outfitted with ADA stalls for wheelchair users and people with disabilities. A number of private family restrooms are available throughout the terminal building. As part of the airport’s $140-million transformation dubbed “Project Gateway,” FWA installed an adult changing table in a private unisex bathroom near gate seven, which dramatically improves accessibility for adult travelers with disabilities.
FWA participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and has invested in a sensory room with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and other tools that provide a place of refuge for children and adults with sensory disabilities.
Fort Wayne International Airport provides a service animal relief area in the secure area near gate seven.
Additional accessibility features in the terminal building include large and oversized signage, a cane trail for blind and low vision travelers and wheelchair accessible seating.
More information on accessibility and disability assistance is available on the Fort Wayne Airport website.
Accessible transportation to/from Fort Wayne International Airport
There are no wheelchair accessible taxis in the City of Fort Wayne, and the Citilink public transportation system does not provide service to the airport.
Wheelchair accessible transportation to and from the airport can be contracted through the Community Transportation Network, a non-profit organization based in Fort Wayne which has a large fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles available for hire.
For more information, or to read frequently asked questions about air travel with a mobility disability, consult the Wheelchair Users’ Guide to Air Travel.
11 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana may be a small city, but it is home to a wide variety of wheelchair accessible attractions, which include museums, cultural activities, a world-class street art trail, public parks, and one of the best zoos in the United States. Whether you’re planning to visit Fort Wayne for one day or a few, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, all detailed in this guide to accessible tourist attractions in Fort Wayne.
Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a one of the top-rated zoos in the United States, featuring over 1,000 animals and numerous interactive exhibits. Covering 40 acres, it is divided into themed areas such as the African Journey, Australian Adventure, and Indonesian Rainforest. The zoo offers immersive experiences, including giraffe and stingray feeding, the Z.O.&O. Railroad and an accessible carousel, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages.
Wheelchair accessible paths and boardwalks throughout the zoo leave no area off limits to disabled visitors. Shaded canopies provide respite from the elements during the warmest months. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a certified sensory inclusive facility registered with KultureCity. Designated quiet zones, headphones and sensory bags are available to benefit children and adults with sensory disabilities. The zoo has also produced a social story to help prepare disabled visitors for their visit.
The zoo is filled with some of the world’s most beautiful animals, including the African Lion, Capuchin Monkey, Giraffe, Hyena, Kangaroo, Orangutan, Red Panda, Reticulated Python, Serval, Tiger and so many more. This is no small zoo — it’s a treasure!
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has a number of activities beyond animal watching and giraffe feeding, one of which is the Z.O.&O. Railroad, a miniature train that takes guests on a 10-minute ride. Although the ride does not pass any of the animal enclosures, it’s a fun experience that is wheelchair accessible. One car on the train has a wheelchair securement space and an accessible ramp. I enjoyed the ride, and it was great to see this accessibility investment.
To learn more about accessibility at the zoo (including information about wheelchair and scooter rentals) or to purchase admission tickets, visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo website.
Research your family tree at the Genealogy Center
America’s largest publicly accessible Genealogy Center is located in the heart of Downtown Fort Wayne at the Allen County Public Library. The $65 million state-of-the-art facility employs professional genealogists, each with a different area of expertise. There is no cost to visit the center, and staff are on hand to assist visitors with their research. Experts help search for answers utilizing the seven largest digital genealogical databases and what is among the largest physical collections of genealogical records in the world, organized by state.
During my own visit to the Genealogy Center, staff helped me overcome a road block in my research and gain answers to one off my family’s most important questions — who are our ancestors, and when did they arrive in the United States? I detailed the incredible story in my blog post, Sailing in Steerage and a Love Story for the Ages.
The Genealogy Center alone is enough of a reason to visit Fort Wayne, and the city attracts many travelers whose sole purpose is researching their family trees. To learn more and to plan your trip, visit the Genealogy Center website.
Explore the universally designed Promenade Park
Promenade Park is the first phase in a dramatic development dubbed Riverfront Fort Wayne, that reimagines the banks of the St. Marys River at the edge of downtown.
The park features a picturesque riverfront promenade, lush green spaces, a tree canopy trail, interactive water features and an amphitheater for live events and performances. The floating docks serve as a kayak launch and a boarding platform for the Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica that takes tourists on a sightseeing adventure.
My pictures don’t do the park’s beauty justice, but take a look at this exciting marketing reel produced by local performers for Riverfront Fort Wayne:
What really sets this park apart isn’t its incredible location or exciting features, but its high level of accessibility. Promenade Park is one of the most accessible public parks in the United States, and that’s because the principles of universal design were embraced from the start. In addition to the accessibility features everyone expects like ADA accessible family restrooms, gradual sloping paths, and accessible seating, Promenade Park has gone far beyond the minimum ADA standards with a long list of accessibility adaptations.
Promenade Park has become a gathering place for Fort Wayne residents and visitors alike — whether you’re just taking a stroll on the elevated tree canopy trail, relaxing on the Auer Lawn, or buying an ice cream from Carmelita’s Ice Cream Truck, you’ll do it alongside others who are drawn to what the riverfront has to offer! To learn more, visit the Riverfront Fort Wayne website.
Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is a cultural gem showcasing a diverse collection of American art. It features contemporary and historical works, rotating exhibitions, and a dedicated children’s gallery.
Museum galleries are designed to be accessible to disabled visitors, and pieces are spaces to provide ample space for wheelchair users to safely maneuver. The museum’s educational programs, lectures, and workshops are open to all members of the community.
The museum’s permanent Glass Wing is the star of the show, and displays pieces from a collection of more than 400 glass sculptures from renowned artists including Harvey Littleton, Erwin Eisch, and Dale Chihuly. Some pieces are simple, while others are intricate, some small, others large — each is an example of spectacular artistry in what is one of the most difficult mediums to conquer.
FWMoA has made a strong commitment to accessibility, investing in automatic doors, zero-threshold entrances, free-to-use rental wheelchairs, portable seats for use in the galleries, and ASL interpreters with advance notice. To learn more about the museum’s collection and upcoming exhibitions, visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art website.
Tour Fort Wayne’s downtown street art scene
The Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District’s Art This Way program has invested in a “non-traditional public art gallery,” which has introduced murals painted by diverse, internationally-acclaimed artists to the streets and alleyways of Fort Wayne.
The volunteer-led Art This Way organization acts as a liaison between property owners in Downtown Fort Wayne and artists who enliven the city with their thoughtfully crafted murals. Alexandra Hall, manager of the Art This Way Program and an accomplished artist in her own right, took me on a walking tour to introduce me to the city’s vibrant street art scene.
Among my favorite pieces are those featured in the gallery above, which include:
- Pontiac Street by Lyndy Bazile
- Panda Oops by Tammy Davis
- River Otter by Arlin Graff
- Conquer Above by Mitchell Egly
- Arouse! For You Must Justify Me by Tim Parsley
- On Wings of Hope by Torey E. Dunn II and Lena Balger
Fort Wayne’s largely accessible streets and sidewalks made getting around the downtown core to see these and other pieces easy enough, and it made for an enjoyable afternoon — basking in the fantastic weather while wandering a seemingly never-ending parade of incredible artworks.
Alexandra Hall and the Art This Way program have brought many fantastic pieces of street art to Fort Wayne, but they have also inspired a movement as other artworks, unaffiliated with Art This Way, are popping up all across the city. Fort Wayne has become a destination for street artists and fans of street art, and you’ll find murals around just about every corner!
To learn more, visit the Art This Way website. For more information about Alexandra Hall, check about her artist website (where you can buy her paintings!), or her company’s website, AH Public Spaces Consulting. Visit Fort Wayne also maintains a map of Fort Wayne public art.
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Play adaptive sports at Turnstone Center, a Paralympic Training Facility
Turnstone is a non-profit organization with the stated mission of empowering “people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing comprehensive services and programs.” In addition to providing a full suite of therapy and social services for children and adults, Turnstone has established itself as a leader in adaptive sports.
The organization’s Plassman Athletic Center is a state-of-the-art facility that features a 75,000 sq. ft. fieldhouse with four collegiate-sized basketball courts and a six-lane indoor track. An adaptive water recreation center is also available onsite. Turnstone is one of 9 official Olympic & Paralympic Training Sites in the United States, and it serves as the training location for competitive adaptive sports teams including wheelchair basketball, power soccer, and the internationally ranked U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Goalball teams.
Disabled travelers can visit Turnstone Center and use its facilities by purchasing a membership or day/activity pass, availability permitting, by contacting Turnstone in advance of their travel. For more information, visit the Turnstone website.
Jam out at Sweetwater, the world’s leading music and instrument store
Sweetwater Music Store is a musician’s paradise, since it is one of the largest music retailers in the United States. Though it primarily sells to customers via its website, Sweetwater’s Fort Wayne headquarters has a gigantic showroom and a publicly accessible store.
Although I am not a musician, it was fun to browse the largest collection of musical instruments, audio equipment and accessories I had ever seen, and to simply spend time in an incredible showroom surrounded by grand pianos. It felt like an art gallery.
The store also features recording studios, a performance theater, and a brilliant team of knowledgeable staff. Whether you are a music enthusiast, amateur or professional musician, Sweetwater welcomes everyone and offers itself as the most comprehensive resource on the planet. To learn more about the store and upcoming events taking place on the campus, visit the Sweetwater website.
Visit the historic Old Fort
The City of Fort Wayne’s location, near the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary’s rivers at the Maumee River, made it an important outpost in the 1700s, when the North American continent was wrestled amongst European colonizers and explorers. The region saw the construction of five different fortifications between 1722 and 1815. The final fort, constructed during the War of 1812, quickly became unnecessary at the conclusion of that war, and it was soon disassembled.
In 1964, a non-profit organization reconstructed the fort based on the 1814 drawings of Major John Whistler. A volunteer organization took over management of the reconstructed fort in 2004, and is currently raising funds to rehabilitate the structure and improve its accessibility.
The Old Fort is freer to visit and hosts reenactments, educational programs, and community events that bring the past to life. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and learn about the fort’s role in regional defense and trade during the early 19th century. Unfortunately, none of the buildings are currently accessible to wheelchairs, so they can only be viewed from outside. While there are paved pathways throughout large portions of the fort grounds, the central courtyard is gravel and may cause wheelchairs to get stuck.
I visited the Old Fort on the annual Education Day event, where large numbers of residents and visitors turned out to see historic military vehicles, rifle and cannon demonstrations, and reenactors dressed in period uniforms and clothing. There are unique events and reenactments held at the Old Fort each month, and you can find a schedule of events on the Old Fort Wayne website.
Get creative at a printmaking workshop at HEDGE Studios
The HEDGE is a printshop established in 2013 by Fort Wayne artist Julie Wall. With a background in printmaking and metals, Julie turns creative ideas into print masterpieces using a collection of historic printing presses.
Julie invites visitors into her printshop to participate in a variety of hands-on workshops that cover topics like linoleum printing, letterpress printing, needlepoint embroidery or calligraphy. During my workshop, I was able to use a historic printing press to decorate postcards, a canvas bag, and a set of drink coasters which now sit on my bartop at home. Julie made the experience accessible to me, and I was able to fully participate fully from the seat of my wheelchair. It was fun to learn more about the artistry of printing, and to take part in a unique experience that supports a local artist and entrepreneur. I was Gutenberg for a day!
To learn more about the printmaking workshops at the HEDGE, or to shop Julie’s wide array of artistic creations, visit the Hedge Creative House website.
Geek out at Science Central
Science Central is a small, interactive science museum housed inside of a former power plant. It features hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations that engage children in STEM learning.
One of the most popular exhibits is Science on a Sphere, developed in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The sphere, which measures 6 feet in diameter, is transformed into planetary bodies and used as an instructional tool. Although it is not a full-scale planetarium, the exhibit inspires curiosity and a love for space exploration in a fun, engaging environment.
The museum’s exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Confusion Illusion Room. Accessibility features include power assist doors, an elevator to all levels, assistive listening devices and a family restroom with an adult changing table.
While the museum is open to visitors of all ages, it is primarily geared toward families with children. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Science Central website.
Visit the Botanical Conservatory
The Foellinger–Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a small facility located downtown that features diverse plant collections in three themed indoor gardens and greenhouses. Visitors can explore tropical, desert, and seasonal exhibits, enjoying the beauty of nature year-round.
The conservatory also hosts educational programs, workshops, and events, promoting horticulture and environmental awareness. Pathways throughout are wheelchair accessible. After touring the indoor and outdoor areas, stop in at the cafe for a coffee or tea. Additional information is available on the Botanical Conservatory website.
Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Fort Wayne
For travelers with disabilities visiting the State of Indiana, there are a number of wheelchair accessible hotel rooms in Fort Wayne.
Accessibility varies between hotels, but this guide provides important information and photos of ADA accessible hotel rooms in Fort Wayne. Please note that this is not a complete list of accessible hotels in the city, only those which I have personally stayed in and verified or toured to perform accessibility assessments.
The Bradley Hotel
Located steps from Promenade Park and The Landing at the heart of Downtown Fort Wayne, The Bradley Hotel is one of the city’s premier boutique hotels and a great choice for disabled tourists.
The Bradley Hotel offers ADA accessible guest rooms with both one and two beds and a roll-in shower. The king size bed in my room measured 25 inches in height from the floor to the top of the mattress, with the mattress sitting atop an 11 inch platform base. A desk in the room measured 30 inches tall, with 28 inches of clearance underneath.
The bathroom featured a roll-under sink, toilet with grab bars, and a roll-in shower with a wall-mounted L-shaped seat. The bathroom was small compared to the size of the room, which made turning my wheelchair difficult in some instances, but I was able to make full use of the facilities. The measurements of bathroom accessibility features were as follows:
- Sink height; free space under sink — 33.5 inches; 27 inches
- Toilet seat height — 17.5 inches
- Toilet grab bar height — 35 inches
- Shower seat height — 18.5 inches
- L-shaped shower seat dimensions — Width: 28 inches (13 inches wide at deepest end, 15 inches wide at shallowest portion); Depth: 20.5 and 14 inches
- Shower grab bar height — 35 inches
For more information or to make a booking, visit The Bradley Hotel website.
Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown
Located downtown and connected to the Grand Wayne Convention Center via an accessible skybridge, the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown has eleven ADA accessible guest rooms, three with roll-in showers and eight rooms with bathtubs.
I toured a room with a king size bed, and noted a bed height of 28 inches, measured from the floor to the top of the mattress. There was 7 inches of clearance beneath the bed to accommodate a transfer hoist.
The bathroom featured a roll-under sink, toilet with grab bars, and a roll-in shower with a portable shower chair. There was plenty of space to maneuver my large power wheelchair, and a spot to park the wheelchair directly alongside the toilet for safe lateral transfers.
For more information or to make a booking, visit the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown website.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown
Overlooking the Parkview Field baseball stadium and located next to the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown hotel is one of the most accessible hotels in the city and should be near the top of your list for consideration.
The Hampton Inn & Suites offers ten ADA accessible guest rooms with both one and two beds and a roll-in shower or bathtub. The accessible room inventory consists of one double queen room with a roll-in shower, one double queen room with a bathtub, seven rooms with a king size bed and tub, and one king suite with a roll-in shower. I toured the accessible suite with a roll-in shower.
The king size bed measured 26 inches in height from the floor to the top of the mattress, with 7 inches of clearance for a transfer hoist underneath the bed frame.
The wheelchair accessible bathroom is one of the most accessible in the City of Fort Wayne. The room I toured featured a roll-under sink, toilet with grab bars, and a roll-in shower with a wall-mounted seat and water controls within reach.
For more information or to make a booking, visit the Hampton Inn Fort Wayne Downtown website.
Wheelchair Accessible Public Transportation in Fort Wayne
The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation operates city bus and paratransit services within the Fort Wayne city limits, providing critical transportation connections to residents and visitors alike. This guide provides tips and information for wheelchair users planning to explore Fort Wayne using public transit.
Citilink City Buses
Citilink is a city bus system that provides wheelchair accessible transportation throughout the City of Fort Wayne using modern, low-floor city buses.
All Citilink vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp to provide accessibility to disabled riders. Each bus features two wheelchair securement spaces with tie-downs and an available seatbelt.
While some city bus stops are marked with signage and a handful feature covered shelters, other stops are unmarked and visible only on applications like Google Maps. As a result, riders should wave at the approaching city bus to signal the driver, whenever possible.
The fixed route city bus system consists of 13 lines which provide service to most parts of the city. Route maps and schedules are available from the Citilink website.
City bus fares are $1.25 per ride or $3.00 for an all-day pass. Reduced fares are available to eligible people with disabilities, senior citizens, and children under the age of 18. Single rides for reduced fare passengers are $0.60, while day passes are $1.50. Fares and passes can be purchased onboard with cash, or using the Token Transit smartphone application.
Citilink Access Paratransit
Citilink Access is the paratransit service of the Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation, and it provides daily service (except Sundays) within the Fort Wayne city limits. The cost of a ride is $2.50.
While the city has no specified process for onboarding Paratransit-eligible visitors, the ADA does require public transit agencies to provide an equivalent level of service to disabled people temporarily visiting a city. I encourage visitors to contact the Citilink Access team using the information found on the Citilink Access website.
Fort Wayne Wheelchair Taxis
As is the case in many cities of its size, Fort Wayne lacks wheelchair accessible taxi service. Similarly, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft do not provide accessible services in Fort Wayne or anywhere within the State of Indiana.
Private, wheelchair accessible transportation services are limited to non-emergency medical transportation services which serve the Fort Wayne community.
Non-emergency medical transportation in Fort Wayne
The following non-emergency medical transportation providers serve the City of Fort Wayne, and provide vehicles with wheelchair securement spaces and a wheelchair ramp or lift:
Community Transportation Network (CTN)
www.RideCTN.org
+1 (260) 420-3280
Star Mobility Transportation, LLC
www.StarMobilityTranspo.com
+1 (260) 445-0754
The cost of non-emergency medical transportation is significantly higher than a standard taxi or rideshare vehicle so, if you are able to transfer into the seat of a vehicle and store your wheelchair or scooter in the taxi, you will save a lot of money by doing so.
Wheelchair Accessibility of Fort Wayne Sidewalks
Fort Wayne is a historic city, but one that has seen tremendous investment in accessible infrastructure. The city’s 2014 ADA Transition Plan identified opportunities for improvement in sidewalk resurfacing and curb ramp installation/upkeep, and an annual budget of $250,000 was set aside for each. More than 1,100 miles of sidewalks are found within the city limits of Fort Wayne, and a 2012 study gave more than half of those sidewalks an “A” grade, with just 21% of sidewalks receiving a grade of “C,” “D” or “F.” While this data is more than a decade old, continued investment in pedestrian infrastructure has seen improvements in many areas of the city. Based on my recent visit, during which I conducted a sample of more than 25 miles of Fort Wayne sidewalks and curb ramps, I would consider these statistics to be representative of the current state of sidewalk accessibility.
Wheelchair users spending time in downtown Fort Wayne (and in major neighborhoods with touristic appeal) will find most streets and sidewalks manageable, even if not fully accessible or ADA compliant.
Accessibility features like curb ramps and crosswalk signals are commonplace. The quality of sidewalk pavements varies, with cement, brick, and stone tiles in use and in various states of repair. As is the case in many cities, the most accessible sidewalks are found in areas where construction has recently occurred, and in the city center.
I wheeled around the downtown core extensively, encountering little difficulty in navigating the city’s sidewalks and intersections with my power wheelchair. The downtown area, where most tourist attractions, restaurants and shops are found, was fairly level, with few hills or inclines to serve as barriers. Most visitors with wheelchairs will find the condition and accessibility of Fort Wayne’s sidewalks to be “above average” for a city of its size.
Relying on my extensive travel experience in the United States, I am confident in saying that Fort Wayne’s sidewalks, crosswalks and other pedestrian areas reflected a manageable, above average level of accessibility. There are no doubt opportunities for improvement, particularly in the area of sidewalk leveling (uneven pavements were the greatest barrier I faced). In 2024, the Fort Wayne City Council introduced a cost sharing program to improve sidewalks, in which property owners can split the cost of sidewalk repair with the city. The city has also embarked on a program that would “shave” concrete from uneven sidewalks, providing a temporary, interim solution that improves accessibility in the short term without requiring full replacement of impacted sidewalks.
It is always important for me to note that, in an accessible travel guide like this one, my focus is on sidewalk and curb ramp accessibility in areas visited by tourists, not in purely residential areas where sidewalk conditions have little impact on disabled tourists visiting a city. I encourage local residents to continue to advocate for sidewalk accessibility improvements that could make Fort Wayne a more inclusive and welcoming place to live and visit.