GROUP TOUR PLANNING GUIDE
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library is home to the nation’s largest public genealogy collection!
Thousands of seasoned genealogists and leisure travelers visit the Genealogy Center each year to research their family ancestry, and browse through almost 1 million records, printed volumes, military records, and census records.
The Genealogy Center is fully staffed with trained genealogists who are eager to help your group get started, or dig deeper into your family research. And best of all, their services are free!
Let your group leave Fort Wayne with a piece of family history and memories to hand down to future generations!
Find more information about the Genealogy Center online by visiting genealogycenter.org
The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research
The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research provides a space to explore the Lincoln Collection through a variety of physical displays, digital kiosks, and even a projection room that shows collection items in 180 degrees. This program focuses on renewing and enhancing knowledge of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln through a timely suite of educational and professional activities.
VERA BRADLEY OUTLET SALE
One of Fort Wayne’s most popular group events is the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale! Every spring, this popular event welcomes more than 45,000 shoppers from all 50 states and 11 countries to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Plan a fun experiential trip around this amazing sale, where your group can find 40-60% off retail prices of Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationary, and accessories.
Bus groups or 20 or more can purchase tickets directly through Visit Fort Wayne for the annual sale for a VIP experience including a separate entrance into the sale. Call us at (260) 424-3700 or go to VisitFortWayne.com/ GroupTours for more information.
Wayne.com/VeraBradleyOutletSale
DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE
The heart of the city and home to many of our arts, attractions, restaurants, and parks as well as connected, full-service hotels offering 760 rooms within a 4-block walk. Electric Works
Visit Union Street Market, the region’s first food hall, on the historic, revitalized Electric Works Campus.
Promenade Park
Stroll through Fort Wayne’s new dining and shopping district on historic Columbia Street.
Enjoy outdoor recreation in an urban setting with kayaking, walking trails, and dining, or take a historic river cruise to learn about Fort Wayne history and riverfront development. The Landing
TinCaps Baseball
Purchase tickets & meal packages for a Fort Wayne TinCaps game.
GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS
Plan a fun experiential trip around the amazing Vera Outlet Annual sale, where your group can find 40-60% off retail prices of handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationary, and accessories.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Take DeBrand’s beautiful factory tour with samples along the way and see their chocolatiers in action!
Wineries & Breweries
Learn the art of winemaking, brewing, and distilling at Vinland, Country Heritage & Two EE’s. Shopping
VisitFort Wayne.com/GirlfriendGetaway
Shop two of Indiana’s largest malls at Jefferson Pointe and Glenbrook Square, or browse the quiet shops and antiques of the Grabill community.
The Bradley
Enjoy a luxurious getaway at the stunning boutique hotel, The Bradley, designed by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard of Vera Bradley.
Allen County Courthouse
Discover breathtaking architecture at the historic Allen County Courthouse on the national registry of historic places.
Arts United
Watch performances from the Fort Wayne Ballet and Civic Theatre after a behind the scenes tour.
Wayne.com/GroupTours
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Experience the making of Fort Wayne’s most famous chocolates.
Sweetwater Sound
Tour the world-class music retail campus of Sweetwater Sound with stops at the instrument show room, studio, and more!
Revel in the architecture and lush decor of the Embassy Theatre.
The Veteran’s National Memorial Shrine & Museum presents memorials dedicated to all U.S. war veterans. Set on 40 peaceful acres of land featuring the 80% size replica of the Vietnam Wall.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Indiana’s #1 Summer Attraction and a top 10 children’s zoo! Visit more than 1,000 animals on 40-acres of exhibits and rides, and learn about the importance of conservation.
Botanical Conservatory
Surround yourself with indoor gardens and a cascading waterfall.
VisitFort Wayne.com/GirlfriendGetaway
Broadway at the Embassy
Catch national acts and shows at the Historic Embassy Theatre.
Diocesan Museum
See hundreds of religious artifacts, some dating back to the time of Jesus Christ and Abraham.
