Girls’ Trip: Riverfront Fort Wayne/Promenade Park

By Hillary Knipstein

With this summer’s grand opening of Promenade Park, a key part of Riverfront Fort Wayne, the City of Fort Wayne will officially start living up to its “3 Rivers” nomenclature. The signature project for Riverfront Fort Wayne represents an exciting new chapter in the city’s history, and invites visitors to relax, explore and connect. Before the summer ends, take advantage of the city’s rivers, and be part of the momentum that is happening in downtown.

Grand Opening

Promenade Park’s Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Aug. 9 through 11. This three-day celebration will be packed with exciting, family-friendly fun. Megan Butler, program and events manager for Riverfront Fort Wayne, recommends attending the grand finales every night.

“Friday night is our floating band performance and river lighting. Saturday night is our kayak parade and lighted boat flotilla. Sunday night we are doing a flaming sculpture in the rivers,” she said.

Walk through the treetops.

A key feature of Promenade Park, the Tree Canopy Trail is an elevated boardwalk on the north bank of the St. Mary’s River. Visitors can stroll amongst the foliage while enjoying riverfront views. Trail opens Aug. 9.

Get Out On The Water

Do Your Own Rowing. See the rivers up close. Rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard from Fort Wayne Outfitter & Bike Depot. Either chart your own course, or reserve a Saturday paddle trip, curated to see various points of interest. Paddle trips range from 2 to 5 hours, and are available for all skill levels. Advance registration is required. Prices start at $40.

Hop On A Boat

Join a Pontoon Tour. For groups of up to 12, book either the standard or deluxe version of Captain Black’s Pontoon Tour. Both two-hour tours offer scenic views of the city’s skyline. The deluxe version includes food and drink selected from the pontoon menu. Bring your own snacks and drinks on the standard tour. Tours start at $250.

Boat and Learn. For a more educational experience for those over 10 years old, book a themed Riverfront Boat Tour through late September. Both ecological and historical themes are available. No food or drink is permitted. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $12.

Board the Sea Breeze. Through September book weekend tours on Sea Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica. These 45 or 90-minute tours offer a panoramic view of the rivers, and include Fort Wayne history and colorful river tales. Adult tickets start at $20 for the 45-minute tours, and children’s tickets start at $5. Pre-registration is required.

Food And Drinks

Get In Trubble. Grab a beer and a snack and toast to the rivers at Trubble Riverside Café & Tap in Promenade Park, which opens Aug. 9. A variety of Trubble Brewing’s beers will be on tap, and can be enjoyed inside the café or in the bier garden.

Hit the Deck. Don’t let the summer come to an end without visiting to the Deck at the Gas House, situated on the bank of the St. Mary’s River. Cold drinks, delicious food and a prime riverfront location make the Deck a perfect choice for happy hour, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack.

Learn more at riverfrontfw.org. a