FEATURE | Feature Focus
Your Water Adventure Awaits by Mary Jane Bogle
Nothing says “summer” like the refreshing splash of cool water on warm skin, and there’s no better place to find outdoor water fun than the Fort! Positioned at the convergence of three rivers, Fort Wayne offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for your next big adventure or just hoping to get your toes wet, you’re sure to have a great time at one of Fort Wayne’s many parks and waterways. Here are three options to get you started. Water Fun #1: Kayaking and Canoeing The Saint Joseph, Saint Mary’s and Maumee rivers offer a wide range of views of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area, all from the unique perspective of one of Fort Wayne’s three waterways—or even the Leo-Cedarillve Reservoir. Just put in your paddle and follow any number of water trails.
With two Fort Wayne stores offering rentals, a wide range of kayak sizes, canoes or even paddle boards, and multiple access points, there’s really no good reason not to get out there.
Water Fun #2: Boat Rides If all that paddling sounds like too much work, you can opt for a relaxing riverboat ride instead. Hop on board Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s 1840s replica canal boat, which sets off from Promenade Park. For more details on Sweet Breeze rental options, visit fortwayneparks.org. You can also choose an airboat ride or party barge. And don’t forget Hurshtown Reservoir, dubbed one of the best fishing spots in Allen County. Admission to the reservoir costs just $4/car. Feel free to bring your own non-gas motored boat or rent a rowboat or kayak when you arrive.
hat to Bring Where to Rent and W book boat tours at: You can rent watercraft or et (watercraft only) Bike Depot, 1004 Cass Stre • Fort Wayne Outfitters and raft only) , 1804 W. Main Street (waterc • Earth Adventures Unlimited • airboat1.com m • rumrunnerpartyboats.co
photo courtesy of Visit Fort Wayne
ing essentials: , be sure to pack the follow Whichever option you choose dit card for rentals • A valid photo ID and cre • Sunscreen and hats , credit cards and keys • Dry bags for cell phones map for paddlers, the interactive water • A waterproof water trail Visitors Center, or check out ater-trails-guide/ yne Wa t /w available at The For ails r-tr tdoor-recreation/wate trails guide at in.gov/dnr/ou
Water Fun #3: Splash Pads Back for the 2021 season, splash pads are always a great option for summer fun. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., these parks, sprinkled throughout the Fort Wayne area, offer hours of water entertainment for big and little kids alike. Whether you’re looking for old architecture, open-air pavilions, or downtown fun at Parkview Field, one of Fort Wayne’s many splash pads are sure to offer hours of refreshing fun for the whole family. a 14
| JUNE GLO 2021 |
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Beginner paddlers might enjoy the roughly 3.7-mile trip along Jonny’s Rope Swing Adventure. Those with a bit more experience might prefer the Curly’s Suspension Bridge water trail, with its impressive views of the Fort Wayne skyline. People hoping to make a day of it can paddle along the Historic Covered Bridge route, where they’ll see everything from blue herons, turtles and cranes and get a close-up view of the Historic Spencerville covered bridge.