Historic Fort Wayne

Historic riverfront setting open limited weekend hours beginning Spring 2020.

As a precautionary measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Detroit Parks & Recreation Division is temporarily closing Historic Fort Wayne until further notice.

History

Historic Fort Wayne offers over a thousand years of rich history on Detroit’s riverfront. Located on land significant to Native American cultures and hosting the signing of the Treaty of Springwells at the close of the War of 1812, Fort Wayne’s star fort was built in 1845. It served induction and logistics functions during the Civil War, the World War II “Arsenal of Democracy,” the Vietnam War era, and other events throughout the nation’s history.

Historic Fort Wayne was deeded by the federal government to the City of Detroit by the 1970s and is now managed by the city’s Parks and Recreation Division.

Visit

Located at 6325 West Jefferson Avenue in Detroit's Delray neighborhood, Historic Fort Wayne is open to the public for limited hours during select seasons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Historic Fort Wayne is now closed for the season. For questions or tours, please contact the city’s Parks and Recreation Division staff at (313) 628-0796.

For more information about events hosted by the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, please visit their website.

Addressing Recreational Equity in Southwest Detroit: A Planning Grant to Revitalize Historic Fort Wayne

Made possible by the National Park Foundation with the generous support of the Kresge Foundation, the City of Detroit General Services Department is undertaking a comprehensive strategic planning process for Historic Fort Wayne. This ongoing project seeks to improve recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for residents of Southwest Detroit and the region by revitalizing Historic Fort Wayne.

Click here to learn about our upcoming City Planning Commission public hearing and other next steps, as well as our past community engagement meetings!

Historic Fort Wayne Request for Information

The City of Detroit is now seeking partner entities to revitalize vacant buildings at Historic Fort Wayne.

Plan an Event

Several historic buildings, outdoor spaces, and athletic fields at Historic Fort Wayne may be reserved for events for a fee. For more information, please contact the city’s Parks and Recreation Division staff at (313) 628-0796.