Johnny Appleseed Park

A Slice of American Heritage

Next to the St. Joseph River in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Johnny Appleseed Park spreads across 31 peaceful acres. Named after the legendary John Chapman (yep, the Johnny Appleseed from your childhood stories), this park isn't just any green space - it's a living connection to American folklore. Johnny's actual gravesite rests here, marked by a simple tombstone reading, "He lived for others. 1774 - 1845," and surrounded by a steel gate. If you visit, you might notice apples or seasonal trinkets left by others paying their respects. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1973.

What's Happening Here

Since becoming a community memorial park in 1973, this spot has been offering a calming mix of woodlands, rolling meadows, and riverside scenery. The annual Johnny Appleseed Festival is definitely the highlight of the year - a mid-September celebration where history comes alive through 1800s reenactments, period-authentic food, and traditional crafts. It's quite the gathering, drawing crowds who come for demonstrations, homemade treats, and artisan vendors.

The park connects to the Rivergreenway trail system, a 20-mile path great for walking, hiking, or biking. You can find a playground for the kids, a boat ramp if fishing or sailing the St. Joseph River sounds appealing, and Camp Canine - an off-leash dog park (just note that membership is required).

Shaded picnic spots are scattered throughout, however tables can be limited. Despite being surrounded by urban development, the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful trees make this a refreshing escape for outdoor time.

Camping in the City

What makes Johnny Appleseed Park unique is its municipal campground with modern conveniences. This "urban campground" is particularly handy if you're planning to visit the Fort Wayne Zoo, Memorial Coliseum, or other nearby attractions.

The campground provides water and electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp) on level, nicely shaded gravel sites. There aren't full sewer hookups, but a dump station is available. Sites are arranged along paved roads, and some pull-through options exist if you're traveling with a larger rig.

The modern restrooms offer clean showers, and there's even laundry service - though depending on your site, it might be a short walk to reach these facilities. WiFi connectivity is decent throughout the campground. If you're planning a stay, especially during events at the nearby coliseum, booking well ahead is smart as spots fill up quickly.

Getting Outdoors

The St. Joseph River running alongside the park is a quiet spot for fishing enthusiasts, with a convenient boat launch for easy access. Local anglers often come here for some peaceful casting without leaving the city.

If you've got kids in tow, the playground might be small but does the trick for burning off energy. Meanwhile, the Rivergreenway offers extensive trails that connect to downtown Fort Wayne and beyond - great for longer walks or bike rides. Dog owners appreciate the spacious off-leash park with separate fenced areas where four-legged friends can run free.

With its mature trees and open grassy spaces, the park offers a peaceful respite. You can enjoy some quiet time while still being just minutes from Fort Wayne's attractions.