Headwaters Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Headwaters Park is a 30-acre park located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is known for its scenic beauty, walking trails, and various recreational activities. There are several great reasons to visit Headwaters Park, including its natural beauty, history, and cultural significance.

One of the park's most popular attractions is the festivals it hosts throughout the year, including the Three Rivers Festival, Germanfest, and the Johnny Appleseed Festival. These festivals celebrate the area's rich heritage and provide visitors with unique opportunities to experience local food, music, and culture.

Another highlight of Headwaters Park is its extensive network of walking trails. The park's trails wind through scenic woodlands, along the banks of the St. Marys River, and past several historic landmarks, including the Old Fort. Visitors can also explore several gardens and sculptures throughout the park, such as the stunning fountain at the center of the plaza.

For history buffs, Headwaters Park is a must-visit destination. It was once the site of several significant Native American settlements and played a crucial role in the region's early industrial development. Visitors can learn about the area's rich history by exploring the park's interpretive exhibits and talking to knowledgeable staff members.

The best time of year to visit Headwaters Park depends on your interests. If you're interested in attending one of the park's many festivals, summer is the best time to visit. If you're looking to enjoy the park's natural beauty and peaceful walking trails, spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit.

Overall, Headwaters Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Indiana. With its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this stunning park.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks