Built in the early 19th Century, the Historic Fort Wayne is situated at the foot of the Livernois Avenue, right on the banks of the Detroit River. Although this fort was constructed in the phase when relations between America and British Canada were terse, the fort itself was never used for any military purposes, other than housing troops.
The first fort in Detroit to be built by the Americans, Fort Wayne is now operated by the Detroit Recreation department. Here, besides the fort itself, you can also wander through the Mosaic Youth Theatre, the Tuskegee Airmen museum and visit the Indian Burial Mound. The 82 acre site also houses barracks, a garrison, a huge parade ground and a newly restored Commander's House. The Fort was closed to the public in 1992 and is now open for visitors only on Saturdays and Sundays from May 27 through September 3. You can also watch members of the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition portray civilian and military figures of various time periods to offer you an insight about the history of the fort. These re-enactors are popularly known as 'Living Historians' who provide valuable information about the lives of personnel and civilians who were instrumental in shaping the history of the Fort and the region.
You can either opt for a guided tour which will cost you $3 per person and last for a duration of approximately an hour, or explore the fort on a self-guided tour. Visitors are provided with a brochure which contains the self-guided tour map. You can even chip in your efforts by aiding in restoration, preservation and clean-up activities on scheduled Work-days, or express your support by way of donations. You can visit the fort between 9 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and 11 am through 4 pm on Sundays. Parking is available on site at $5.
Historic Fort Wayne
6325 W Jefferson Ave
Detroit, MI 48209
