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Franke Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,468 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Wayne, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Franke Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This 329-acre park features a playground, pavilions, fishing, a children's zoo & an outdoor theater.
What runners say about Franke Park
“A gorgeous sunrise shining through the flowers allowed for a very pretty photo op and truly added to the experience.”
If you’re visiting the zoo, find time to explore the park too! The trails are so much fun to hike on. Love being so close with nature. I’ve seen lots of wildlife such as deer, ground hogs, squirrels, many different birds, and even a fox on these trails.
Not sure why so many other reviews are for the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, but my review is about Franke Park (behind the Zoo).... If you plan to hike the trails, pack bug spray, wear long sleeves, and make sure you use your GPS to navigate the trails, as they are not marked well.
If you love fishing, biking and a great spot to enjoy a picnic! This is the place for you! The bike trails are endless with so many different choices to choose from beginners, to advanced and experienced! Plenty of areas to outdoor grill and enjoy the relaxation under the shade after you're done!
Very nice place to hike. Several trails can be combined to make a shorter or longer hike. Very clean, and maintained trails. Very near a park and children's zoo. More of an urban area but tucked back away so it feels like you're in the woods
Trail conditions & character
“Got to enjoy a view from the middle of the pond thanks to the available deck, and got to make friends with some of the baby geese.”
“We go every Christmas time to see the light display, we have enjoyed it every year”
Plan your run at Franke Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitefortwayneparks.org
- Phone+1 260-427-6000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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