Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a 23.8-acre historic park with a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1908. Known for its serene beauty and rich history, Lakeside Park is a cherished community space offering diverse attractions and amenities. Its design, influenced by renowned landscape architect George Kessler, features picturesque landscaping with a blend of natural and constructed elements.

One of the park's most celebrated highlights is the Italianate sunken garden and pergola, originally designed in 1921 and completed in 1925. This garden contains over 2,000 rose plants with at least 150 varieties, earning its designation as a National Rose Garden in 1928. Visitors can stroll among its carefully arranged flower beds and reflecting pools, enjoying a tranquil setting surrounded by the park's structured geometric paths. The rose garden has undergone recent renovations to preserve its historical charm and floral beauty.

Lakeside Park is also home to three lagoons—vestiges of the four originally planned—that are both natural and excavated. These lagoons add to the park's charm, connected by paths and bridges that lead to small islands. The park offers recreational opportunities through its walking paths, sports facilities, and fishing activities. Seasonal activities such as ice skating also attract visitors during the winter months. Sculptures, including one honoring Civil War hero Henry Lawton, add a cultural dimension to the landscape.

With its combination of natural beauty, leisure activities, and historical significance, Lakeside Park serves as a cornerstone of Fort Wayne's park system, providing residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat and a venue for outdoor enjoyment.