Nestled just off US‑30 in beautiful Fort Wayne, Sweetwater is much more than the largest online music retailer in the U.S.—it’s a full-blown destination that dazzles musicians, families, and curious travelers alike. For guests at your area bed and breakfast, a visit to Sweetwater transforms a mere detour into an unforgettable stop on their Indiana getaway.

A Music Lover’s Playground

Sweetwater’s hustle and heart began in 1979 when founder Chuck Surack recorded artists from the back of a Volkswagen bus. Today, powered by a strong staff of 2,300 and over $1.5 billion in annual sales, Sweetwater remains deeply rooted in its Fort Wayne home

Sweetwater recording van

Explore the Campus

  • Massive Music Store
    Their 44,000 ft² retail megastore is a paradise for gear aficionados—boasting the largest selection of pedals (1,100+) and over 10,000 musical items from more than 1,000 brands. Specialized rooms for guitars, drums, orchestral instruments, synths, and private demo spaces make browsing a breeze. If you don’t want to buy new, check out the used gear area for outstanding deals on cool vintage or lightly used newer instruments.
  • Recording Studios & Theater
    You can tour top-tier in-house studios and a state-of-the-art performance theater. The auditorium features a headphone rig that offers live, custom‑mixed sound to every seat—a one‑of‑a‑kind experience.
  • Downbeat Diner & Crescendo Café
    In the Downbeat Diner, guests enjoy made‑from‑scratch breakfasts and lunches daily. Craving coffee, ice cream, or artisan treats? Crescendo Café delivers, with local fare in a cozy café setting. Concerts, arcade games, and lunchtime performances also pop up in the public seating areas.
  • Campus Conveniences
    The campus feels like a mini‑city: concierge‑led tours showcase the distribution center, training rooms, salons, gyms, medical stations—and yes, even a fun two‑story slide for staff and visitors alike.
  • Performance Pavilion
    Outdoors, the covered Sweetwater Performance Pavilion hosts a rotating lineup of national acts and local talent. With professional sound, food and drink on hand, and free parking, it’s a local venue worth checking during the summer season.
Sweetwater pedal room

Why It’s a Must-Visit

  • Interactive & Immersive – Whether you’re testing pedals, watching a clinic, or sampling diner fare, interaction is sweetwater’s specialty.
  • Free Public Tours – Booking is easy—walk-ins are welcome, but concierge tours (no-charge) unlock behind-the-scenes access.
  • Family-Friendly & Accessible – A welcoming environment for all ages, with dining, entertainment, and exploration in one spot.
Sweetwater Elvis Elephant

Suggested Visit Itinerary

  1. Morning: Start at the Downbeat Diner with breakfast and coffee.
  2. Midday: Dive into the store—demo instruments, browse the pedal wall, and relax at Crescendo.
  3. Afternoon: Take a free guided tour, including the theater, slide, and distribution center.
  4. Evening: If the schedule aligns, catch an outdoor concert at the Pavilion and enjoy the live‑music vibe.

A trip to Sweetwater turns a rustic stay at your bed and breakfast into a rich, cultural outing filled with sound, flavor, and discovery. It’s where world-class recording meets community warmth, where gearheads and families intersect—making it the perfect complement to any Fort Wayne guest experience.