18 Best Things To Do In Youngstown Ohio

Are you looking for things to do in Youngstown Ohio?

Will you be traveling to or through Youngstown, or spending time there visiting family?

You have definitely come to the right place.  I am an Ohio girl through and through. I was born and raised in Youngstown.

Youngstown is located in northeast Ohio, halfway between New York City and Chicago via Interstate 80. It is about one hour southeast of Cleveland and one hour northwest of Pittsburgh.

Situated in the American “rust belt” Youngstown was once best known as a center of steel production. However, Youngstown has reinvented itself into a once again culturally vibrant city now that the steel industry has fallen into decline.

Here I have listed for you my favorite 18 things to do in Youngstown Ohio. I hope you will love my hometown as much as I do.

18 Things To Do In Youngstown Ohio

Mill Creek Park Is Youngstown’s Hidden Gem

Officially known as Mill Creek MetroParks, this city park is around 4,400 acres and regarded as one of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States. Yup, just one of many cool facts about Ohio for you.

Every day of the year there is so much to do and see in Mill Creek Park. So plan to make a day of it.

Fellowship Riverside Gardens is a public garden at the northern end of the park.

The twelve acres of manicured gardens are very popular and have become a year-round destination for locals and visitors alike.

Lanterman’s Mill was restored in the mid-1980s.   Today it operates grinding wheat, and corn as it did in the 1800s. It is a perfect representation of one of the industries along Mill Creek during that time period.

Any golfer looking for things to do in Youngstown will be pleased!

Mill Creek MetroParks offers two 18-hole golf courses. North Course plays through tall trees while South Course plays through streams. It was awarded one of America’s best municipal golf courses.

Make sure to spot off at the Ford Nature Center. The rangers are there to share information about Mill Creek Park.

Interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and walking trails can be found here.

And the coolest part? It is located inside a stone mansion!

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The four-acre Lily Pond is another popular spot within the park. Goldfish and migrating waterfowl can be seen here.  The Lily Pond Circle Trail loops around the pond and provides a lovely respite for weary travelers.

Pioneer Pavilion is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Youngstown Ohio. And it is located within the boundaries of Mill Creek Park.

Lakes, trails, wetlands, waterfalls all beckon visitors to visit. Mill Creek Park continues to remain one of the top things to do in Youngstown Ohio.

For more in-depth information, read about 15 of the best things to do in Mill Creek Park.

Visit  The Suspension Bridge For The Insta-Worthy Picture

The Suspension Bridge connects the west and the east sides of Mill Creek Park.

This 86 foot long by 32 feet wide bridge has been nicknamed the Cinderella Bridge, and the Walt Disney Bridge.

Recently renovated to its original opulence, the lovely arches and soaring spires make for the best Insta-worthy and romantic photographs!

Looking for waterfalls in Ohio? There are some epic ones. Read about 18 best waterfalls in Ohio here. And here is information on where to stay when chasing waterfalls in Hocking Hills!

Butler Institute Of American Art

Joseph G Butler had a dream for a museum dedicated to only American art and artists.

Thus in 1919 was born the first American Art Museum.  Crafted in the ornate Italianate style (you recognize from many buildings in Washington DC), this iconic building has been listed on the National  Register Of Historic Places.

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This unique museum collects and showcases works of American art in all different media.

Walking through Butler is like taking a walk through Americana.

There is no admission fee to enter, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Visiting the Butler Museum of American Art is one of the best things to do in Youngstown.

Read about the 12 best Airbnbs in Ohio here!

The Ward Beecher Planetarium For All Things Astronomy

Located on the campus of my alma mater, Youngstown State University, is the Ward Beecher Planetarium.

For over 50 years it has provided the community with premier experiences.

A very popular attraction it provides a very unusual and educational experience for children and adults alike.

According to the wishes of its benefactor, there is no admission fee. Donations are welcomed.

Constantly being updated with the most up-to-date technology, the Ward Beecher Planetarium is one of the most educational things to do in Youngstown Ohio.

Clarence R Smith Mineral Museum

Calling all geologists and “rock” hounds. And families who love science. This is the place to be!

On the campus of my alma mater, Youngstown State University, is the Clarence Smith Mineral Museum.

Showcased at the museum are high-quality rock and mineral specimens from around the world.

Educational programs and children’s field trips are offered at the museum.

Admission is free. There is no time limit. So feel free to look around at your and your family’s heart’s content!

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9/11 Memorial Park

The park is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001.

A very somber experience indeed, one which we might or might not need to take as a cold reminder every once in a while.

The park’s paths meander throughout the park and lead visitors to parts of the World Trade Center beams.

There is an urn containing soil from the Pennsylvania crash site of Flight 93.

And you can see some of the building stones from the Pentagon.

Visiting 9/11 Memorial Park is one of the solemn things to do in Youngstown

President William McKinley Memorial Monument

President McKinley was the 25th president of the United States of America.

He was born and raised in Niles, Ohio, a suburb of Youngstown.

To honor him, the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial was constructed in his hometown.

The McKinley Birthplace Museum is located in the north wing of the building.

The McKinley Memorial Library is located in the south wing of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial.

And the McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center is a replica of the McKinley family home. It is located less than a block away from the memorial library. Complimentary tours are available.

Visiting the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial is one of the interesting and educational things to do in Youngstown.

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OH WOW! Children’s Center For Science And Technology

Located in downtown Youngstown, the OH WOW! Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and technology has been opened since 2011.

A very popular attraction, OH WOW! has been a key player in the revitalization of downtown Youngstown’s business district.

Geared towards children from birth until age 14, OH WOW! offers fun and interactive STEM exhibits and educational programs.

With more than sixty interactive exhibits and eleven WOW! zones, this is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Ohio.

If you are planning on visiting Hocking Hills anytime soon, here are my tips on where to stay.

The Mahoning County Courthouse

The Mahoning County Courthouse was built in the early 1900s. Constructed in the Renaissance Revival Style, this ornate building is a sight to behold.

Its main lobby floor is surrounded by 12 marble columns.

At its center, one hundred feet above rises the rotunda to an exquisite glazed art glass dome.

On either side, you will see two stunning marble staircases along with mahogany woodworking and marble wainscoting.

The landings provide artwork depicting agricultural and manufacturing, the main industries of the area of the past.

Due to its beauty, the courthouse has won several preservation awards and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take In A Concert At Stambaugh Auditorium

The Henry H. Stambaugh Memorial Auditorium was built in 1926.

The wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Henry H. Stambaugh built it for the pleasure and entertainment of the residents of Youngstown.

Built in the French-inspired Beaux-Arts architecture, it is modeled after the Pantheon in Paris.

One of the relaxing things to do in Youngstown Ohio is to take in a concert or a live show at the luxe Stambaugh Memorial Auditorium.

Wean Park Is The Gateway To Downtown Youngstown

The Raymond John Wean Foundation Park is a community complex of twenty acres.

It’s a recreational green space full of hiking, running, and running paths.

Located in downtown Youngstown its purpose is to promote community.

Have a family picnic.  Enjoy summer festivals. And bring along your four-legged friends as the park is very pet friendly.

Sit Back and Relax At The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre

Located within Wean Park, this outdoor amphitheater is an impressive addition to add to your things to do in Youngstown itinerary.

Seating 4,800 patrons, a variety of concerts, and outdoor community events take place here yearly.

Check their online schedule when you will be visiting Youngstown Ohio to see if there is a live outdoor concert or event that interests you and your family. And see it under the Ohio stars!

Gawk At The Community Alley!

At 25 feet wide and 800 feet long the Huntington Bank Community Alley runs under Market Street Bridge.

This service road now has state-of-the-art LED lighting and allows access to the Youngstown Amphitheatre for its events.

Community events, such as festivals and craft shows are held there.

And it is available for private events as well.

See the Huntington Bank Community Alley all lit up is one of the fun things to do in Youngstown.

Check Out The Covelli Center For All Things Sports

This multi-purpose arena in Youngstown is home to much more than just sports, though.

Opened in 2005, rock concerts and shows also are performed at the Covelli Center.

But hockey and wrestling reign supreme here.

Home to the Youngstown Phantom hockey team, the Little Steel Derby Girls roller derby team, and the Youngstown Nighthawks indoor soccer team, this is the place to go for sports excitement!

If you are looking for action, visiting the Covelli Center is one of the fun things to do in Youngstown Ohio.

Wick Recreation Area For Family Fun

A hockey rink. A golf course. Tennis Courts. Batting Cages and volleyball courts.

A wonderful children’s play section offering four play areas for children of all ages. Designed with families in mind, the planned sections offer age-appropriate play options.

These are simply some of the options to anyone visiting the Wick Rec Area.

White House Fruit Farm For Everything Delicious

A staple in the Youngstown area, White House Fruit Farm has been growing fruit and produce for the last 90 years.

There is always something delicious happening at the farm. So no matter what season of the year. you are looking for things to do in Youngstown Ohio, you will have many options.

Run and operated by the same family since 1915, shopping locally cannot be any easier.

You can purchase fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. These all change based on the different seasons.

Do not miss out on trying their frightfully popular daily hand-made donuts.  By far the most favorite is the blueberry iced.

The list of selections goes on and on and you will have a delicious dilemma on your hands deciding which one to choose!

Get Your Biking On At The MetroParks Bikeway

Located in the ‘burbs of Youngstown is the Metroparks Bikeway. Part of the Ohio Lake-to River Greenway, this slice of paradise makes running, walking, and biking more pleasurable.

Spanning over ten miles through the Mahoning County countryside, this asphalt trail offers a wide variety of scenery as you reconnect with nature.

Leaving your car behind for walking, biking, or skating,  this is one of the healthy things to do in Youngstown.

Learn About Agriculture At MetroParks Farm

Also located in the Youngstown ‘burbs, the MetroParks Farm is a 402-acre seasonal working farm.

True, you can get to it from the MetroParks Mikewys, but this is a destination in itself.

Dedicated to promoting all things agricultural, it offers educational tours, interactive displays, and educational programs.

Along with access to the Bikeway, there is an archery range, playground with fishing, a rain garden (find out what that is there!), and disc golf.

This interactive educational farm one of the more interesting things to do in Youngstown Ohio.

Packing List for Your Visit to Youngstown Ohio

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along on when looking for things to do in Youngstown. It is always important to protect our personal information.

Read my tips on how to pack lightly here.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do,  these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for group shots or that perfect selfie!

I was not a fan of packing cubes until I started to use them! This is the exact set of packing organizers I use whenever I travel.

 Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.  You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual while looking for things to do in Youngstown. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes are a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Ohio in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable and have orthotic footbeds that cradle and support your feet.

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you are in need of new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

Here I have listed 18 best things to do in Youngstown Ohio. Some popular, some not so popular. All worth your time! I hope you enjoy visiting my home state of Ohio.