18 Best Things To Do In Youngstown Ohio

Are you looking for things to do in Youngstown Ohio?

You have 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

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 is regarded as one of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States.

Yup, just one of many cool facts about Ohio for you.

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.

Mill Creek MetroParks offers two 18-hole golf courses.

The North Course plays through tall trees, while the 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.

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

Read this to learn about 15 incredible things to do in Ohio.

The four-acre Lily Pond is another popular spot within the park.

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.

It is located within the boundaries of Mill Creek Park.

Lakes, trails, wetlands, and waterfalls all beckon visitors to visit.

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-foot-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 the 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, the first American Art Museum was born. 

The iconic museum building has been listed on the National  Register of Historic Places.

If you are flying to Ohio read how to avoid getting sick on the plane for tips on staying healthy!

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.

DoubleTree by Hilton is a great place to stay, not far from the Institute!

The Ward Beecher Planetarium For All Things Astronomy

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

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 welcome.

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.

Look here for the 11 best places to see fall foliage in Ohio.

9/11 Memorial Park

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

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 the 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.

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 most interesting and educational things to do in Youngstown.

Hampton Inn & Suites in Niles is a great option if you want to extend your stay.

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 open 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.

Look Here for accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Youngstown

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 woodwork and marble wainscoting.

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

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

Look here at Fairfield Inn & Suites for accommodations.

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.

Look here for accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

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.

Bring along your four-legged friends as the park is very pet-friendly.

For accommodations: Holiday Inn Youngstown South

Sit Back and Relax At The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre

Located within Wean Park, this outdoor amphitheater is an impressive addition 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.

Look Here To Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Gawk At The Community Alley!

At 25 feet wide and 800 feet long, the Huntington Bank Community Alley runs under the 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.

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

Look Here: Hampton Inn & Suites 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 are also performed at the Covelli Center.

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!

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 for 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.

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 popular daily handmade donuts. 

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.

Learn About Agriculture At MetroParks Farm

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

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, a playground with fishing, a rain garden (find out what is there!), and disc golf.

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

Traveling to Youngstown: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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