You haven’t fully experienced all that Youngstown, Ohio has to offer until you’ve visited Mill Creek MetroParks – the first park district in Ohio, which encompasses 5,000+ acres filled to the brim with recreational opportunities: hiking, biking, fishing, golf, tennis, picnicking, cross country skiing, sledding and more! Mill Creek Park was established in 1891 by Volney Rogers, and extends from the city of Youngstown to various areas of Mahoning County, including Canfield, Boardman and Austintown.
Located midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Mill Creek Park’s convenient location makes each of its recreational areas easily accessible. There are educational facilities, stunning (free) public gardens, a performing arts pavilion, two 18-hole Donald Ross golf courses, playgrounds, lakes, ponds, wetlands, trails and breathtaking views – it’s a great place to spend an afternoon, full day or even a weekend!
If you’re looking to enjoy a scenic drive, Mill Creek Park offers 20 miles of driveable, winding roads. And, there’s more than double that distance when it comes to hiking trails – in fact, there are 45 miles of trails throughout our park system!
Walk It Out: Explore the Great Outdoors
Get your shoes laced up! There are plenty of places to walk or hike throughout Mill Creek Park! Enjoy the scenery of Ford Nature Center's native wildflower meadow, take a walkabout through the Newport Wetlands or explore newer features like the floating boardwalk at the popular Lily Pond.
Hiking at Mill Creek Park
To the north, hikers can enjoy the Gorge Trail Loop, which is adjacent to Lanterman’s Mill and offers spectacular views overlooking Mill Creek Gorge. Information on additional trails (both hiking and biking) are available at the Park’s regional sites, including East Golf Hike & Bike Trail, East Cohasset Hike & Bike Trail, Albert E. Davis Wetland Trail, Virginia J. Axtmann Nature Trail For All People and East Newport Hike & Bike Trail – get the trail map here.
Fellows Riverside Gardens
A leisurely stroll through Fellows Riverside Gardens on the West Side of Youngstown (also home to the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center) is always a fan favorite. While there, be sure to visit the scenic overlook of Lake Glacier and the northern end’s view of Downtown Youngstown.
Lanterman’s Mill and Covered Bridge
Located at 1001 Canfield Rd., you’ll find Lanterman’s Mill and Covered Bridge, accessible from a parking lot that’s just a short walk to your destination. This historic location, built in the 1840s, is highlighted by the fully restored, operational mill, and visitors can browse the gift shop, which includes stone-ground cornmeal, buckwheat and whole wheat flour. Adjacent to the Mill, be sure to check out East Gorge Trail and West Gorge Trail (which, together, make up the Gorge Trail Loop), a nature-filled two-mile hike along Mill Creek.
Get Active: Biking and Golf in the Park
The MetroParks Bikeway, an 11-mile paved bike trail, guides guests from the Mahoning County line all the way to Western Reserve Road in Canfield. There are four parking lots along the path, including the Mahoning Avenue Trailhead, the Kirk Road Trailhead, the ODOT lot located on Rt. 224 and the MetroParks Farm Trailhead.
Didn’t bring your bike but packed your clubs instead? Then schedule a tee time at the renowned 36-hole Mill Creek Golf Course designed by Donald Ross. Just learning to play? Mill Creek Park also offers a Par 3 Course, located in the Wick Recreation Area. Located on the West Side of Youngstown, people have used Wick’s 65 acres for outdoor fun since the 1950s.
Want the fun of golf but with a twist? Be sure to try the disc golf course at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield!
Mill Creek’s Nature Preserves
Sprinkled throughout Mahoning County are a handful of nature preserves dedicated to hiking, education and recreation. These sites include but are not limited to Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Canfield; Vickers Nature Preserve in Ellsworth Township; Sebring Woods in Sebring; Collier Preserve in Boardman Township; McGuffey Wildlife Preserve in Coitsville Township; and MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
Make a Weekend of It!
With so much to do in (and around!) Mill Creek Park, why not plan a trip for the entire weekend and discover all that the area has to offer? Whether you’re visiting from nearby Pennsylvania or are in a completely different time zone, Mill Creek Park is the perfect location for exploring, relaxing and recreation.
Between the picnic areas, well-maintained hiking trails, canoeing, playgrounds, golf and special events, there’s always something to do at Mill Creek – the Mahoning Valley’s favorite place for outdoor recreation!
Note to New Visitors: Because Mill Creek MetroParks is so expansive – with countless activities, attractions and trails – it’s important to know the specific location of the area you’re planning to visit. Visit Mill Creek Park’s website for addresses and additional information and get a detailed Mill Creek Park map here.
