McDonald OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McDonald, Ohio.
1. Avon Oaks Ballroom
HISTORIC DANCE VENUE
Avon Oaks Ballroom is a cherished venue in McDonald that hosts various social events and dances. The ballroom features elegant décor and spacious wooden dance floors that have welcomed generations of dancers. Visitors can enjoy scheduled events or rent the space for private celebrations throughout the year.
2. McDonald Commons Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
McDonald Commons Park offers 17 acres of recreational facilities including soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, and playground equipment. The park features picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings and community events throughout the warmer months. Visitors can also take advantage of the batting cage for practice sessions or friendly competition.
3. McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center preserves the legacy of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing McKinley's life, political career, and lasting impact on American history. The research center houses valuable historical documents and artifacts that offer insights into the late 19th century American political landscape.
4. Escape History Escape Rooms
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE EXPERIENCE
Escape History Escape Rooms offers immersive puzzle-solving experiences for groups of friends, families, or colleagues. Each themed room presents unique challenges requiring teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to complete within the time limit. The facility provides a fun, interactive entertainment option suitable for various ages and skill levels.
5. Eastwood Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Eastwood Mall serves as a major shopping destination in the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area with numerous retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall features a diverse selection of national and local retailers offering everything from fashion and accessories to home goods and specialty items. Visitors can enjoy a complete shopping experience with convenient dining options and seasonal events throughout the year.
6. Giant Ronald McDonald
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Giant Ronald McDonald stands as one of Ohio's more unusual roadside attractions, towering over visitors just off I-71. This oversized statue of the famous fast-food mascot has become an unexpected landmark that draws curious travelers looking for unique photo opportunities. Though its origin story remains mysterious, the giant clown has earned its place among Ohio's collection of eccentric roadside oddities.
7. World's Largest Cuckoo Clock
SWISS-THEMED CULTURAL LANDMARK
The World's Largest Cuckoo Clock stands 24 feet tall in the Swiss-themed tourist town of Sugarcreek, having been relocated from Wilmot in 2010. This impressive timepiece features moving figurines that emerge to perform on the hour, delighting visitors with its charming mechanical display. The clock serves as a centerpiece of the town's Swiss heritage celebration and draws tourists from across the region.
8. Mahoning River
NATURAL WATERWAY FEATURE
The Mahoning River flows through McDonald, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The river has played a significant role in the area's industrial history, once powering the operations of Carnegie Steel when McDonald was established as a company town. Today, the waterway offers fishing spots, kayaking routes, and peaceful natural settings for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Village of McDonald Historical District
STEEL HERITAGE AREA
The Village of McDonald Historical District preserves the community's unique heritage as a company town founded by Carnegie Steel, later known as U.S. Steel. Visitors can observe the architectural influences of the early 20th century industrial era reflected in both public buildings and residential structures throughout the area. The district offers insight into how the steel industry shaped the development and culture of this small Ohio village.
10. Yellow Creek Park
SCENIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Yellow Creek Park provides visitors with miles of hiking trails through wooded areas and alongside the scenic Yellow Creek. The park features picnic areas, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a tranquil natural setting not far from McDonald. Seasonal changes transform the landscape throughout the year, making it worth multiple visits to experience the full range of natural beauty.
11. Mill Creek MetroParks
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mill Creek MetroParks encompasses over 4,400 acres of diverse natural landscapes offering recreational opportunities ranging from hiking and biking to golfing and boating. The park system includes stunning gardens, historic structures, sports facilities, and natural preserves that attract visitors throughout the year. Special events, educational programs, and seasonal activities make this expansive park system a cultural and recreational hub for the entire region.
12. Warren Amphitheater
RIVERSIDE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Warren Amphitheater hosts a variety of live performances including concerts, theatrical productions, and community events along the scenic Mahoning River. The outdoor venue features tiered seating that provides excellent views of the stage while allowing visitors to enjoy performances in the open air. Summer concert series and cultural festivals make this amphitheater a popular destination for entertainment seekers from McDonald and surrounding communities.
13. National Packard Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY COLLECTION
The National Packard Museum houses an impressive collection of Packard automobiles and memorabilia chronicling the legacy of this luxury car manufacturer. Exhibits showcase the evolution of Packard vehicles from the early 1900s through the brand's final production years, highlighting their innovation and craftsmanship. The museum preserves an important chapter of American automotive history with rotating displays, special events, and educational programs throughout the year.
14. Wagon Wheel Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Wagon Wheel Restaurant serves as a beloved local eatery offering homestyle cooking and comfort food favorites to McDonald residents and visitors. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot for families, friends, and community members looking for a hearty meal at reasonable prices. Classic American diner fare dominates the menu, with breakfast served all day alongside lunch and dinner specialties that keep customers coming back.
15. Butler Institute of American Art
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Butler Institute of American Art houses the nation's first collection dedicated exclusively to American art, featuring works spanning from the colonial era to contemporary pieces. The museum's impressive collection includes masterpieces by Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and numerous other significant American artists. Free admission makes this cultural treasure accessible to all visitors interested in exploring the rich history and diversity of American artistic expression.