Youngstown OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Youngstown, Ohio.
1. The Butler Institute of American Art
AMERICAN ART MASTERPIECES
The Butler Institute of American Art houses an impressive collection of American artwork spanning multiple centuries. Visitors can explore diverse artistic styles and movements that have shaped American cultural identity. The museum offers rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection, providing fresh experiences for repeat visitors.
2. Fellows Riverside Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Fellows Riverside Gardens offers 12 acres of meticulously maintained botanical displays that change with the seasons. Visitors can stroll through themed garden areas featuring colorful blooms, ornamental trees, and tranquil water features. The gardens provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and serve as a peaceful retreat from city life.
3. Mill Creek Park
NATURAL URBAN OASIS
Mill Creek Park spans over 4,500 acres of lush greenery and serene landscapes, making it one of the largest metropolitan parks in the country. The park features numerous recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas scattered throughout its diverse ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while exploring historic structures nestled within this urban natural escape.
4. Lanterman's Mill
HISTORIC WORKING MILL
Lanterman's Mill stands as a fully restored 19th-century gristmill that continues to operate today, demonstrating traditional grain-grinding techniques. Visitors can watch the water-powered mill in action and learn about its historical significance to the region's early economy. The picturesque setting alongside a waterfall makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the Youngstown area.
5. Mr. Darby's Antique & Collectible Emporium
VINTAGE TREASURE TROVE
Mr. Darby's Antique & Collectible Emporium houses an extensive collection of vintage items, collectibles, and unique memorabilia from various eras. Visitors can browse through countless aisles filled with furniture, decorative items, toys, and nostalgic pieces that tell stories of the past. The emporium offers something for both serious collectors and casual shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind treasures.
6. Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Racecourse
RACING AND GAMING
Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Racecourse combines the thrill of live horse racing with a modern gaming facility offering hundreds of video lottery terminals. Visitors can place bets on thoroughbred races while enjoying food and beverages from one of the venue's restaurants or bars. The entertainment complex hosts special events throughout the year, adding to its appeal as a year-round destination.
7. Youngstown Museum Of Industry And Labor
STEEL CITY HERITAGE
The Youngstown Museum Of Industry And Labor chronicles the city's rich industrial past, particularly its prominence in steel production. Exhibits feature authentic machinery, tools, and photographs that illustrate the working conditions and technological advances that shaped the region's development. The museum preserves the stories of generations of workers who contributed to Youngstown's industrial legacy.
8. OH WOW! Children's Center for Science & Technology
HANDS-ON SCIENCE DISCOVERY
OH WOW! Children's Center for Science & Technology offers interactive exhibits that make learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics engaging for children of all ages. Young visitors can conduct experiments, build structures, and explore scientific principles through hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity. The center regularly hosts special programs and demonstrations that complement its permanent exhibits.
9. Covelli Centre
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Covelli Centre serves as Youngstown's primary venue for large-scale concerts, sporting events, and family shows throughout the year. The multi-purpose arena features modern amenities and excellent sightlines that enhance the experience for attendees. With a seating capacity of over 5,000, the center attracts national touring acts and serves as home ice for local hockey teams.
10. Stambaugh Auditorium
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE HALL
Stambaugh Auditorium impresses visitors with its grand neoclassical architecture and renowned acoustics that have attracted world-class performers since 1926. The venue's main hall features a magnificent 2,553-pipe E.M. Skinner organ that remains one of the auditorium's treasured features. Beyond musical performances, the historic building hosts a variety of cultural events, weddings, and community gatherings throughout the year.
11. DeYor Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
DeYor Performing Arts Center houses multiple performance spaces, including the elegant Powers Auditorium, home to the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. The center showcases diverse programming ranging from classical concerts and Broadway shows to ballet performances and contemporary entertainment. Its beautifully preserved interior reflects the grandeur of its origins as a vaudeville and movie palace from the 1930s.
12. White House Fruit Farm
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
White House Fruit Farm delights visitors with its fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, and specialty food items available throughout the year. The farm market has become famous for its apple cider donuts, which draw customers from across the region, especially during fall harvest season. Beyond shopping, the farm hosts seasonal events including berry festivals, apple picking, and family-friendly activities that connect visitors to local agriculture.
13. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
LEGENDARY LOCAL SCOOPS
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has been serving fresh-made ice cream from its original Youngstown location since 1945. The beloved local institution offers over 40 flavors daily, all made on-site with premium ingredients according to time-honored recipes. Generations of residents and visitors line up at the walk-up windows regardless of season, testifying to the enduring quality of this Youngstown tradition.
14. Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
RIVERSIDE ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre provides an outdoor entertainment venue along the Mahoning River in downtown Youngstown. The modern facility hosts summer concerts, community festivals, and cultural events in its open-air setting with views of the city skyline. The surrounding park space offers additional amenities for visitors, creating a comprehensive entertainment district that has contributed to downtown revitalization.
15. Lily Pond
SERENE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Lily Pond showcases a natural wetland ecosystem within Mill Creek Park where visitors can observe various aquatic plants, including the namesake water lilies that bloom in summer. The peaceful setting features a boardwalk that allows for close viewing of turtles, frogs, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the area. Educational signage throughout the site helps visitors understand the ecological importance of wetland preservation while enjoying this tranquil natural setting.