10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Youngstown, Ohio (Mahoning County)
If you’re looking for a Midwest getaway that’s easy to reach, affordable, and surprisingly fun,
Youngstown, Ohio deserves a spot on your list. This Mahoning County city sits right between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, making it a convenient weekend trip for many people in the USA.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local food, history, or family-friendly activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do near Youngstown. Let’s dive into ten great ideas to help you plan your visit.
1. Wander the Gardens at Fellows Riverside Gardens & Mill Creek Park
If you only have time for
one thing in Youngstown, make it
Fellows Riverside Gardens in
Mill Creek Park.
This free public garden is filled with colorful flowers, peaceful walking paths, and overlooks of Lake Glacier. On a sunny day, you can easily spend a couple of hours just strolling, taking photos, and enjoying the views.
Inside the visitor center, you’ll often find:
- Seasonal flower shows
- Educational displays about local plants
- A small gift shop with garden-themed items
Mill Creek Park itself is huge—over 2,600 acres—so after the gardens, you can go for a hike, rent a pedal boat in season, or simply relax by the water.
2. Hike, Bike, and Explore Mill Creek MetroParks
Youngstown’s biggest surprise is how
green it is. Mill Creek MetroParks winds through the city and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the countryside.
Here are a few highlights to check out:
- Lanterman’s Mill & Covered Bridge – A historic gristmill from the 1840s, still grinding grain. The covered bridge nearby is a perfect photo spot.
- East Cohasset and East Golf Hike & Bike Trails – Paved trails ideal for easy biking, walking, or jogging.
- Lake Newport and Lake Glacier – Calm lakes where you can spot ducks, turtles, and beautiful fall colors.
If you like nature but don’t want anything too intense, this park is perfect. Most trails are easy to moderate, and many are shaded, which is great on a hot summer day.
3. Take a Campus Walk and Art Break at Youngstown State University
Right in downtown Youngstown,
Youngstown State University (YSU) gives the city a youthful, energetic feel.
A simple campus walk can turn into a nice afternoon:
- Stroll through the central campus green.
- Check out public art and sculptures scattered around.
- Stop into the McDonough Museum of Art for contemporary exhibits (admission is often free).
If you’re in town during the school year, look at YSU’s event calendar. You may find:
- Student theater productions
- Guest lectures
- Free or low-cost concerts
It’s an easy way to add a little culture to your Youngstown visit without breaking the bank.
4. Dive Into Local History at the Tyler History Center
Curious about how Youngstown became a steel town and what happened after the mills closed? The
Tyler History Center in downtown Youngstown is a great place to start.
Inside this historic building, you’ll find:
- Exhibits on the rise and fall of the steel industry
- Stories of immigrants who came to work in the mills
- Artifacts from everyday life in Mahoning County over the years
It’s not a giant museum, which is actually a plus. You can see everything in about an hour or two, and the displays are easy to follow even if you’re not a big history buff.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can turn it into a little “time travel” game: have them find an old tool or object and guess how it was used, then read the sign together.
5. Catch a Show or Game at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre & Covelli Centre
If you like live entertainment, downtown Youngstown has two big draws:
- The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre – An outdoor venue where you can catch concerts and community events during warmer months.
- Covelli Centre – An indoor arena that hosts hockey games, family shows, concerts, and more.
Depending on when you visit, you might be able to:
- See a big-name band or country artist
- Watch a minor league hockey game
- Take the kids to an ice show or circus-style event
Tip: Check event calendars before you book your trip. Sometimes you can line up your getaway with a concert or game and get a lot more out of your stay.
6. Eat Your Way Through Youngstown’s Local Food Scene
Youngstown’s food scene is cozy and down-to-earth, with lots of family-owned spots. Thanks to its strong Italian and Eastern European roots, you’ll find some serious comfort food here.
A few local flavors to look for:
- Homemade pasta and pizza at long-running Italian restaurants
- Stuffed cabbage and pierogi in neighborhood diners
- Classic American diners with big breakfasts and friendly service
If you’re not sure where to start, ask a local, “Where’s your favorite place for pizza or pasta?” You’ll probably get at least three passionate recommendations.
You can also head to:
- Downtown Youngstown – For a mix of modern eateries, coffee shops, and bars.
- Boardman (just south of Youngstown in Mahoning County) – For a wide range of restaurants and chains along U.S. 224.
7. Step Inside Arms Family Museum for a Historic House Tour
If you enjoy old houses and local stories, the
Arms Family Museum is a great stop. This early 1900s mansion sits on Wick Avenue near downtown and shows off what life was like for a well-to-do Youngstown family.
Inside, you’ll see:
- Original woodwork and stained glass
- Period furniture and decor
- Exhibits on local history and decorative arts
Around the holidays, the museum is especially magical. They decorate the entire house with elaborate Christmas trees and themed rooms—a favorite tradition for many local families. If you’re planning a winter visit, keep this in mind.
8. Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Lake Milton State Park
About 20–25 minutes west of Youngstown in Mahoning County, you’ll find
Lake Milton State Park. It’s a nice choice if you want to spend time on or near the water.
At Lake Milton, you can:
- Go boating or jet skiing (there’s a large lake with public access)
- Try fishing for bass, walleye, and more
- Relax on the small public swimming beach
- Walk easy lakeside trails
Pack a cooler, some folding chairs, and maybe a book, and you’ve got a low-stress summer day outdoors.
If you’re traveling by RV or enjoy camping, look into campsites in and around the park for a budget-friendly stay that’s still close to Youngstown attractions.
9. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch in Boardman & Austintown
Just outside Youngstown, two Mahoning County suburbs—
Boardman and
Austintown—offer plenty of everyday fun.
In
Boardman, along U.S. 224, you’ll find:
- Shopping plazas and national retailers
- Chain restaurants and local favorites
- Boardman Park, a pleasant green space with walking paths and playgrounds
In
Austintown, you’ll find:
- Casual restaurants and diners
- Local bars and sports pubs
- Community events and festivals throughout the year
This area isn’t about big “wow” attractions, but it’s convenient, relaxed, and very visitor-friendly. It’s also where many hotels are located, which makes it a practical base for exploring Youngstown and the rest of Mahoning County.
10. Experience Culture at the Butler Institute of American Art
For art lovers—or anyone who just appreciates a quiet, beautiful space—the
Butler Institute of American Art is a must-see.
Located next to YSU, this museum focuses on American art and includes:
- Classic paintings from well-known American artists
- Modern and contemporary works
- Special rotating exhibits that keep things fresh
One of the best parts?
Admission is typically free.
Even if you’re not an art expert, walking through the galleries can be peaceful and inspiring. It’s a nice break between more active stops like Mill Creek Park or Lake Milton.
Planning Your Youngstown Trip: Quick Tips
To make the most of your visit to Youngstown, Ohio and the rest of Mahoning County, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for outdoor activities. Fall is especially beautiful with changing leaves in Mill Creek Park.
- How long to stay: A weekend is enough for the highlights, but 3–4 days lets you explore more leisurely.
- Getting around: A car is very helpful. Attractions are spread out, and public transit is limited.
- Where to stay: Look at hotels in Boardman, Austintown, or near downtown Youngstown for easy access to most sights.
Final Thoughts: Why Youngstown, Ohio Is Worth a Visit
Youngstown may not be the first name that pops into your head when you think “vacation,” but that’s exactly why it’s so appealing. It’s:
- Affordable
- Easy to get around
- Full of nature, history, and local flavor
From walking the trails of Mill Creek MetroParks to exploring local museums and grabbing a hearty meal at a family-owned restaurant, there’s a simple, genuine charm to this Mahoning County city.
Have you been to Youngstown or somewhere else in northeast Ohio? I’d love to hear what you enjoyed most.
Share this post with friends or family who are looking for new places to visit in Ohio, and
drop a comment with your favorite Youngstown spot or any questions you have about planning a trip. Your tips and stories can help other travelers discover this underrated corner of Ohio!
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