The Best Things To Do In Youngstown, Ohio
A special thanks to Youngstown Live and Ohio. Find It Here. for sponsoring this post!
Once home to some of the greatest early 20th century steel producing manufacturers in the country, Youngstown is now a city on the rise once again. From historical architecture, a vibrant arts and culture scene, spectacular outdoor public parks, fun community events showcasing the revitalization of the city and a fantastic dining scene, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Youngstown, Ohio!
Looking for more things to do in Northeast Ohio? Read these Northeast Ohio Travel Guides.
Where is Youngstown, Ohio?
Youngstown is located in Northeast Ohio, along the Mahoning River in Mahoning County. The city is about an hour drive southeast of Cleveland, 2.5-3-hour drive northeast of Columbus and 4-4.5-hour drive northeast of Cincinnati.
Things To Do In Youngstown Ohio
We recently visited Youngstown for the first time and let me tell you, we had THE best weekend exploring the city and Mahoning County! Below you’ll find lots of great Youngstown attractions to add to your weekend getaway itinerary. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway or friends’ retreat, here are the best things to do in Youngstown Ohio!
The Butler Institute of American Art
Founded in 1919, The Butler Institute of American Art was the first museum in the country to house a collection of strictly American works. The museum’s collection exceeds 22,000 pieces, some dating back to 1710, and there’s even an original Van Gogh painting on display. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the Italianate style building, as it is just as impressive as the artwork it houses. The Butler Institute of American Art is a beautifully curated art museum and a cultural gem focusing on American artists. It’s also one of the best free things do in Youngstown, Ohio!
Address: 524 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44502
Website: https://butlerart.com
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor (The Steel Museum)
The Steel Museum documents the rise and fall of the steel industry in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. By the 1920’s, the Mahoning Valley was second only to Pittsburgh in domestic steel production. By the 1980’s, the prevalence of steel in the area’s economy had diminished. The museum features several exhibits with hundreds of photographs and memorabilia representing the labor, immigration, and urban history of the Mahoning Valley.
Address: 151 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://www.youngstownohiosteelmuseum.org
Admire Historic Architecture In Downtown Youngstown
With roots dating back to the 1800’s and with the thriving hub of the steel industry in the early 1900’s, numerous historic buildings can be found throughout downtown Youngstown. While strolling the streets admire the Stambaugh Building (1907), Mahoning County Courthouse (1910), The Wick Building (1910), The Wells Building (1917), The Realty Building (1924), State Theater (1927), Central Tower Building (1929), The Ohio One Building (1930), Peggy Ann Building (1930) and many more historic structures.
Ward Beecher Planetarium
Located on Youngstown State University’s campus, the Ward Beecher Planetarium has been in service for more than 50 years. Providing astronomy and space science programs to the public, it’s another great educational and free thing to do in Youngstown!
Address: One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555
Website: https://www.wbplanetarium.org
9/11 Memorial Park
The 9/11 Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of those who perished on September 11, 2001. Remnants of the World Trade Center beams, building stones from the Pentagon, dirt from the crash site of Flight 93 and memorials to the first responders are on display.
Address: 1055 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, OH 44515
Website: https://youngstownlive.com/attraction/9-11-memorial-park/
Mill Creek Park
Established in 1891 as Ohio’s first park district, Mill Creek Park MetroParks extends 4,500 + acres from Youngstown and throughout Mahoning County. With more than 2,800 acres, Mill Creek Park is the largest area of the MetroParks and features 20 miles of drives and 45 miles of trails.
Visiting Mill Creek Park was one of the highlights of our weekend getaway! We were surprised at how beautiful this park was and just a tad bit jealous of Youngstown locals who can access this park all the time. While there’s lots of spectacular landscapes to view, we couldn’t visit every location within the park and just focused on the highlights. We will make a return visit to explore more of this local gem!
If you have limited time to explore Mill Creek Park, be sure to visit these impressive sites:
Fellows Riverside Gardens
This 12-acre garden features more than 2,000 plant species throughout 30 different areas. From gigantic shade trees to a fragrant rose garden, an observation tower to view Lake Glacier, a dedicated garden to Ohio Native plants and trees and so much more, this spot is a nature enthusiast’s dream!
While it’s in full vibrant bloom during the summer, I can’t wait to return in the spring to see over 40,000 bulbs bloom! Plan some extra time during your visit to explore the education and visitor center and dine at the Garden Café.
Fellows Riverside Gardens Address: 123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44509
Lanterman’s Mill and Covered Bridge
Lanterman’s Mill dates to 1846 and is one of Mahoning County’s most historic sites. This lovingly restored gristmill still operates today, grinding corn and wheat. I’ve been wanting to visit this historic landmark for quite some time as brilliant photographs have captured my imagination with the lovely scene of the mill, natural waterfall, gorge, and covered bridge. Seeing the mill scene in person did not disappoint and I of course captured dozens of photographs of this historic landmark.
Lanterman’s Mill Address: 1001 Canfield Road (SR 62), Youngstown, OH 44511
Mill Creek Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge, known as the Cinderella Bridge by locals, was built in 1895. It spans Mill Creek and connects the east and west sides of the park. It’s both pedestrian and vehicle friendly and makes for a great park photo opp.
More spots to see in Mill Creek Park: Lily Pond, Daffodil Meadow, Lake Glacier and dozens of fantastic hiking trails.
Mill Creek MetroParks Website: https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org
Youngstown Flea
The Youngstown Flea, a monthly “Market for Maker’s,” happens April through October. Dozens of local vendors and food trucks make this monthly event a community celebration. We found lots of great goodies including; fragrant candles from Bonica Olor Candle Co., yummy handmade macarons from Whipped by Aubrey, local honey from Happy Honey Bee Co. and cute dog accessories from Little Paws Apparel. Be sure to add the Flea to your Youngstown weekend itinerary!
Address: 365 E. Boardman Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: http://youngstownflea.com
Phelps Street Gateway
This pedestrian only street is a welcomed new addition to downtown Youngstown. You’ll find outdoor patio space, restaurants, and bars along the Phelps Street Gateway. It’s a great spot for dinner and drinks prior to attending a live show at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre as it’s just a short walk to the amphitheater and Wean Park.
Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
Located in Wean Park, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre is a great spot to experience outdoor entertainment and community events. Overlooking the city skyline, it can seat up to 4,800 people. During the summer, well-known musicians and bands energize the park’s green space with live concerts. The Huntington Bank Community Alley sits underneath the Market Street bridge and is a convenient pathway from downtown Youngstown to the amphitheater.
Address: 201 South Phelps Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://theyoungstownfoundationamp.com
Wean Park
The Raymond John Wean Foundation Park features over 20 acres of green space and walking paths. With the city as it’s backdrop, Wean Park is home to the iconic Youngstown sign (the perfect Insta-worthy photo spot), the Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, and the Huntington Bank Community Alley.
The newly unveiled Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue celebrates a monumental moment in American sports and culture. The “A Handshake for the Century” statue memorializes the 1946 handshake of future Hall-of-Famer Jackie Robinson and his teammate, Youngstown native George Shuba.
Address: 201 South Phelps Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://weanpark.com
Covelli Centre
Watch a live performance, concert, sporting event or cheer on local United States Hockey League team, the Youngstown Phantoms at the Covelli Centre.
Address: 229 East Front Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://covellicentre.com
Things To Do Near Youngstown Ohio
While you’ll find plenty of attractions within the city limits, be sure to explore all that Mahoning County has to offer. From wineries to fruit farms, there’s lots of fun things to do near Youngstown Ohio.
Aqua Pazzo Modern Italian Restaurant
Aqua Pazzo, has become one of my new {to me} favorite restaurants in Ohio! This modern Italian eatery is more than just a restaurant, it’s a destination that you need to experience. From the inviting décor featuring black-and-white photographs of the iconic Sophia Loren, soft lighting for the perfect ambiance, an outdoor patio that whisks you away to al fresco dining in Italy to the most incredible and delectable Italian food, Aqua Pazzo is a little slice of paradise in Northeast Ohio!
My husband and I love when a meal makes us reminisce (even years after eating it) and we say, “remember when we were in ___ and ate ___?” Well, our meal at Aqua Pazzo is one of those fantastic meals that we’ll remember forever. Our meal consisted of hand made fresh mozzarella caprese, crispy risotto balls (arancini), 3-meat meatballs with mozzarella, wood-oven octopus and potatoes, cacio e pepe with local Molnar farms corn, summer lobster pasta, warm butter cake and tiramisu.
Address: 492 McClurg Road, Boardman, OH 44512
Website: https://www.aquapazzo.com
Youngstown Harley-Davidson
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast like my husband and I, then you need to visit Youngstown Harley-Davidson. This is the only Harley-Davidson dealership in the country to have a brewery located onsite. Add this stop on your northeast Ohio motorcycle ride to drink a craft beer or Biker-Rita from Biker BrewHouse.
Address: 5700 Patriot Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44515
Website: https://youngstownharleydavidson.com
White House Fruit Farm
This farm market is located in a renovated 1881 barn and sells thousands of products from fresh produce to specialty foods. It’s a great place to purchase local produce and Ohio-made foods, so be sure to pack a cooler to store your fresh goodies.
Also, you can’t miss their freshly made donuts. I was told their blueberry donuts are “world-famous,” and I can confirm (after eating one, ok fine, I had two) that they are absolutely delicious!
Address: 9249 St. Rt. 62, Canfield, OH 44406
Website: https://www.whitehousefruitfarm.com
Visit Local Wineries
Whenever I’m visiting a new destination, I like to sample local wines. Mahoning County has five wineries: Halliday’s Winery, Lil Paws Winery & Brewery, L’uva Bella Winery & Bistro, Mastropietro Winery, and The Vineyards at Pine Lake. We visited Mastropietro Winery and enjoyed sipping on wine slushies on their expansive outdoor patio and had the perfect summer evening sampling wines and dining al fresco while overlooking Pine Lake at The Vineyards at Pine Lake.
If you’re more of a beer drinker, stop by Biker BrewHouse, Noble Creature Cask House or Paladin Brewing to sample some local cold brews.
Where To Stay In Youngstown
While there are lots of accommodation options throughout the City of Youngstown and Mahoning County, my pick would be the Double Tree Youngstown.
The hotel is located in the historic Stambaugh Building, which was built in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the rooms have modern amenities, original details dating to the 1900’s can be found throughout the building.
Our room was spacious and comfortable, we enjoyed the large lounge space on the second floor and having Bistro 1907 on-site for cocktails and brunch made the Double Tree Youngstown the perfect retreat for our weekend getaway and one of the best places to stay in Youngstown Ohio.
Address: 44 East Federal Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: Double Tree By Hilton Youngstown Downtown
Youngstown Ohio Restaurants
We ate SO much great food during our Youngstown weekend getaway! In fact, we’re already planning another Youngstown foodie weekend to explore more local restaurants and revisit a few of our favorites!
Here’s a few of our favorite places to eat in Youngstown Ohio:
Aqua Pazzo
Address: 492 McClurg Road, Boardman, OH 44512
Website: https://www.aquapazzo.com
Bistro 1907
Address: 44 East Federal Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://bistro1907.com
West 34
Address: 34 West Federal Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://westthirtyfour.com
The Mocha House Café & Eatery
Address: 120 East Boardman Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website: https://www.mochahouse.com/youngstown
Also try Fellows Riverside Garden Café, V2 Wine Bar Trattoria, Suzie’s Dogs & Drafts, Gringo’s Tacos, Butter Maid Bakery and OH Donut Co.
Youngstown makes for the perfect weekend getaway! From the revitalization of downtown to historical landmarks, a thriving arts and culture scene, spectacular parks awaiting to be explored, farmers markets, local wineries and breweries and delicious dining options, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Youngstown, Ohio!
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