Top 10 Things to do in Youngstown Ohio

 

Here are the top 10 things to do in Youngstown, OH — a mix of natural beauty, culture, history, and vibrant local experiences. Let’s dive in!

List of top 10 things to do in Youngstown, OH

1. Mill Creek MetroParks & Lanterman's Mill 

This massive 4,400-acre park is a haven of waterfalls, lakes, trails, a golf course, and gardens. 

2. Butler Institute of American Art

Established in 1919 as America’s first museum devoted exclusively to American art, with over 22,000 works. 

3. Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor ("Steel Museum")

Delve into Youngstown's industrial past with artifacts from its steel era, including real machinery and worker narratives. 

Stambaugh Auditorium

A magnificent Beaux‑Arts concert hall dating back to 1926, featuring a historic E.M. Skinner pipe organ and a packed schedule of symphonies, dance, and classic musicals. 

5. Covelli Centre

This multi-purpose downtown arena—home to the USHL Youngstown Phantoms—hosts ice hockey, arena football, concerts, and family entertainment. 

6. Ward Beecher Planetarium (YSU)

Step into the cosmos at Youngstown State University’s planetarium, offering educational star shows and no-cost admission.

7. Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum (YSU)

A gem for rock & mineral lovers, this museum showcases specimens from around the world, complete with family-friendly displays. 

8. Fellows Riverside Gardens

Located within Mill Creek Park, this formal garden spans 12 acres of beautifully landscaped pathways, vibrant blooms, and seasonal charm. 

9. Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI)

Discover how Youngstown is thriving in tech—tours of this 3D‑printing and VR-focused incubator highlight the city’s high‑tech renaissance. 

10. White House Fruit Farm (nearby Austintown)

A cozy, family-owned gem offering fresh produce, cider, and famous blueberry donuts—perfect for a low-key, tasty outing. 

Suggested Itinerary

Morning: Hike or bike Mill Creek Park → Mill Creek falls & Suspension Bridge

Midday: Visit Lanterman’s Mill → Picnic in the gardens

Afternoon: Explore the Butler Institute → YSU campus stops (planetarium, mineral museum)

Evening: Attend cultural events at Stambaugh Auditorium or Covelli Centre

Inside Tips

Plan park visits in spring or summer for blooming gardens and vibrant foliage.

Check performance schedules in advance at Stambaugh and Covelli.

Many cultural sites (Butler, planetarium, mineral museum) offer free admission but appreciate donations.

Try Penguin City, Noble Creature, or Modern Methods breweries, plus iconic local pizza joints like Avalon and Wedgewood. 

Why Youngstown Stands Out

A blend of rich steel-era history and modern innovation via YBI and tech start-ups. 

Affordable, community-focused living—recognized by Travel + Leisure / Investopedia as a top Midwest retiree destination. 

Nature enthusiasts, art lovers, and families all find something to enjoy—from parks to planetariums to artisanal produce.

Final Take

Youngstown offers a surprising depth of experiences: sprawling natural parks with historical flair, nationally significant art and industrial museums, thriving live performance venues, and a futuristic pulse in tech innovation—all delivered without the big-city fuss. It’s a city where the past enriches the present, and visitors leave with both fond memories and new insights.