Mill Creek Metroparks

Best.Park.Ever. Mill Creek has been one of our favorite things since we have moved to Youngstown. It feels like a drive in Tennessee, with streams, rocks, and trees everywhere. Check out Fellows Riverside Garden and the old Mill, too. So much to explore, we look forward to months of exploration. :)

This metro park is absolutely wonderful in every way! It is truly a Youngstown wonder! If only the city would stop running sewage into the waterways, the park could be enjoyed to its full potential. I love to hike here with my dogs. There are many nice bike paths, too! I have also taken many of my elementary classes on field trips to various locations of the park. It never disappoints us!

I started coming to Mill Creek when I was attending college; to me, it really is like an oasis amidst all the rust and decay. Mill Creek is where I asked R to marry me, and where we held our wedding reception. It’s where we rode our mountain bikes on the trails even though you’re not supposed to, and where we watched our daughter’s eyes open wide when she saw a snapping turtle for the first time. It’s where we go for walks with family, where we go to see Santa, and where we eat our annual roasted chestnuts. It’s where we spit out our annual roasted chestnuts too, because chestnuts are nasty. Anyway, this review is really like a love letter, because I owe so many beautiful moments in my life to this humble green area in the middle of a small rust belt city. I’ll keep coming back until I can’t, and then I’ll be sad.

Simply, Youngstown’s jewel. Thousands of acres in the heart of the community. I cannot be objective because I grew up in Youngstown and it is in my blood. This was originally founded in the 1890’s to serve as a respite for the people of Youngstown from the grit and grime of the steel mills. We are so lucky to have this park. The layout was done by Charles Eliot who had apprenticed with Frederick Law Olmstead. If visiting Youngstown, spend some time here.

Surprised there aren’t more reviews of this; but then, I’ve been going there for forty years and just thought to review it after my visit this weekend.
Beautiful. Huge. Relaxing. Not much to add, really; what more do you want in a park? There are plenty of access points throughout town. The water varies from a narrow crick to a good-​size lake. There are canoes; not sure how rental works.
If I lived in Youngstown I’d go several times a week. With family in town, I stop by every time I visit.

This was a beautiful place to spend a morning during a trip to visit some family. We spent most of our time in the garden area; taking a leisurely stroll and admiring nature. The lawns are manicured and the place is very well-​maintained. The roses and other flowers were just gorgeous and you can tell a lot of care goes into keeping everything so lush and colorful.
I don’t know how crowded it normally gets as this was midweek, but it seemed like we had the whole garden to ourselves. The fountains add a bit of bubbling life and there are a lot of benches to set yourself down to read or reflect. My son had a great time having a run of the place and exploring the plants and wildlife (ladybugs!).
Winding through the park I noticed nice areas for picnics, a place for paddle-​boats, spaces to rent for outdoor parties. I’ll have to remember to come back to this place the next time we’re in the area.

Every time I visit Youngstown I realize that I completely took MIll Creek Parks for granted while I still lived there. These parks are amazing and have so much to offer… and not every city has a park like this.
My favorite part had to be the 1.5 mile stretch of paved walkway between Shields and 224. I always park on Shields because it has more parking available but if it’s full there is always the 224 option and there are some businesses down the road that you could park at. I love this trail because it’s traffic-​free and and so many people out there doing what you are there for… running, walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. Pet friendly.
Rain or shine, hot or cold, I visit every time I am in the area.