Top 7 Parks To Try Near Boardman, Ohio

There’s nothing better than spending time in the great outdoors in the fresh air and green grass with plenty of room to breathe. Fortunately, the greater Boardman, Ohio, area is full of parks, gardens, and other areas where visitors can experience the beauty of nature. From playgrounds and picnic areas to bike paths and the best birdwatching spots, Boardman parks have it all. Next time you have a free afternoon, jump in the car and zoom out to one of the area’s parks. Here are seven parks to try near Boardman.

Boardman Park

You don’t have to travel far to find this park. Boardman Park is a 227-acre gem in the heart of Boardman, Ohio, and it has something for visitors of every age. Kids will spend hours on the huge playgrounds. Kids’ Town playground is a large wooden structure full of tunnels, tires, and other elements that will spark kids’ imaginations, while Tots’ Town is a safe space for younger children to enjoy.

In addition to the many playgrounds, visitors can take advantage of tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and bocce courts, as well as ball fields and even a nine-hole disc golf course. Level walking trails provide a smooth surface for walkers, runners, and bikers, while nature trails meander through the woods. Groups can take advantage of ample shelters, benches, picnic tables, and restrooms. Finally, be sure to stop by in every season to enjoy the many community events held here. Whether you enjoy hayrides, ice skating, or just picnicking in the park, you will find something fun to do at Boardman Park.

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Next time you’re in Youngstown, you’ll want to make a stop at Fellows Riverside Gardens. These public botanical gardens offer 12 acres of beauty adjoining Mill Creek MetroParks. Free and open to the public, Fellows Riverside Gardens attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. Families and friends flock to the gardens to see labeled flower displays that include annuals, roses, perennials, tulips, trees, woody shrubs, and so much more. An observation tower provides a beautiful view of Lake Glacier, while a visitor center houses a restaurant, museum, art gallery, gift shop, classrooms, and a horticultural library.

Mill Creek Park

Image via Flickr by EDrost88

Founded in 1891, Mill Creek Park stretches all the way from the west side of Youngstown to the border of Boardman. Officially known as Mill Creek MetroParks, the area encompasses over 2,000 acres of trails, streams, ponds, waterfalls, and wetlands. For those who love to enjoy the outdoors by car, Mill Creek Park offers over 20 miles of roads meant for scenic drives.

Boating and fishing are popular activities on Lake Glacier, Lake Newport, and Lake Cohasset, which can all be found within the park’s borders. The historic Lanterman’s Mill, powered by water, operates just as it did in the 1800s. Visitors can observe the production of meal and flour and can even take home some stone-ground cornmeal or buckwheat.
Mill Creek Park is so big, you’ll want to visit again and again. Other key attractions including a performing arts pavilion, multiple playgrounds, two 18-hole golf courses, a nature center, an old log cabin, and a suspension bridge.

Lake Milton State Park

Do you love to put your toes in the sand, splash in the water, or reel in a few fish? If so, you need to check out Lake Milton State Park, located just west of Youngstown. With water-related activities for everyone, this waterside park is worth the short drive. The lake, which is designated for unlimited horsepower, offers multiple boat launch ramps as well as seasonal dock rentals. Fishing is a popular activity at the lake and on the nearby Mahoning River, located at the south end.

Swimmers and sunbathers alike can enjoy the 600-foot sand beach. Restrooms, change booths, and showers are available as well as basketball and sand volleyball courts. Be sure to bring lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s four picnic shelters, then let the kids run off some steam at the playground.

While Lake Milton is a delightful spring and summer destination, it’s also one of winter’s best-kept-secrets. Head to the park during the colder months to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Daffodil Meadow

Image via Flickr by Tobyotter

Spring is the season to visit Daffodil Meadow. Every year since 1932, masses of daffodils have bloomed in the Newport Section of Mill Creek Park, thanks to dedicated volunteers who plant bulbs in the fall. Thousands of visitors flock to the meadow each spring to enjoy the flowers. The park was originally conceived to provide gorgeous views from the windows of automobiles, but it has since become a favorite of visitors traveling on foot and by bicycle.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for an engagement session, senior photos, or family portraits, Daffodil Meadow should be at the top of your list. Thousands of yellow and white daffodils make a beautiful background for photographs.

Lincoln Park

On the east side of Youngstown, you’ll find Lincoln Park. This scenic area is home to a curious landmark, Council Rock. According to legend, several Native American tribes met at the rock in 1775 to celebrate a victory over British forces. During the feast, a storm blew into the area, causing mayhem. They say a single flash of lightning struck the rock, splitting it. Today, visitors to the park can touch the rock, which is about the size of a small car. The park also features a newly improved walking trail, park benches, and picnic tables.

Buhl Park

For a weekend adventure, gas up the car and drive over to Hermitage, Pennsylvania. That’s where you’ll find Buhl Park. Established in 1915, this park has over 260 acres for visitors to explore. Mountain bikers will love the paved pump track that leads into 5 miles of biking trails. The park is also home to an 18-hole disc golf course, a winding fitness trail, a free public golf course, an off-leash dog park, eight tennis courts, and a 207,000-gallon outdoor pool. Head to the park’s Lake Julia to rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and pedal boats.

Are you ready to get outside? The parks are calling. Before you head out on your next adventure, visit Sweeney Chevrolet, where you can pick out the perfect vehicle for any car trip. Whether you are headed to a park down the road or across the state line, you can count on one of our Chevys to get you there in style, comfort, and safety.