Cultural Centers You Need Visit in Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown, Ohio, sits in the corner of the state along the Mahoning River. This region has been referred to as the Rust Belt for its participation in the steel industry. When the steel industry fell, the city had to find a new identity in technology-based businesses. Throughout its evolution, Youngstown has maintained a rich cultural scene that includes several historical and art museums.

Below are some of the city’s top cultural highlights. Be sure that you check with each destination before visiting for the latest hours and restrictions. Some may have temporary closings, limited hours, reduced admission fees, and other policy changes in place.

The Butler Institute of American Art

Image via Flickr by Jack W. Pearce

524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502

The Butler Institute of American Art describes the modern museum as “a vital center of cultural enrichment” that explores art and history as well as modern ideas and the “potential of humankind.” The museum was founded by Joseph G. Butler Jr. to serve as the first American art museum. The original building was dedicated in 1919 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum’s collections include everything from early American art to intriguing modern pieces based on technology. The museum regularly hosts special events like Family Days with special educational programs for families and Stroller Art mornings for infants up to 24 months. Check with the museum for the current availability of these and other programs. Admission is always free.

Arms Family Museum of Local History

648 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502

A 1905 Arts & Crafts style mansion, the Arms Family Museum features remnants of the original home as well as fascinating exhibits that explore art, architecture, handicrafts, and textiles. Exhibits on the home’s second floor include the Jeanne Tyler Costume Gallery and Arms Gallery.

The lower level of the home houses the Anne Kilcawley Christman Hands-On History Room, where you can interact with local history through arts and crafts, games, books, and other activities. Admission to the museum is $3.50 for adults, $3 for seniors and college students, and $2.50 for children. Kids under the age of 3 are free.

Tyler History Center

325 West Federal St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503

The Tyler History Center hosts summer programs, monthly lunch lectures, and gallery events. The Youngstown Foundation Community History Gallery in the center features rotating exhibits from community organizations, artists, and others that offer unique insights into local culture.

Admission to the Tyler History Center is $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for children, and $3 for seniors and college students. Children under 3 are free.

Lanterman’s Mill

1001 Canfield Road (SR 62), Youngstown, Ohio 44511

Construction on Lanterman’s Mill began in 1845 and was completed the following year. The mill operated faithfully for decades until the advent of roller mills outpaced Lanterman’s Mill’s grinding stones. The mill closed in 1888 and was converted to a park facility in 1892, which housed a ballroom, bathhouse, and concession stand.

In 1933, the first floor of Lanterman’s Mill became a nature museum. This was updated in 1972 to serve as a historical museum, and the entire building was added to the National Register of Historic Places shortly after in 1976.

The historic mill was restored between 1982 and 1985 and now operates just as it did when it was first built. Lanterman’s Mill faithfully grinds wheat, corn, and buckwheat, taking visitors back to another time. The preservative-free stone-ground buckwheat, whole wheat flour, and cornmeal are sold in the mill’s gift shop. Admission is $2 for out-of-county visitors, $1 for Mahoning County residents, $0.75 for children, and free for those under age 6.

D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center

123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44509

Located in Fellows Riverside Gardens, the visitor’s center includes several cultural highlights of Youngstown, free for general admission. The destination regularly hosts special programs and events for the community with facilities that include the Tyler Classroom, Kidston Classroom, and Rossi Auditorium.

You’ll also find the John C. Melnick, M.D. Mill Creek Park Museum here, which houses the ongoing Mill Creek MetroParks History exhibit. This offers an in-depth look at the development of the Fellows Riverside Gardens and the surrounding area. The Andrew and Carol Weller Gallery found here hosts a variety of art exhibits throughout the year. Don’t forget to stop at Shop in the Gardens for special gifts. If you’re hungry, Kravitz’s Garden Cafe is sure to add a delightful treat to your day.

McDonough Museum of Art

525 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502

Located on the Youngstown State University campus, the McDonough Museum of Art hosts both academic and public programs. It offers a rotating selection of exhibitions, performances, and lectures that explore contemporary art. You might hear a live performance of contemporary piano and flute compositions, hear an artist lecture, attend a gallery talk, screen a documentary film, or participate in a public reception for a new exhibition.

The museum is open to the public and general admission is free. Some special events are ticketed and have a separate fee.

Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor

151 West Wood St., Youngstown, Ohio 44501

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor highlights Ohio’s long-established role as a center of steel manufacturing in the U.S. You’ll find exhibits featuring steelworkers’ clothing and tools, a life-size recreation of a mill’s locker room, and the last heats of steel produced when the area’s steel mills closed for the final time.
Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for students. Children under age 6 are free. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the facility.

With a reliable vehicle at your disposal, you can explore these and other cultural highlights of Youngstown easily. We love these sites for anyone who wants to get to know Youngstown, Ohio, better. Did we miss any of your top cultural destinations? Let us know so we can add them to the list, and leave a comment to let us know how you enjoyed your visit to these top local destinations.