Youngstown

Youngstown is a city of 60,000 people in Northeast Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County. For Youngstown, it was all about coal and steel, until deindustrialization in the second half of the 20th century transformed the city. Today, Youngstown has reinvented itself as a cultural and educational hub, home to Youngstown State University and a surprising collection of art museums, theaters, and outdoor spaces that belie its industrial past.

The city's steel heritage is still visible in its architecture, neighborhoods, and the stories told at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor. The Butler Institute of American Art, the first museum dedicated to American art, is a point of civic pride. Mill Creek Metropark, encompassing approximately 2,600 acres, is the largest metropolitan park in the country — more than three times larger than Central Park in New York City.

Youngstown experiences a continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city's location near the Pennsylvania border gives it access to both the Cleveland and Pittsburgh metro areas. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and the parks are at their most beautiful.

By Plane

Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG IATA), off Routes 11 and 82 in Vienna, OH, ☏ +1 330 856-1537, is a small airport with limited commercial flights and some charter service to Atlantic City. Most travelers use Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE IATA, 70 miles northwest) or Pittsburgh International (PIT IATA, 70 miles southeast) for more flight options.

By Car / Road

Youngstown is served by I-76 (connecting to Akron and Pennsylvania to the east), I-80 (the Ohio Turnpike, serving Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown where I-80 and I-76 cross), and I-680 (providing access to downtown and outer suburbs). The city is approximately 60 miles from both Cleveland and Pittsburgh, making it a convenient stop between the two.

Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides inner city and suburban bus transportation. There is a taxi station next to the Greyhound/WRTA station on West Federal Street. For most exploration, driving is the most practical option.

• Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W Wood St, ☏ +1 330 941-1314 — W–F 10AM–4PM, Sa noon–4PM. Museum chronicling the rise and fall of steel in Youngstown. Adults $7, seniors $6, students $3, under 6 free.

• Arms Family Museum of Local History, 648 Wick Ave, ☏ +1 330 743-2589 — Local history museum with exhibits on Youngstown's past.

• Stambaugh Auditorium, ☏ +1 330 259-0555 — Former home of the Youngstown Symphony, now a general event venue.

• Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave, ☏ +1 330 743-1107 — Tu–Sa 11AM–4PM, Su noon–4PM. The first museum of American art. Free.

• McDonough Museum of Art, 525 Wick Ave, ☏ +1 330 941-1400 — Tu–Sa 11AM–4PM. Contemporary art museum at Youngstown State University, featuring student/faculty works and traveling shows. Free.

• Tyler History Center (Mahoning Valley Historical Society), 648 Wick Ave — Exhibits on local and regional history.

• Youngstown State University (YSU), ☏ +1 330 941-3000 — Known for its musical talents, hosting one of the oldest non-conservatory music schools in the US. The campus is generally safer than the rest of the city.

• Covelli Centre, 299 E. Front St, ☏ +1 330 746-5600 — Home of the Youngstown Phantoms and site of many major concerts.

• Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal Plaza — Built in 1931 by the Warner Brothers. Home to the Youngstown Symphony.

• Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane, ☏ +1 330 788-8739 — America's oldest ongoing community theater.

• Oakland Center for the Arts (The Oakland), 4749 South Ave, ☏ +1 330-406-0606 — Su–F 10AM–5PM, Sa 10AM–3PM. Interdisciplinary arts center established in 1986, featuring locally written plays, offbeat musicals, and the Kids First Theatre Initiative. $5 and up.

• Mahoning Valley Scrappers — Minor League Baseball.

• Youngstown Phantoms — USHL hockey.

• Youngstown State Penguins — NCAA Division I-AA Gateway Football Conference.

• Mill Creek Metropark — Approximately 2,600 acres with 20 miles of drives, 15 miles of foot trails, gardens, streams, lakes, woodlands, and meadows. Hiking, biking, picnicking, boating, golf, tennis, and more.

• Boardman Township Park — Outdoor theater and trails.

Budget: Avalon Downtown, 17 W Federal St, ☏ +1 330-740-0000 — Downtown pizzeria. Handel's Ice Cream, 3931 Handel's Court, ☏ +1 330-788-0356 — Ice cream chain based in Youngstown, known for rich, creamy flavors.

Mid-range: Springfield Grille, 7413 Tiffany S, Boardman, ☏ +1 330-726-0895 — Steakhouse with quality cuts. Scarsella's Italian Restaurant, 4151 Market St, ☏ +1 330-788-0806 — Family-style Italian dining.

Upscale: Cassie's MVR, 410 N Walnut St, ☏ +1 330-746-7067 — M–Sa 11AM–11PM. Upscale dining experience.

B & O Boxcar Lounge, 534 Mahoning Ave, ☏ +1 330-707-4474 — Great beer selection, located next to B & O Station. Imbibe Martini Bar, 124 W Federal Plaza — Craft cocktails in an elegant setting. Downtown Draught House, West Federal Plaza — Tons of beer selections, home of Spacekat BBQ. Penguin City Brewing Company, 460 E Federal St, ☏ +1-330-755-0709 — Local craft brewery with a taproom in downtown Youngstown.

Budget: Quality Inn Austintown-Youngstown West, 870 N Canfield Niles Rd, ☏ +1 330 544-2378 — From $63 (Feb 2022). Clean, affordable rooms near I-80.

Mid-range: Fairfield Inn & Suites Youngstown Austintown, 801 N Canfield Niles Rd, ☏ +1 330 505-2173 — Modern rooms with complimentary breakfast.

Upscale / heritage: Downtown Youngstown has seen some boutique accommodation development, with renovated historic buildings offering unique stays.

Southern Park Mall in Boardman offers mainstream shopping. Downtown Youngstown has antique shops and specialty stores. The Wick Avenue area near the museums has local boutiques and galleries.

• Cleveland (65 miles northwest, ~1 hr) — Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Lake Erie waterfront.
• Pittsburgh (65 miles southeast, ~1 hr) — Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory, and vibrant Strip District.
• Akron (55 miles west, ~1 hr) — Stan Hywet Hall, Akron Art Museum, and the RubberDucks baseball team.
• Canton (45 miles south, ~50 min) — Pro Football Hall of Fame and National First Ladies' Library.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (50 miles northwest, ~1 hr) — Ohio's only national park with hiking, waterfalls, and the Scenic Railroad.