Ford Nature Center — Attraction in Youngstown

I decided to stop in with my two granddaughters since I hadn’t seen the center since the renovations. Every inch was amazing. I was especially impressed with the lower level that gives children a fully immersive interactive experience with the natural world around them. The building itself? Nothing short of stunning. I would love to see photos of the place when it was used as a home, though. I’m puzzled by the low reviews. This is a hands-on nature center—not a selfie tour opportunity. The point is the leave nature as is—not to ruin it by paving trails so you don’t need to watch where you are walking. There are some graded trails for those with actual mobility issues. Who gives a one star because their child trips on a step? For we locals, the Ford Nature Center is yet another reason to be proud of our valley. I am one who learned to love and appreciate nature from the patient and wise Mr. Washington, and I know he...

We are locals, but I’ve never been to this nature center. On a whim I decided to check it out. It was way better than I had even expected, absolutely beautiful, very informative. I learned a lot about Millcreek Park, birds, nature, and some of our local history. The staff was very kind. There is a gift shop, but it does not cost anything to go in and see inside the facility or walk the trails outside. I don’t know how anybody could complain about this place. Mill Creek Park does an...

The home itself is almost completely closed off. There is some cool kid activities in one room, a very sparse library, and some meh animal exhibits. The biggest part is the gift shop. The trails behind are mostly untended and parts are seriously dangerous. I went hoping to see a historical home but I was very, very disappointed. The only thing to look at on the trails are the...