Mill Creek Park- Youngstown, OH

Mill Creek is one of the most magnificent parks I have ever visited. Seriously. A diverse gem, it is one of the finest urban parks in the United States. From dramatic vistas and arched stone bridges to gorgeous geology, it is stunning in every season.

Founded in 1891 by Volney Rogers as a respite from Youngstown’s heavy industry, the park was designed as an escape. Roads and trails were cut through the dense woods, rivers damned to create lakes, and existing structures, such as the Pioneer Pavilion, were restored. Formal gardens were added, as well as a fanciful suspension bridge in 1895. In 1928, two Donald Ross golf courses were added, followed by a fieldhouse in 1929.

Within the boundaries of the park, you forget the surrounding developed world. Miles of trails wind through ancient gorges, and alongside manmade lakes that look unquestionably natural, a truly outstanding example of landscape architecture. Other highlights include a mill constructed in 1845, a formal rose garden, and wetlands.

A truly magical place that stuns all year long, it certainly left a lasting impression on me. I will long remember driving though the fall forest, surrounded by vibrant colors and swirling leaves. Its unexpected beauty still surprises me, as does the fact that one of my favorite places in this world is located in Youngstown, Ohio.