Know Before You Go

Before exploring, make sure the site you’re visiting is open.

Details about parking and other important information to help you plan your adventure can be found here.

Downtown Destinations

SMARTS

(Students Motivated by the Arts)

  • Address: 25 E Boardman St, First Floor

  • Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour

  • Phone: 330-574-2787

  • Website: https://smartsartschool.org/

  • Parking: Free street parking, 10 N Champion St Parking Deck (6 minute walk)

  • Description: SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts), is a community art school that provides classes in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and creative writing for our region’s PK-12 youth with a focus on underserved populations. SMARTS hires and prepares community teaching artists with professional training and oversight so that they can provide quality arts-focused teaching and learning following lesson plans that adhere to state standards. Since 1997, SMARTS classes have been free and open to the public and all students are accepted through a simple application process.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Thumbprint Pals Art Activity

  • Swag?: Yes

  • Admission Fee?: No

OH WOW! Children’s Center

for Science & Technology

  • Address: 15 Central Square

  • Hours of Operation:

    • Sun: 12pm-5pm

    • Mon & Tues: Closed

    • Wed-Sat: 10am-5pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 2-3 hours

  • Phone: 330-744-5914

  • Website: http://ohwowkids.org/

  • Parking: Free street parking, 10 N Champion St Parking Deck (4 minute walk)

  • Description: OH WOW! is an interactive museum encouraging curiosity seekers of all ages to explore STEM exhibits and programming. OH WOW! is situated in the heart of Youngstown’s cultural district and has three floors of exhibits, workshops and labs. “Come visit the Happiest Place in Youngstown!”

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Exhibit Challenge

  • Swag?: No

  • Admission Fee?: Yes; BOGO admission deal for YoPass participants

Public Library 

of Youngstown and Mahoning County

  • Address: 305 Wick Ave

  • Hours of Operation:

    • Sun: Closed

    • Mon-Thurs: 9am-8pm

    • Fri & Sat: 9am-5:30pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 30 minutes

  • Phone: 330-744-8636

  • Website: https://www.libraryvisit.org/

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: Established in 1880, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) serves the Mahoning Valley through its historic Main Library and 14 specialized branch locations. The system is anchored by the Main Library in downtown Youngstown, a Carnegie-funded landmark that recently underwent a $27 million renovation to add modern features like a culinary literacy center and a high-tech makerspace. Guided by the mission to help the community “share, create, and grow,” the library provides essential resources ranging from early literacy programs and mobile “pop-up” services to workforce development and digital archiving tools.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Community Puzzle & Ancestry Map

  • Swag?: Yes

  • Admission Fee?: No

The Butler

Institute of American Art

  • Address: 524 Wick Ave

  • Hours of Operation:

    • Tues-Sat: 11am-4pm

    • Sun: 12-4pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour +

  • Phone: 330-743-1107

  • Website: https://butlerart.com/

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: The Butler Institute of American Art, America’s Museum, was founded in 1919. The Butler is one of the earliest museums dedicated exclusively to collecting, exhibiting, and preserving the art of America’s past, present, and future. The Butler’s collection is one of America’s treasures and is known and admired throughout the world.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: Yes

  • Admission Fee?: No

Youngstown Historical Center

of Industry & Labor

  • Address: 151 W Wood St

  • Hours of Operation: Wed-Sat, 12-4pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 30 min

  • Phone: 330-941-1314

  • Website: https://yhcil.org/

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is a landmark commemorating the resilience, innovation and cultural diversity of the Mahoning Valley. The Center preserves and interprets the industrial and labor history of the region, showcasing the critical role and evolution of steel throughout Ohio, as well as the enduring impact of manufacturing on the nation. The exhibits and artifacts detail the triumphs and struggles of workers, their families and the communities they built while pursuing the American Dream.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: No

  • Admission Fee?: Yes

Arms Family Museum

  • Address: 648 Wick Ave

  • Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun, 12-4pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour

  • Phone: 330-743-2589

  • Website: https://mahoninghistory.org/arms-family-museum/

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: The Mahoning Valley Historical Society manages two museum sites in downtown Youngstown: the Arms Family Museum and the Tyler History Center. The Arms Family Museum is a 1905 Arts & Crafts style home designed by Olive Arms. The second and basement floors of the house have been adapted into exhibit and program spaces, while the first floor remains as it was when the house was acquired by MVHS in 1961.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: No

  • Admission Fee?: Yes

Tyler History Center

  • Address: 325 W Federal St

  • Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun, 12-4pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour

  • Phone: 330-743-2589

  • Website: https://mahoninghistory.org/tyler-history-center/

  • Parking: Free street parking, paid parking next to building (1 minute walk)

  • Description: The Mahoning Valley Historical Society manages two museum sites in downtown Youngstown: the Arms Family Museum and the Tyler History Center. The Tyler History Center is the former home of confectionery entrepreneur Harry Burt’s Good Humor brand and of Youngstown’s Ross Radio Company. MVHS acquired and developed the site in 2007, creating a community center focused on the history of the people of the region featuring exhibit spaces, education classrooms, a vast archives facility, and a historical ballroom.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: No

  • Admission Fee?: Yes

YSU Destinations

The Ward Beecher 

Planetarium

  • Address: Ward Beecher Hall, 100 Lincoln Ave

  • Hours of Operation: Only open for specific show times Sept. through early May. There are no regular shows during June through August. Check website for updated information.

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour

  • Website: wbplanetarium.org

  • Parking: Paid parking at Wick Avenue Parking Deck (4 minute walk)

  • Description: The Ward Beecher Planetarium is a newly renovated digital planetarium located on YSU’s campus, and with 140 seats, is one of the largest university planetariums in the country. The 4K digital full dome projection system allows the visualization of the latest astronomical discoveries and images, and the Chronos star projector provides a realistic night sky showing the stars and constellations. Other special events (laser shows, lectures, holiday programming) throughout the season. Planetarium programs are always free to the public.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Attend a show

  • Swag?: TBD

  • Admission Fee?: No

Clarence R. Smith 

Mineral Museum

  • Address: Moser Hall, 134 Lincoln Ave

  • Hours of Operation: Irregular hours, check website and Facebook for details

  • Expected Trip Duration: 30-45 minutes

  • Phone: 330-941-7454

  • Website: https://minerals.ysu.edu/

  • Parking: Paid parking at Wick Avenue Parking Deck (6 minute walk)

  • Description: The product of a generous donation from a local family, The Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum showcases high quality specimens from around the world! Conveniently located on the campus of Youngstown State University, the museum lies within walking distance of several local points of interest. Stop in for a minute or an hour, by yourself or with a group, during open hours or by appointment; the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum is here for the education and enjoyment of the community!

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: Yes

  • Admission Fee?: No

The Rose Melnick 

Medical Museum

  • Address: Cushwa Hall, Room B241

  • Hours of Operation: By appointment, call: 330-941-3487 or email: [email protected]

  • Expected Trip Duration: 15-30 minutes

  • Phone: 330-941-3487

  • Website: maag.ysu.edu/melnickvisit

  • Parking: Paid parking at Wick Avenue Parking Deck (7 minute walk)

  • Description: The Melnick Medical Museum is dedicated to the collection and preservation of materials that document the history of medicine including dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, especially as it relates to Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, from the 18th century to the present. It supports Youngstown State University’s mission to enrich the cultural environment, create diverse educational experiences, and engage the surrounding community.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Scavenger Hunt

  • Swag?: Yes

John J. McDonough

Museum of Art

  • Address: 525 Wick Ave

  • Website: https://academics.ysu.edu/mcdonough-museum-of-art

  • Parking: Paid parking at Wick Avenue Parking Deck (2 minute walk)

Mill Creek MetroParks Destinations

Lanterman’s Mill

  • Address: 1001 Canfield Rd

  • Phone: 330-740-7115

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

Ford Nature Center

  • Address: 840 Old Furnace Rd

  • Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1 hour

  • Phone: 330-740-7107

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: Visitors of all ages can learn about local habitats and natural history through interactive exhibits and nature-inspired activities. In addition, MetroParks Educators at Ford Nature Center offer a variety of educational activities year-round. These activities are conducted throughout the MetroParks and include: special events, tractor-wagon rides, step-on tours, school programs, guided hikes, kayak trips, trolley tours, indoor and outdoor programs, and membership programs

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Tree identification or animal track/bird identification

  • Swag?: Yes

Fellows Riverside Gardens

  • Address: 123 McKinley Ave

  • Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm

  • Expected Trip Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Phone: 330-740-7116

  • Parking: Free on-site parking

  • Description: Fellows Riverside Gardens is a free public garden located in Youngstown at the northern end of Mill Creek Park. This twelve-acre display garden features a landscape of remarkable beauty with diverse and colorful plant displays, roses of all classes, seasonal displays of annuals, perennials, flowering bulbs, and scenic vistas.

  • YoPass Stamp Activity: Walk through the Great Lawn to the North Terrace and snap a photo of the city skyline! Take in the urban view, strike a pose, or capture your favorite angle—then upload your photo to earn your stamp.

  • Swag?: Yes