While visiting friends in Ohio we discovered Lanterman's Mill, first built in 1845 and later restored in 1985. I am a lover of hiking, waterfalls, mills, bridges, gardens, historic places and tranquil spaces. Lanterman's Mill has all of this which makes a visit here nearly perfect. --- If you follow my reviews then you know I have a particular affinity for COVERED BRIDGES. When I discovered this place while doing a Google search of things to see in the area, I did not notice any pictures of a covered bridge. So it was beyond thrilling to walk behind the mill (where it is hidden from street view) and stumble upon it. For me, this was like finding a briefcase of money as I stood in total disbelief for several minutes. Not only was it a delightful surprise, it was beautiful and well maintained to boot, which is not always the case with covered bridges. Built in 1989, the covered bridge is not historic, but was designed in the likeness of other local bridges from the 1800's that farmers used to bring their grain to the mill. There is also a gorgeous arched street bridge that provides an excellent vantage point for photos of the mill & waterfall as well as another decorative suspension bridge just a half mile away. A 2-mile loop hiking trail known as East Gorge Walk and West Gorge Trail allows for wonderful views of the river gorge and leads you to the suspension bridge from the mill. These trails connect with the West Cohasset, East Cohasset, Axtmann and Old Tree Walking Trails and can more that triple your mileage as you explore the northern end of the park. --- OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST along the connecting walking trail are several ponds, small lakes, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and even a public golf course @ Mill Creek Metro Park. There is a Riverside Garden, Quarry Garden, Nature Center, and the ruins of a historic furnace built in the 1820's which produced approximately three to four tons of iron daily. Pioneer Pavilion, built in 1821 as a mill for carding and fulling wool is a rare surviving example of early 19th Century industry. It sits within view of the furnace. Cascade Gorge Natural Pool and an area known as THE FLATS round out some of the beautiful areas of interest near Lanterman's Mill. NOTE: The Flats are a lush grassy area surrounded by a horse fence. If you follow the fence you will notice an enormous tree in its path, which causes the fence to terminate and continue on the other side of the tree. Not sure what kind of tree it is, but it certainly seems to be very, very old based on the thickness of its trunk. It is easily more than 100 years older than any tree in its vicinity. FINAL THOUGHTS The Mill is a testimony to human determination. The current mill is the third incarnation. The first mill was built of logs and operated from 1799 to 1822. In 1823 the original mill was replaced by a second mill which operated until 1843 when a flood washed it away. A grinding stone from this mill can still be seen resting in the creek bed 500 feet downstream of the Falls. Lanterman's Mill ceased operations in 1888. [source: millcreekmetroparks.org] Lanterman's Mill itself is over 5-stories tall and has a very unique feature of having the waterwheel inside the basement of the mill. All the walking trails are free, but entrance inside the working areas of the mill are currently $3 for non-resident adults and $1 for students and seniors (July 2023). A butterfly garden is on site and during our visit we were graced with many birds, a groundhog, chipmunk and the largest most unusual forest mushroom we've ever seen. It is absolutely a stunning place in the summer. I can't even begin to imagine how magical it is in the Fall season as the trees change into their best outfits. Enjoy! BTW I've been trying my hand at TikTok & made a few videos of our visit to this mill if you care to see them: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dqN8JM/ - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dVsHeW/ 2023 / 10 read more

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What a fun nice stop. It's so beautiful here. I remember we brought kids here when they were little and it had not been renovated. Now it's all fixed up and worth the tour and walk. Plenty of parking and a short walk to the mill. Then you can take a stroll along the creek and take history tour of the mill. They have a nice gift shop inside too. Take a picnic and enjoy the surrounding beautiful nature. read more

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What a great place to see a piece of 150+ year old American history. The mill, which is still an operational flour mill, is on a beautiful part of the park. There's free on site park parking (across the street) and the tour of the mill is only $1 or 2. We did the tour since we were there and found it interesting. It showcases the engineering and hard work that took place centuries ago to build such a structure. The scenery of the park is so picturesque. There were several families taking fall photos. If you have difficulty with steps, this probably is not the adventure for you. But between the mill, the covered bridge, waterfall and scenery, I definitely recommend if you're in the Youngstown area. read more

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Lanterman's Mill is a Historic Lamdmark that will forever have a special place in my heart! Between the tour and trails you will be captivated by Mill Creek Park's natural beauty and history!! Our favorite time to visit is during the holidays!! read more

Lantermans Mill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

Lantermans puts the "mill" into Mill Creek Park. This is a beautiful working 19th century mill and must-see attraction for park visitors, but please note that due to the ongoing pandemic you can only enjoy the Mill from outside. It will be closed at least through April 12, 2021. There are a handful of trails that stretch along either side of the creek, offering fantastic views of the mill, covered bridge, and the surrounding natural environment. When the mill does reopen, be sure to take a tour and buy yourself a bag of crushed grains: cornmeal, buckwheat, or wheat flour as a souvenir. Admission is $2.00 read more

Pretty cool to see the history and how the mill came about. Hours were off on Yelp, they closed at 5 but Yelp said 6

Lantermans Grist Mill and FAlls is a peaceful place to visit. Its free and nice rock formation and a covered bridge right there ... great place for picnic. They do offer tours of the mill .. it's an active mill that still grinds flour and corn. read more

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During spring break my daughter and I were in Youngstown to see the Butler Institute of American Art. Afterwards we wanted to take a little time out since the weather was so nice. We decided to visit Lanterman's to see a bit of the past. The trail to the mill is very well laid out, lots of photo opportunities, and just so relaxing to watch the water. We are so glad we stopped to visit! read more

Yeah this is a five star place, based on similar comparisons. Parking is free, admission is only one dollar and you get an awesome tour of an old mill. The place is kept very clean and has plenty of room to explore and learn about something you regularly wouldn't take the time to know. Staff is warm and friendly, answering any questions you may have and conversing with you. They have a shop with souvenirs and lots of goodies, make sure to stop by, see the old mill, and take some great pics. read more

One of the coolest places to visit in Youngstown and in Mill Creek Park! It is so picturesque. It offers many opportunities for a beautiful photo op. The inside of the mill is so cool and there is a beautiful waterfall. They often hold a lot of community events such as the Old Fashioned Christmas. Definitely worth a visit. read more

A nice little trip for the kids to see a piece of 150 year old history. Pretty cool for the kids to see the water wheel and how it turns the mechanical gears. The waterfall leaving the mill was pretty. read more

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Makes for a scenic picture from the bridge nearby or the trail right below it. Stop and listen to the sound of the waterfall. Take a breath. Look inside the mill. And then you're done. A nice place to go on a walk. read more

Lantermans Mill - The main shot of the mill. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

My family has been going here for years! They always have different events that are good for all ages. The mill is amazing and the surrounding views are spectacular! read more