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Ford Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in Youngstown, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ford Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Serene venture featuring exhibits of native plants & wildlife, plus walking trails & workshops.
What runners say about Ford Nature Center
“It was way better than I had even expected, absolutely beautiful, very informative.”
Recently renovated and reopened on April 23, 2023. This place is fantastic. Educational areas, viewing areas, walking trails (both paved and natural), gift shop, interactive displays, restrooms, water fountains (with water bottle refillers). Definitely worth the free visit!!
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.
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.
It is a lovely building, full of interesting displays, seated in a wooded setting. Start witjh The People's Trail and move on to Cohasset drive & the trail beside the lake. The staff is really helpful & can give you loads of Park information.
Trail conditions & character
“It was way better than I had even expected, absolutely beautiful, very informative.”
“Educational areas, viewing areas, walking trails (both paved and natural), gift shop, interactive displays, restrooms, water fountains (with water bottle refillers).”
“Educational areas, viewing areas, walking trails (both paved and natural), gift shop, interactive displays, restrooms, water fountains (with water bottle refillers).”
Plan your run at Ford Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Websitemillcreekmetroparks.org
- Phone(330) 740-7107
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
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