• Book a Field Trip Page Header showing educator with a group of children at Ford Nature Center

BOOK A FIELD TRIP

Address & Phone

Mill Creek MetroParks
Education Department
at Ford Nature Center
840 Old Furnace Rd.
Youngstown, OH 44511

330.740.7107

Hours

Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Mondays & Observed Holidays

Click the button below for a full list of Holidays and Observed Holiday Closures:

Holiday Closures
Our Park can be your classroom! Embark on a learning adventure with your students during a field trip to Mill Creek MetroParks. Choose from three Park locations for nature-based programs taught by our professional educators. Each location provides 1.5 – 2 hours of learning fun geared toward your groups ages or specific interests. 

2026 REGISTRATION OPEN DATES

  • SPRING FIELD TRIPS/GROUP VISITS (March-May):

    Registration opens February 1st.

  • SUMMER FIELD TRIPS/GROUP VISITS (June-August):

    Registration opens April 1st.

  • FALL FIELD TRIPS/GROUP VISITS (September-October):

    Registration opens July 1st.

*MetroParks Farm and Lanterman’s Mill are not available until late April.

FIELD TRIP & GROUP VISIT LOCATIONS

  • FORD NATURE CENTER: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE FORD
    (All ages: Pre K-Adult)

    Join Park Educators and explore the ins and outs of Ford Nature Center! From exploring the building that was built in 1912 and learning about those who have lived here to walking the trails and experiencing the animals, plants, and trees around us, Ford Nature Center hosts a variety of groups and ages!

    • Educator-led nature hike (proper hiking footwear required)
    • Educator-led indoor session/exploration of Ford Nature Center
    • Space for lunch provided upon request
  • LANTERMAN’S MILL: MILLING AROUND
    (Fourth Grade-Adult)

    Join Park Educators and Lanterman’s Mill Staff as we step back in time and explore the history and geology of Lanterman’s Mill area! An educator-led hike will take you along 320-million-year-old rocks as we discover why we have the gorge and waterfall. Staff will provide a guided tour through the iconic Mill and show how flour was once produced. Follow staff to the basement to experience the water wheel housed within the rocks! 

    • Educator-led nature hike (proper footwear required)
    • Educator-led indoor session/exploration of Lanterman’s Mill
    • Space for lunch provided upon request

    *Please Note: Due to safety concerns, only grade 4 and up can request this location.

  • METROPARKS FARM: FARMER FOR A DAY
    (All ages: Pre K-Adult)

    Become a farmer for the day and experience the MetroParks Farm! Come meet the farm animals, ride on the tractor and wagon, and explore the AgVenture Barn. Learn how things grow and get to pet some of the animals that call the farm home! 

    • Tour the animal barns and meet the animals of the farm
    • Take a tractor and wagon ride and tour the farm
    • Space for lunch provided upon request

FORMS & WAIVERS

Request a Field Trip Adult Field Trip Waiver Youth Field Trip Waiver