MetroParks Farm
Open seasonally, this 402-acre working farm promotes agriculture through educational programming, tours, and display areas. Beginning in the 1910s, the property served as the Mahoning County Experimental Farm. The Ohio State University managed it until 1990, researching improvements in planting, livestock production, and pest management. Since 1990, in line with its mission to preserve open space, Mill Creek MetroParks has operated the property under a lease from Mahoning County. Contact the Education Manager at 330.740.7116 ext. 203 for educational opportunities, programs and events, and farm tours. Also located at this facility:
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- McMahon Hall — This popular multipurpose hall is available for rental, year-round.
- Classroom A — This cheerful classroom can accommodate up to 45 people for a seminar or party.
- MetroParks’ Administration Office — The Administration building includes finance, planning, and human resource functions. Insurance, audits, and contracts are also the responsibility of administration. The MetroParks must adhere to federal, state, and local government requirements and regulations. The MetroParks is subject to biennial audits performed by the auditor of the state of Ohio. The office is open from 8 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Closed on all observed holidays. Phone: 330.702.3000
- Access to the MetroParks Bikeway — an 11-mile paved trail for hikers, skaters, and bicyclists is located at the north end of the parking lot.
- Archery Range — Located behind the Educational complex. Open from Sunrise to Sunset. Bring your own bow and arrows. Targets are set up at 10, 20, 30 yards. Please use main parking lot and walk to range. Children must be supervised and participation is at your own risk; following all safety practices for the sport.
- Disc Golf Course
- The Brian. Charlotte, Jersey, Beau Gorby Cross Country Course – Located at MetroParks Farm is a dedicated course that meets NCAA Specifications with a 38-team starting grid and a 10-meter course width. When not hosting a school/community event, this course is open to the public for year-round use.
- Access to the Mindy Henning Memorial Trail, off the MetroParks Bikeway
- Natural Playground
- Agventure Barn (seasonal) – Come inside the barn and have fun learning about agriculture with interactive displays, games and activities! Picnic tables are available inside for use on a first come, first serve basis. Don’t forget to take your photo in front of the barn door backdrop!
- Sunflower Field – Typically blooms August – September, weather dependent
- Ponds – Fishing is permitted
- Demonstration Rain Garden — Rain gardens are designed to act like sponges in your yard, capturing runoff from household surfaces such as roofs, patios, and lawns and allowing the water to seep slowly into the ground instead of running off into the storm drain all at once. They are contoured and planted with attractive native flowering plants that are adapted to occasionally wet conditions. Rain gardens do not hold water for more than 24 – 48 hours before it soaks into the ground, so there is no need to worry about mosquitoes! If you would like more information about rain gardens, including how to build your own, contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000. Come out and see our rain garden at the MetroParks Farm that was constructed in the summer of 2011.
- Public Programs – Plan your family’s “Ag”venture today! The MetroParks Farm holds many special programs, classes and activities for children and adults throughout the year. Outdoor education classes for adults include agricultural programs, health & wellness, and more. Educational and recreational opportunities for children include hands-on learning, Farm activities, crafts, and summer day camps. Weekend Farm tours, tractor wagon rides, and special events are perfect for the whole family.
Historic Beginnings
The current Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, located across from the Canfield Fairgrounds in Canfield, Ohio, began as a private farm owned by the Ewing Family. In 1915, a ballot initiative placed before Mahoning County residents resulted in the farm transitioning to an experimental farm, created and operated under the guidance of The Ohio State University. The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) staffed and operated the 275-acre facility until 1994.
In 1990, Mill Creek MetroParks was approached to help create and coordinate agriculture education programming and tours at the Mahoning County Farm Facility. Soon, the farm became an annual field trip destination for many elementary school children. Educators from the farm were welcomed into the classrooms of local schools to help students learn about where food comes from and the importance of agriculture in their lives. In 1996, an educational complex was constructed, funded by dollars earmarked from the state budget. Structures include barns to house livestock and poultry, classrooms for students and meetings, indoor restrooms, and McMahon Hall, a rental room with seating capacity of 160. The construction also brought the Mill Creek MetroParks Administrative Office to Canfield. Special events and public hours enhance visitors’ experience. Through grants and other funding opportunities, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm now encompasses more than 400 acres.
Animal Care at the Farm
The care and well-being of the animals is our utmost concern. We have staff scheduled on a daily basis to feed and care for the animals. Chore time begins at 7 a.m. each day and we spend several hours feeding and getting the animals ready for their day. We repeat the process each evening. To keep you and the animals safe during your visit, please follow these rules:
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- Please do not feed any of the animals. We work with a feed nutritionist to make sure the animals are provided the correct diet. Feeding incorrectly can lead to major digestive issues and in some cases death. Feeding by hand can teach an animal to bite.
- Animals are scheduled indoor and outdoor time depending on the daily schedule, weather conditions, and their current health needs. MetroParks Farm staff makes these decisions on a daily basis.
- Animals can and do bite. Never place your hand directly in front of an animals mouth.
- Wash your hands after visiting the animals.
Disc Golf
Comprised of two courses: FOREST Course and FIELD Course. There is no equipment rental, please bring your own.
The FOREST Course is a challenging 18-hole facility located within mature forests, diverse meadows, riparian and pond landscapes. The course is characterized by narrow, tree-lined fairways, blind tee shots, undulating terrain, tributary crossings, and a few surprises along the way. The heavily-wooded front nine makes way for a unique back nine experience with holes surrounded by meadows, water, pine groves, and other native habitats.
The FIELD Course is designed as a 9-hole learn-to-play facility for beginners, or as a quick warm-up for more experienced players. The FIELD Course wraps around the Farm’s fishing pond and children’s natural playground. The first four holes are open and played across a mowed lawn, while the final five holes are located in the adjacent woods.
Both courses provide diverse and picturesque settings, memorable vistas, and educational experiences concerning agriculture and natural resources.
Course Fees
Dedicated Disc Golf Course Fee: $500.00
Course Fee Deposit: $250.00
Optional Course Marking/Painting: $50.00
Optional 6-Seat Golf Cart for Shuttle: $100.00
* Disc Golf Course deposit is applied to final Rental Fee and refundable if the event is cancelled prior to 30 days before scheduled date. Balance due day of scheduled disc golf event
Participant Fees
Fee Per Participant (0-100 participants): $2.50
Fee Per Participant (101-200 participants): $2.00
Fee Per Participant (201-300 participants): $1.75
Fee Per Participant (301-400 participants): $1.50
Fee Per Participant (401-500 participants): $1.25
Fee Per Participant (500+ participants): $1.00
* Participant Fees are due day of disc golf event.
Additional Services Fees
Port a pot Rental: $150.oo/per unit
Food Vendor: $75.00/per unit, per day
* (1) Port a pot is required for every 50 participants over the 100 participants level.
*All disc golf fees are effective beginning January 2023.