MetroParks Farm
Address & Phone
MetroParks Farm
7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406
330.533.7572
generalinfo@millcreekmetroparks.org
MetroParks Administration Office
7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406
Phone: 330.702.3000
Fax: 330.702.3010
Hours
Education Building, AgVenture Barn & Animal Barn Hours (Seasonal)
April & May
Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
June – October
Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm
Animal Barns are Open on Observed Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, & Columbus Day. Education Building is Closed on Observed Holidays.
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.
ANIMAL CARE AT THE FARM
The care and well-being of the animals is our utmost concern. Staff is scheduled on a daily basis to feed and care for the animals. Chore time begins at 7:00 am each day and several hours are spent feeding and getting the animals ready for their day. The process is then repeated each evening.
KEEP YOURSELF & THE ANIMALS SAFE DURING YOUR VISIT:
EXPLORE METROPARKS FARM
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AgVenture Barn (open seasonally): Step inside the barn for a fun, hands-on experience with interactive displays, games, and activities that teach you all about agriculture! Picnic tables are available inside on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the barn door backdrop!
Animal Barns (open seasonally): Be sure to visit the Animal Barns to meet and learn about the many animals that call MetroParks Farm home.
The Archery Range, situated behind the Educational Complex, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Please bring your own bow and arrows. Targets are set at distances of 10, 20, and 30 yards. Use the main parking lot and walk to the range. Children must be supervised at all times, and participation is at your own risk. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines for the sport.
This cheerful classroom can accommodate up to 45 people for a seminar or party.
Rain gardens are designed to act like sponges, capturing runoff from household surfaces such as roofs, patios, and lawns. This allows water to slowly seep into the ground rather than rushing into storm drains. These gardens are contoured and planted with native flowering plants that thrive in occasionally wet conditions. Rain gardens only hold water for 24 to 48 hours before it soaks into the ground, so there’s no need to worry about mosquitoes!
For more information on rain gardens, including how to create your own, contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000. Be sure to visit our rain garden at the MetroParks Farm, which was built in the summer of 2011.
The MetroParks Farm Disc Golf Course is comprised of two separate courses: The Forest Course and Field Course.
The Forest Course (view map) 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 (view map) 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 provide diverse and picturesque settings, memorable vistas, and educational experiences concerning agriculture and natural resources. There is no equipment rental available at this time.
COURSE FEES:
Course Fees
League: $25/league (up to 2 hours per day)
Tournament: $100/day
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: $150.00/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.
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.
This popular multipurpose hall is available for rental year-round.
A trailhead for MetroParks Bikeway, an 11-mile paved trail for hikers, skaters, and bicyclists, can be accessed at the north end of the parking lot.
Access to the Mindy Henning Memorial Trail is located just off the MetroParks Bikeway.
The Natural Playground at MetroParks Farm was funded through an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant. Currently, the playground is comprised of an open lawn area and a forested area. The lawn area consists of a series of climbing mounds, a wood chip trail, a natural wildflower area, and areas for building (blocks, sticks, logs) and performing. The forested area includes a series of musical instruments (drums, chimes), balance beams, logs and stacking sticks. The playground is bound by the 9-hole “Field” Disc Golf Course (a short training course for all ages) and sections of the cross country course. Additional improvements such as climbing features and unique play elements are planned and ever-evolving.
MetroParks Farm features two ponds on-site. One is located near the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead, and the other is behind the Forest Disc Golf Course. These ponds are stocked with fish each Spring. Fishing is permitted at both ponds with a valid fishing license.
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. Contact the Education Manager at 330.740.7107 ext. 171 for educational opportunities, programs and events, and farm tours.
The sunflowers at MetroParks Farm begin to bloom Mid-August and are usually in full bloom the last 2 weeks in August. Most spectacular in afternoons and early evenings on sunny days, the sunflower field is a popular backdrop for photo opportunities or just to take in their beauty. Cutting is not permitted so that everyone can enjoy them.
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
THE HISTORY OF METROPARKS FARM
The 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.