Fellows Riverside Gardens
Disclosure: YoungstownLive is a sponsor of MyOhioFun.com. All opinions are my own.
A beautiful public garden hidden in Downtown Youngstown.
The Fellows Riverside Gardens is a free public garden located in the city of Youngstown. Yes, I said free. The twelve-acre display garden includes a collection of seasonal bulbs, flowering beds, flowering trees and shrubs, and beautiful walkways; along with scenic views, a delightful garden shop, a gallery, a library, and a seasonal garden café . Throughout the year the Education Center offers various gardening classes to the public.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Beeghly Gazebo
Loved by garden goers, the Victorian-style Gazebo offers a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the garden. The gazebo can be rented for events. Throughout the weekends you will see many a bride and groom taking their wedding day photos in and around the gazebo. It’s just that magical.
Muransky Perennial Walk
You are going to want to walk slowly to view the extensive collection of perennials, flowering trees and ground cover that can be found along the perennial walk. Benches can be found all along the walkway, making it a perfect spot to bring a book and enjoy the garden.
Shade Garden – Fellows Riverside Gardens | Photo: D. Rock
Shade Garden
The variety of hostas, ferns, perennials and shade trees makes for an inviting hiding place on a hot summer day.
Other gardens that can be found at Fellows Riverside Gardens include:
Joanne F. Beeghly Rose Garden – (mid June to October)
English and Miniature Rose Garden
Quarry Garden
Ohio Woodland Garden
Blue Garden
Trial Garden
Great Lawn
Dahlia Garden
Family Garden
Hillside Garden
Seasonal Display
Narcissus, Rhododendron and Woody Plant Collection
Watson White Garden
To view a garden map click here.
Shop in the Gardens
Make sure you take time to check out the adorable garden shop located in the Visitor Center. The shop offers a nice selection of items for your home or garden. A great place to find that special gift for a friend.
Weller Gallery
Throughout the year, the gallery showcases local artists and their works of art. It’s always a favorite stop when stopping at the Visitor Center.
The day of my visit I was treated to a blue “Chihuly” inspired piece, pictured above, which was put together by volunteers and contains approximately 750 plastic water bottles that were collected and then colored with permanent markers by hand. Also included in the piece are three 5ft tomato cages connected together. The bottles were wired one at a time to create the remarkable piece of art. (2022)
Antonucci Horticulture Library
The horticulture library is filled with gardening and horticultural books, as well as gardening magazines. The perfect spot to do research if your thinking about creating your own backyard oasis or English garden.
Garden Café by Kravitz | Photo: D. Rock
Garden Café by Kravitz
Enjoy the beautiful garden views at the Garden Café. The Café menu options include soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and dessert. On Sundays a brunch menu is available. To view the current menu visit their website.
(Pictured above was the Turkey Italiano Sub, but instead of on a sub bun I opted for it to be grilled. The delightful view is courtesy of a glacier.)
My Ohio Fun Road Trip Notes:
If you only have a day to spend in the area, start the morning at the garden, enjoy lunch at the Garden Cafe’, then head to The Butler Institute of American Art. Not only is it free admission, you will be treated to famous art pieces like; In Flanders Field, by American Impressionist Robert Vonnoh, Lincoln the Railsplitter, by Norman Rockwell, Snap the Whip, by Winslow Homer and so many other American art pieces.
FELLOWS RIVERSIDE GARDENS/DAVIS EDUCATION & VISITOR CENTER
ADDRESS: 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
TELE: 330-740-7116
WEBSITE: millcreekmetroparks.org
ADMISSION: FREE
HOURS: (2023)
Garden Hours
Open daily, year-round Sunrise to Sunset
Davis Center Hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Monday
Observed Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Shop in the Gardens Hours
Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 am-3pm
Saturday 10:30 am-4pm | Sunday Noon-4pm
Garden Café by Kravitz
Tuesday – Friday, 10:30 am- 2:30 pm |Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am – 4pm
PARKING: The gardens has its own parking lot. The parking is free.
Driving miles to Fellows Riverside Gardens:
From Akron – 50 miles
From Canton – 57 miles
From Charleston, WV – 250 miles
From Cincinnati – 280 miles
From Cleveland – 75 miles
From Columbus – 175 miles
From Medina – 68 miles
From Pittsburgh, PA – 70 miles
From Toledo – 170 miles
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Other notable stops in Mill Creek Metroparks:
Lanterman’s Mill – Built in 1845, the mill is one of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks. In season, the mill is open to visitors. The park operates the mill and currently grinds corn, wheat and buckwheat which is available for purchase in the gift shop located in the Mill.
Next to the Mill is a covered bridge. The wood construction of the covered bridge makes it the perfect place for photo ops.
Suspension Bridge – Erected in 1895, the bridge measures 86 feet long, and is a park favorite. Many people call it the Cinderella Bridge because of the romantic design.
Around Youngstown
Arms Family Museum – 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown
Greystone – a magnificent 1905 Arts & Crafts style mansion is preserved today as The Arms Family Museum. The museum features the Arms Family’s love of handicraft, medieval architecture, and the natural environment. Artifacts displayed in changing galleries highlight the Historical Society’s collections of decorative arts, clothing, textiles and fine artwork.
Butler Institute of American Art – 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown
The Butler is unique among museums. It exists to collect and preserve works of art in all media created by citizens of this country. From the crowning pieces of its permanent collection to the temporary exhibits, a walk through the Butler is a walk through American history. And what is most surprising about The Butler, is how the art jumps off the wall in this intimate setting. Here is a sample of what The Butler has to offer. Admission is free.
OH WOW! Children’s Science Museum – 15 Central Square, Youngstown
OH WOW!®’s colorful, hands-on environment encourages independent thinking through interactive STEM-based exhibits and EDUtaining programs.
Visitor Bureau Information
To view, download or order your free visitor guide, visit Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Article and photos, unless noted by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
