Let’s take a trip on I-76 to Lake Milton Ohio.
If your outdoor fun includes boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, or any type of water fun, the 1700 acres of recreational waters that make up Lake Milton State Park are sure to become one of your new favorite places to visit.
The park is also perfect for birders who are interested in waterfowl and migratory birding. And for those who want to stay on dry land, there are hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a disc golf course, an archery range, and a 0.5-mile paved Storybook Trail.
A brief history
Lake Milton State Park didn’t happen overnight. In 1910, the city of Youngstown acquired the land to construct a reservoir with the sole purpose of being a water supply. Then a dam was constructed to impound 1,640 acres of the Mahoning River. At one point Lake Milton was the site of a small amusement park. Then in the 70’s the water was drained so a new dam could be installed. Then in 1988 Lake Milton was dedicated as the 72nd Ohio State Park. If you would like to learn more about the history of the Craig Beach Amusement Park and the famous spot where singer Dean Martin got his start click here.
Enjoy an afternoon at Craig’s Beach
Pack the picnic basket. grab the sunscreen and chairs, because an afternoon at this beach will leave you rested and relaxed. Calming lake views with easy access, no parking fees and amenities like picnic tables, restrooms and a bathhouse make time at this beach an easy getaway. There is also a playground, basketball court and a sand volleyball area for additional entertainment. Don’t feel like packing the cooler? No worries. The local foodie stops all offer takeout.
Boating and water fun.
Want to get out on the water? Boat rentals, gasoline and other supplies are handled at Lake Milton Marina. The marina is operated by a concessionaire. Call ahead to reserve any rentals. To contact the marina direct call (330) 654.4991.
ENJOY GOLFING
THE OSPREY DISC GOLF COURSE
16801 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton OH
The 18-hole course is part of the State Park. The course offers views of the Lake as well as wooded shade and benches. It’s a favorite among disc players. Parking for the course is available at the park office lot. Players will need to bring their own equipment. A map of the course can be found here.
OLDE DUTCH MILL GOLF COURSE & SPORTS FACILITY
2745 Grandview, Lake Milton
oldedutchmill.com
Not part of the park, but for those who enjoy an afternoon of golf, this 18-hole golf course offers tree lined and lake views, including Lake Milton Dam. The golf course also hosts a Pro Shop, driving range, a sports bar called “The Dutch”, all open year-round. This golf course is so beautiful weddings are held there.
WHERE TO EAT
You won’t go hungry. Local favorite watering holes can be found scattered around the Lake. Enjoy American dishes and local favorites. There is sure to be something on their menu you will want to try.
CASTAWAY CRAIG’S PUB & GRUB
2114 Grandview Road, Lake Milton
castawaycraigs.com
This beach inspired family-friendly restaurant serves up a nice plate of “grub”. Every Wednesday Castaway’s holds BINGO night. I give them thumbs up for the fish sandwich.
GRANDVIEW TAVERN
371 Grandview Rd., Lake Milton
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It may not look like much from the outside, but all the locals know it’s the food that is served inside that counts. Their menu offers something for everyone. Family-friendly and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alcoholic and non-beverages are served. Plenty of TV’s to catch a sports game. A nice little patio area for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
KYP’S RESTAURANT
17620 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton
Facebook.com
For over 30 years, this small family-owned restaurant has been supplying the Lake Milton crowd and locals with a menu of summertime favorites including burgers, fries, ice cream sundaes, shakes and more. (Ice cream served: Katie’s Korner)
ANCHOR INN
16736 Milton Ave., Lake Milton OH
Facebook.com
For those looking for more of an adult night out, head to Anchor Inn. Event information is posted to their Facebook page.
LAKE MILTON BREWERY
17762 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton
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Find a cold one at Lake Milton Brewery. Craft beers are brewed and served on-site. Check their Facebook page for visiting food trucks. Outdoor seating. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
HALLIDAY’S WINERY
2400 NE River Rd., Lake Milton
hallidayswinery.com
Enjoy a glass of wine all while you take in the views of Lake Milton. Sitting alongside the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course and with history in its back pocket, this local winery offers up a nice selection of wine, craft beers, and food. Visit their website for a list of special events and weekend music.
WESTFALL’S FAMILY RETAURANT
18148 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton
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Breakfast is served all day as well as lunch and dinner. Enjoy one of their specialty pizzas.
SIDE TRIPS
If you like searching for your next treasure, Mahoning County has a Hidden Treasure Trail. Not far from Lake Milton State Park are two of the locations on the trail.
LAND LION ANTIQUE MALL
(2 miles from Lake Milton)
Location: 489 N. Pricetown Rd., Lake Milton, OH 44412
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday Noon-5pm
LEARN MORE.
Just off I-76 in Lake Milton, you will find the Land Lion Antique Mall. 12,000 sq. ft. filled with all kinds of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more. They even have a phone booth, a knight riding a horse, outdoor statues, and even a “Grandmother’s Predictions” carnival game. If only I had room in my house.
Every step you take leads you to another vendor’s area, with even more unusual finds, as well as a few memories. To recap. If you are looking for that something, something, something, you will probably find it here.
NORTH JACKSON ANTIQUES & UNIQUES
(6 miles from Lake Milton)
Location: 106 N. Salem Warren Rd., North Jackson, OH 44451
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
LEARN MORE
I had no idea that once I crossed the threshold of this antique shop, not only would I be greeted by the store’s resident cat, aka guide and welcoming committee; I would also be invited to learn about the various techniques of stenciling, transfers, and molds. I was even given the opportunity to stamp my own small cloth bag. I thought for a minute I was special, but K,C., the owner of shop, is known not only for her antique shop, she is also known to share her love of stenciling and crafts with others that happen to find there way to her door. The shop offers weekly classes in painting furniture and other decorative projects. (Drop-in anytime between 1-3, except Tuesdays.)
But let’s not forget in addition to all the refurbishing of furniture, the paints, molds, stencils, and classes, this shop is actually a place to find an eclectic selection of antiques, vintage glassware, jewelry, repurposed pieces, collectibles and home decor’. They even have a nice teacup selection, which is now down by one. It was a need.
I am so glad that K.C. decided to leave Colorado and move her shop to Ohio. She has created a fun shop to explore and more.
For more information and/or download a guide about the trail CLICK HERE.
NOAH’S LOST ARK EXOTIC ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER
(10 miles from Lake Milton)
Location: 8424 Bedell Road, Berlin Center, OH
330.584.7835 | Facebook
A short drive from Lake Milton State Park you will find a very special animal sanctuary. Noah’s Lost Ark Exotic Animal and Rescue Center is a place that animals are given a second chance.
These animals arrive at the sanctuary from abusive situations or places they can no longer be cared for.
“Unlike a zoo, a sanctuary is a place that provides a permanent, safe home to unwanted and abused exotic animals.” All the of sanctuary’s funding comes from donations and admission fees.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
WHITE HOUSE FRUIT FARM
(15 miles from Lake Milton)
Location: 9249 State Rt. 62, Canfield, OH 44406
330.533.4161 | whitehousefruitfarm.com
Always a popular spot no matter what the season. Located in Canfield, Ohio is White House Fruit Farm. Besides being known for their 20 varieties of homegrown apples, the farm also is home to an amazing bakery that produces their famous “blueberry donuts”. Every day racks and racks of these delicious donuts are created to fill the need of customers. If blueberry is not your favorite flavor, these delicious donuts are available in other flavors.
MAKE PLANS
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Admission to the park is free.
Throughout the year Naturalist programs are offered.
PARK INFORMATION
LAKE MILTON STATE PARK
Office: 16801 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton, OH 44429
ohiodnr.gov
DISTANCES
Lake Milton is located just
71 miles from Cleveland
35 miles from Akron
20 miles from Youngstown
80 miles from Pittsburgh
160 Miles from Columbus
ACCOMMODATIONS
For those who enjoy camping there are nearby campgrounds. For those who prefer not packing a complete car, you find cluster of hotels about 10 miles away. Accommodation information can be found here. If you need assistance our friends at Explore Mahoning are happy to assist.
Why not make it a getaway?
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
“Mahoning County offers attractions, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, wineries and special events you’re sure to love. See some suggested itineraries to help you plan your visit to Youngstown.” CLICK HERE to learn more.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. 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.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received compensation from the Mahoning County CVB, as well as from site advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***