Lanterman’s Mill is located in Youngstown’s Mill Creek Park. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Lanterman’s Mill is the centerpiece of the Youngstown MetroParks system, located in a setting that looks straight out of a Currier and Ives lithograph.

The majestic three-story mill in Mill Creek Park rises dramatically from the gorge of Mill Creek next to the cascades of Lanterman’s Falls. A covered bridge stretches across the creek about 100 feet upstream. The mill’s foundation, made of locally quarried sandstone, is nearly the same height as the wooden mill structure itself.

The original mill was built in the 1790s and was replaced by a larger and improved one in 1823. A flood washed away this mill in 1843. The current structure was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly, and operated as a flour mill until 1888. It is thought that the mill originally used an overshot waterwheel and was later converted to turbines, and used three sets of grinding stones. A 14-foot oak overshot waterwheel is now installed at the mill.

In 1892, the city’s park system purchased the mill, and it was used as a ballroom, concession stand and bathhouse for swimmers. Upper floors were used for boat storage. Swimming ended in 1917. In 1933 the first floor was converted to a nature center, and in 1972 the mill became the park’s historical museum. The mill was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The mill was restored in 1982-84, and visitors now can view the mill in operation, grinding corn, wheat and buckwheat. The mill’s gift shop sells stone-ground flour and cornmeal, as well as hand-made items from local artisans.

Lantermans Mill Covered Bridge is located near the mill (Credit: Ken Drenten).

Mill Creek Park offers 15 miles of foot trails and 20 miles of scenic drives, a visitor center, public gardens, golf course, nature center, covered bridge, picnic pavilions and restrooms.

Lanterman’s Mill is located at 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown, phone (330) 702-3000.

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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