Lanterman’s Mill

Lanterman’s Mill is not only steeped in local history, it is also a stunning place to visit. It has inviting walks and an amazing waterfall. If you would like to know more then please read on…

Visit Lanterman’s Mill

Lanterman’s Mill is one of Mahoning County’s most historically important landmarks. This stunning mill was built in 1845-46 by Samuel Kimberly and German Lanterman. In recent times, the mill was neglected and needed to be restored. The restoration project took place between 1982 and 1985. It was a gift of wards by the Florence Beecher Foundation. This stunning mill is a local treasure and operates in the same fashion today as always. The grinding of buckwheat, corn, and wheat still happens today and uses the old methods.

If you would like a trip into the past then this is the place to visit. Visitors are able to feel the crash and rumble of the machinery as well as the smell of the corn.

There is also a gift shop in the mill where visitors are able to purchase items they make in the mill. Some of the items on offer are unique to the Mill. Visitors will also be able to purchase whole wheat flour, buckwheat, and stone-ground cornmeal that is produced by the Mill.

If you would like information with regard to the stone-ground flour and meal then please call them directly (Contact details are further down this article). Download a brochure for delicious recipes using your Lanterman’s Mill products.

The History of Lanterman’s Mill

The story begins in the late 18th Century. This was a place of natural beauty that belonged to John Young, who was the founder of Youngstown. John Young’s surveyors were asked to take a survey of the local area and this is when they came across the falls.

The surveyors knew that this would be an ideal place for a mill, thanks to the power of the water. The first mill that was constructed in this location was a sawdust mill. This mill operated for 23 years and then it was replaced with a second mill. This second mill was washed away in a large flood in 1843.

The current mill was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and his brother-in-law Samuel Kimberly. German Lanterman owned a large area of land around the falls. Lanterman’s Mill is the third mill that was constructed in this location and is the mill that is still standing. The mill was in action until 1888.

It was a very successful operation and there is still local debate as to why it was closed down in the first place. The Mill started to fall apart and it was purchased in 1892. A ballroom and bathhouse were constructed for swimmers.

The upper floors were used for storing boats and a nature museum was opened on the first floor in 1933. Lanterman’s Mill was entered into the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in 1976.

The big renovation of the mill started in 1982 and it was a tough operation. It was very expensive and painstaking as there were no plans for how the original mill was constructed.

A short video tour of Lanterman’s Mill:

It was decided that an archeological dig was needed to give the team an idea of how to go about their task. The dig was very useful as different artifacts were found and there was also evidence of an earlier waterwheel.

Lorin Cameron and his sons from Damascus, Ohio, are expert gristmill renovators and they were tasked to renovate the mill due to their impressive track record with renovating Garretts Mill in Garrettsville, Ohio, and Gaston’s Mill in Beaver Creek State Park.

The renovation was backed up with a $600,000 grant to the Mill Creek Park Foundation by the Florence and Ward Beecher Foundations. A lot of the machinery was purchased, however, the fittings, shafts, and waterwheel were done by hand by the Camerons.

Whilst the work on the machinery was going on, the other areas of the mill were also being refitted. The internals of the mill needed to be replaced and a new roof also had to be fitted. New doors were also needed so that a piece of the waterwheel could be taken into the mill before it was fitted out. Externally, there was the construction of walkways and an observation deck. 

Is Lanterman’s Mill Easy To Get To?

Lanterman’s Mill Waterfall is really easy to get to. It is not a large waterfall as it is only of a height of 20 feet and it also has a crest of 20 feet. However, it is a stunning waterfall and it is the perfect place to get some lovely photographs.

The Covered Bridge At Lanterman’s Mill

The Covered Bridge was designed after an old bridge that was located here previously. The old bridge was used by farmers bringing their grain to the mill. The Covered Bridge is beautiful and it is one of the highlights of Mill Creek Park. The Covered Bridge was constructed in 1989 and this was made possible thanks to funds being provided by:

• Conservation fund of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• J. Ford Crandall Memorial Foundation
• The Youngstown Foundation
• The Ward and Florence Beecher Foundations

Trails At Lanterman’s Mill

There are two trails in Mill Creek Park, there is the East Gorge Walk and the West Gorge Trail, both of which are fantastic. They offer walkers a glimpse into the past. The gorge trail is a comfortable two-mile walk that loops around the local area. There is a large wall of sandstone and there is also a boardwalk that is at the side of the stream.

Opening Hours

Lanterman’s Mill is open during the summer months.

May through October: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Open the last weekend of November for the Olde Fashion Christmas Event

Closed Mondays & Observed Holidays

The observed holidays are:

• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day Ride of the stream

While visiting friends in Ohio we discovered Lanterman’s Mill, first built in 1845 and later restored in 1985. I am a lover of hiking, waterfalls, mills, bridges, gardens, historic places and tranquil spaces. Lanterman’s Mill has all of this which makes a visit here nearly perfect.

Richard R. (Yelp)

Where Is Lanterman’s Mill Located?

• Address: 1001 Canfield Rd. (SR 62), Youngstown, OH 44511
• Phone: 330-740-7115 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Let’s Go To Lanterman’s Mill!

Have you visited Lanterman’s Mill? What was your favorite activity?

If you enjoy hikes and adventures with some history attached, you will enjoy the Indian Mound Reserve.

For family fun, be sure to check out Hocking Hills Adventures, where fun for all the family is guaranteed!

If you just love adventure, we have lots of suggestions!