A Weekend Getaway at the Mills Park Hotel In Yellow Springs, Ohio
An idyllic getaway only an hour from Cincinnati is exploring the vibrant town of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Nestled in the heart of town, the iconic Mills Park Hotel invites guests to explore, rest, and repeat.
Built to resemble the 19th-century home of William Mills, The Mills Park Hotel offers guests a luxurious overnight experience with top-notch hospitality. The 28-bed boutique hotel hosts a full-service restaurant, banquet hall, and gift shop. All with a whimsical touch of Corgi.
Adorned in Corgi decor the hotel pays tributes to Ellie, the prior owner’s pet Corgi, who often acted as the official greeter. While the hotel is now a pet-free facility, guests will love the canine artwork throughout the hallways.
This article will review the Mills Park Hotel and share tips for planning a fun weekend in Yellow Springs.
The History of The Mills Park Hotel
William Mills was a local settler who arrived in Yellow Spring in 1827 after purchasing several hundred acres of land.
He intended to build the finest resort destination in Ohio while also financing the railroad through Yellow Springs and helping to build the town’s infrastructure. The original railroad station stands only steps from the hotel and is an active Amtrak Station.
The hotel is modeled after the 19th-century home of William Mills that he built on former swampland. While the original house only had two stories, a third was later added by the Means family after they purchased the property.
The Means added the mansard roof and tower, which are emulated on Mills Park Hotel.
In 1921, the president of Antioch Academy moved the school into the Mills House while adding an elementary program to their courses, now making it Antioch School. In 1951, Antioch turned over the property to the local school board, and it was then used as a community center until it was razed in 1966.
While the hotel is not an exact replica, it imitates the mid-to-late 1800s style of the original three-story Victorian Mills’ home, which is currently the site of Mills Lawn Elementary.
Where Is The Mills Park Hotel
In our personal opinion, the Mills Park Hotel is the best place to stay while visiting Yellow Springs. While lodging options are slim, very few accommodations can beat the location, luxury, and amenities offered at Mills Park.
Located at 321 Xenia Avenue, guests are only steps from Yellow Springs eclectic downtown and within walking distance of popular hiking destinations like Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
Planning Tip: As one of the most sought-after accommodations in Yellow Springs, rooms book up quickly, especially on weekends. It is a 28-room hotel, so book months in advance if you are looking at a particular date.
Arriving At Mills Park Hotel
Upon arriving at this colonial hotel, guests will find a free parking lot in the back. Hospitality takes center stage from the moment you arrive at the front desk. The receptionist takes in any special requests and acquaints you with the hotel.
You will note that this is an impeccable clean hotel with charming seasonal decor that will have you contemplating a return visit before you even set foot in your room. The lobby is very welcoming with gathering places, comfy couches, and tables.
If arriving for a special event, signs will help direct you to the conference room or wedding.
Relax In Luxury
Each guest room features luxury linens, pillowtop mattresses, Smart TVs, custom solid wood desks, armoires, and upholsteries. Complimentary wireless internet access, coffee makers, and hair dryers are also included.
Historical Southern charm radiates from the room with custom decor and Amish hand-crafted furniture. Kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs are available depending on your room category. The presidential suite has French doors that open to a private bathroom featuring heated tile floors and a large whirlpool bathtub.
Ellie’s Restaurant
Venture to Ellie’s Restaurant for a cocktail or indulge in brunch before hitting the town. Ellie’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with having a full bar. Get a specialty coffee off their barista menu to savor on their beautiful front porch.
I can’t recommend their cooked-to-order breakfasts enough. We opted for Sunday brunch and it was fabulous. We ordered a variety of different entrees from their avocado toast to the breakfast skillets.
The front of the house is straight-up Southern sophistication. If it wasn’t blistering cold during our visit, I could have easily been found on the front porch sipping tea or a glass of wine most evenings.
The Gift Shop
Swing into their gift shop for local products and our favorite, Youngs Dairy Ice Cream! They sell little cups of ice cream from this famous dairy farm that you can enjoy in your room. Beer, wine, and other snacks are also available for purchase.
Homemade gifts from local artisans line the shelves, along with an impressive collection of Corgi merchandise.
Things To Do In Yellow Springs During Your Weekend Getaway
Whether hiking at John Bryan State Park or catching a show at the Little Art Theatre, there is always something to do in Yellow Springs.
Head over to our 15 Awesome Things To Do In Yellow Springs to start planning your itinerary.
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Yellow Springs offers some of the best hiking options in Southwest Ohio, with Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve being one of my favorites.
Warning: There are steep cliffs and gorges that can be harrowing for parents with young children. Keep a close eye on kids and stay on the trail.
Now that my warning is out of the way let me start by stating that the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is near the historic Clifton Mill. Therefore, make the most of your time by seeing both. We did breakfast at Clifton Mill, then went hiking afterward.
There are 3 miles of hiking trails:
- Gorge Trail – 1 mile
- Narrows Trail – 0.5 mile
- Orton Trail – 0.5 mile
- Rim Trail – 1 mile
Wildflowers take center stage as Clifton Gorge State Nature Park is one of the best places in the entire state to view them. The shaded, north-facing slopes provide a cool, moist environment for many species, while the river funnels through a deep, narrow channel in the dolomite and limestone gorges.
Packing Tip: Invest in good waterproof boots before you venture out. I found that these Sperry Boots worked great for trails in Yellow Springs. There was a good amount of mud on the trails after a recent spring shower.
Hit The Little Miami Bike Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail cuts through the heart of Yellow Springs, making it a mecca for bikers. Rent a bike or bring your own for an opportunity to hit the trail. The trail follows the Little Miami River, giving riders plenty of shade along with the peaceful scenery.
Tip: The Mills Park Hotel is one of the only places to rent bikes in Yellow Springs. It is seasonal, so be sure to call ahead to see if rentals are available on your desired date.
Go Hiking At The Glen Helen Nature Preserve
A great place to get outdoors in Yellow Springs is the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Home to the town’s famous Yellow Spring, the preserve is full of hidden gems such as Cascade Falls and the grotto. I’ll warn you, the Yellow Spring is a lot smaller than you would imagine. Think of an Instagram vs. Reality.
A stone stairwell leads hikers into the gorge, where well-maintained trails are perfect for families. The trails loop and intersects throughout the preserve, offering views of waterfalls, the grotto, and the famous yellow spring.
The Old Dam Bridge is another popular spot, along with Pompey’s Pillar and the Hopewell Indian Mound. A trailside museum can be found before the trailhead descends into the gorge. The museum has hands-on exhibits, a nature shop, and educational programs.
Planning Tip: A fee to park at the preserve can be paid in cash or online via an app.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve | 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Get Your Glen Helen Trail Map HERE!
Explore The Main Street Of Yellow Springs
Downtown Yellow Springs is full of eccentric boutiques, quirky shops, and little eateries to discover. It is the perfect place to find that unique gift or artwork. While the strip is rather small, you can a good amount of time browsing in and out of the shops.
From trying on boho clothing at Pangaea to finding comic books at Dark Star Books, Yellow Springs has the shop for you. My daughter’s favorites are the Yellow Spring Toy Company and the Little Fairy Garden.
Young’s Dairy Farm
No visit to Yellow Springs is complete without a trip to Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm. The sweetest part of any visit to Yellow Springs is visiting the Dairy Store for a scoop of their creamy ice cream. With a wide assortment of flavors, it can be challenging to choose one.
Yellow Springs Brewery
After spending a few hours hiking at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a refreshing beverage is much needed. Venture over to the Yellow Springs Brewery for a refreshing craft beer.
The brewery has a nice patio near the bike trail. Many bikers swing in and grab a beer. Next door to Yellow Springs Brewery is the Spirits of Yellow Springs Distillery. Worth venturing into for those who enjoy a little something stronger than beer.
Planning Tip: Look at their food truck schedule if you are planning on grabbing a bite to eat.
Yellow Springs Brewery | 305 Walnut Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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