Ariel-Foundation Park, Mount Vernon

Wow! This park is amazing! Loved the ruins and the ability to walk up the giant tower. If you go you have to do that! There is parking in several areas. We did every trail and got 3.1 miles of walking. Every part of the park was beautiful and well maintained. There are restroom facilities in two location. There is a small museum but it wasn’t open when we went. There are trash containers everywhere and plenty of benches, picnic tables and swings around the lake and other areas. The trails are paved so it is completely accessible.

This is an amazing park. It's also big. There is so much to see and do. The highlight for me was the observation deck on the smokestack. The ruins of some of the factory that used to be here and buildings still intact is like an outdoor museum. I was unaware of the lakes and ponds that are part of the park.A pleasant surprise.

Such a lovely park and a wonderful memorial to the glass factory that once stood on the grounds. I enjoyed walking around and seeing all the ruins and steel structures but I really enjoyed walking up the 238 steps to the top of Rastin Observation Tower. If you can make it to the top it offers some pretty incredible views!

We had a beautiful day in December and was in town, so we decided to check this out. We were staying at the Grand Hotel downtown where they had a book in the room explaining all of this. The stories in there is pretty amazing and definitely helps one to understand everything. I feel like without that we probably would have scratched our heads. It was nice walking the grounds but I don't know, personally I didn't love it. I understand that it is industrial, but it felt so cold and uninviting. I wouldn't make a trip just for this. Definitely read about the history behind it though.

What an amazingly unique park! My three year old and I had the best time exploring the grounds. When I told him we were going to a new park, he expected swings and slides, but his disappointment quickly faded as he realized he had so much open room to run! The excitement built as we made our way around and sounds of “Ooohhhhh mama! Look at THAT!!” filled the air. Such a beautiful, well kept park. Definitely a must-see in my eyes.