Scranton, located in northeast Pennsylvania, is a charming city known as the cultural and commercial hub of Lackawanna County. Once a thriving center for coal mining, railroads, and industry, it has gained popularity as the backdrop for the popular TV show ‘The Office’.
Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the prosperous city attracted numerous immigrants who came to work in its coal mines and railroads. These developments earned Scranton the nickname ‘The Electric City’ as impressive buildings sprouted throughout the town.
Though the city’s golden age has passed, there are still plenty of enjoyable activities to engage in. You can explore beautiful parks and scenic trails, while also visiting intriguing historical sites and museums that showcase the area’s vibrant past.
14. Scranton Lake Walking Path
An absolute treat to amble around peacefully, the Scranton Lake Walking Path takes you right round the big body of water. Located just a bit further past Nay Aug Park from the center, it has delightful scenery, nature and views for you to take in.
Created in the early 1900s following the damming of the Stafford Meadow Brook, the reservoir is surrounded by lots of lush woodland with East Mountain also overlooking it. Looping its way about its shimmering surface is the picturesque walking path which reaches just over 3.5 miles in length.
While walking, running or cycling along the mostly flat trail, you can enjoy the fabulous fauna and foliage on show all around you. Glinting through the trees is, of course, the sparkling Lake Scranton which is bordered by the beautiful brickwork of the dam to its southern side.
13. Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain, one of the state’s premier ski resorts, stands prominently south of Scranton. A mere fifteen-minute drive from downtown can have you gliding down its gentle slopes, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
Despite Pennsylvania not being the first thought for snow sports, the resort boasts a respectable thousand-foot vertical drop with 26 runs weaving around the mountain. Skiing across its varied terrain provides stunning views of the surrounding valleys and city below.
In the summer, Montage Mountain transforms into a fantastic water park, offering guests lazy rivers, sunbathing areas, and exciting water slides. The resort also hosts numerous outdoor events and concerts, featuring attractions like batting cages, beach volleyball, and mini golf.
12. Everhart Museum
The Everhart Museum is located in Nay Aug Park, not too far away. It is a favorite among families, as it has a fascinating collection of artifacts, specimens, and fossils. The museum first opened its doors to the public in 1908 and is now the largest public museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
It is named after a prominent physician and philanthropist, Isaiah Fawkes Everhart. The museum showcases both natural history and fine arts, with its grand galleries dedicated to these two subjects.
Visitors can see a variety of things, including stuffed animals, dinosaur bones, Egyptian funerary objects, African masks, and modern masterpieces by artists like Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. The museum also features decorative arts from different parts of the world, as well as sculptures and ceramics from various cultures and civilizations.
11. Electric City Trolley Museum
Scranton, Pennsylvania earned the nickname “The Electric City” because it had the first passenger trolley line in the state in the late 1880s. If you visit the fantastic transport museum, you can learn about the history of railroad lines and see many old vehicles.
The museum is located next to the Steamtown National Historic Site, which was created in 1999 to preserve Pennsylvania’s railroad history. The museum displays artifacts, equipment, and exhibits in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill building.
The highlight of the visit is riding on a genuine 1926 or 1932 trolley and exploring the peaceful countryside. During the trip, you will cross over Roaring Brook, travel through a long tunnel, and reach PNC Field on Montage Mountain.
10. Anthracite Heritage Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of the state, you should definitely visit the Anthracite Heritage Museum. The museum has artifacts and exhibits that show what life was like for early immigrants who came to work in the mines, mills, and factories in the area.
It is part of a larger complex that preserves the history of anthracite mining in Pennsylvania, and it is located in McDade Park. The museum has interesting exhibits and historical photos that cover topics such as immigration, the evolution of the industry, and the difficult working conditions in the mines during the 1800s.
In addition to seeing old tools and equipment and learning about the harsh working conditions, you can also explore a replica of a miner’s home and an old saloon.
9. Nay Aug Park
Nay Aug is the biggest park in the city, located next to Roaring Brook and its beautiful gorge. It’s very close to the center, but once you enter, you feel like you’re far away from the busy downtown area. There are lots of amenities and activities available for visitors.
The park was formed during the last ice age when glaciers shaped the landscape. Nay Aug, which means “noisy brook” in Munsee, has a fast-paced stream that rushes through rapids and a rocky gorge. To get the best views of the stream and the surrounding woodlands, you can cross the covered bridge or go up to the park’s tall treehouse.
Since 1893, both locals and tourists have come to explore its large green spaces. There are two Olympic-sized swimming pools, several playgrounds, and even a waterslide park. When you’re tired from hiking and biking, you can take a break and enjoy a snack or a hot drink at the picnic pavilions or the cozy Blackwatch Cafe.
8. Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is a popular attraction in the mall. It was opened in 2017 and offers an educational and entertaining experience. You can see a variety of sea creatures such as sharks, stingrays, and fish swimming in large tanks filled with colorful corals. There are also snakes and crocodiles.
The aquarium has different areas like Frog Swamp, Snake Den, Gator Alley, and Shark Reef, which you can walk through. Each exhibit has informative displays about the species from around the world.
Some highlights include touching stingrays in a special tank and watching live feedings and educational shows where you can meet alligators, turtles, and more.
7. Houdini Museum
Harry Houdini, a famous magician and illusionist, lived and performed in northeast Pennsylvania for several years. In North Scranton, there is a museum dedicated to him where visitors can see old items and film clips and then watch an incredible magic show.
The museum was established in 1988 and showcases posters, photos, and personal belongings related to Houdini. During the tour, you will learn about Houdini’s greatest tricks and how he became a renowned magician.
The highlight of the museum is the hour-long magic show performed by Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brooks, who are both celebrity magicians themselves. Their impressive sleight of hand and astonishing tricks will leave guests amazed.
6. The Marketplace at Steamtown
If you prefer exploring a large shopping center instead of spending time in nature, then The Marketplace at Steamtown is a great place to visit in Scranton. It is located in front of an important historical site with many shops and restaurants that cater to various interests, tastes, and budgets.
The shopping center was opened in 1993 and now has around fifty stores and boutiques spread across two floors. Most of these businesses are locally owned and offer a wide range of products, including beauty items, fashion accessories, books, toys, and video games.
In addition to its food court, the shopping center also features a small aquarium, a large indoor playground, and a relaxing spa that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. On weekends, the Scranton Public Market takes place at the mall, which includes activities such as a boxing club, music classes, and even a community college.
5. Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
In the heart of town, there is a beautiful building called the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. This building is very impressive and has a Romanesque Revival style. It was built during Scranton’s heyday as a coal mining center and railroad hub, so it represents power and importance.
The building was constructed in 1884 and has a five-story bell tower. The facade of the building is very attractive and looks like an old European castle. Besides admiring the architecture and taking pictures, you can also explore the lovely grounds surrounding the building.
These grounds have memorials for veterans and statues of famous people like Christopher Columbus and George Washington.
4. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
One of the best ways to explore the city and its surroundings is by walking, running, jogging, or cycling along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. This trail connects both rural and urban communities in the area, providing beautiful views of scenery and nature spots.
Starting from where the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Rivers meet, the trail takes you northwards until it intersects with the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail. The trail is well-maintained and stretches over seventy miles, mostly following the riverbanks.
Along the trail, you can see various public artworks and historic sites related to the region’s coal mining and railroad history. As you pass through towns, you’ll also find cafes and shops before returning to the lovely countryside.
3. Lackawanna State Park
Lackawanna State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located just a short fifteen-minute drive north of the city center. It offers a wide range of thrilling activities for you to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, swimming, sailing, and camping.
The park has been protected since 1972 and has stunning scenery, including expansive forests, fields, and winding streams and trails. In the past, the land was home to the Lenape tribe and later settled by white farmers. They even had a horse racing course and fairgrounds where the campsite is now located.
Today, the park attracts outdoor enthusiasts who come to explore the lush woods, go fishing, swimming, and boating on the serene lake.
2. Steamtown National Historic Site
In the center of town stands the Steamtown National Historic Site, which is the standout attraction of the city. It houses a vast collection of old steam trains, along with artifacts, photos, and equipment pieces that you can explore. The museum, established in 1986, is located in the former Scranton Yards.
It showcases numerous exhibits and trains, with a working turntable and reconstructed roundhouse as its focal point. Additionally, there are several outbuildings from the turn-of-the-century on the site. Impressive displays include approximately two dozen locomotives, the oldest dating back to 1903.
Once you have absorbed the history and evolution of Pennsylvania’s railroads, you can enjoy a short ride on an old steam train along its heritage track for a truly nostalgic experience.
1. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is a fun and interesting experience where you can go 300 feet below the ground in an old mine car. Inside the abandoned anthracite mine, a knowledgeable guide will tell you about the coal industry, its impact on Pennsylvania, and the dangers that miners had to deal with.
The tour is located in McDade Park, along with the Anthracite Heritage Museum, a museum, and a gift shop. The mine was opened in 1903 by the Continental Coal Company and operated until 1966. Tours of the mine and museum started about ten years later.
Nowadays, visitors wear protective hard hats and ride in a bright yellow mine car to explore the dark tunnels. When you reach the bottom, you can walk around the supported tunnels and learn about the difficult conditions that child workers as young as seven or eight had to endure.
