Scranton PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Scranton, Pennsylvania.
1. Steamtown National Historic Site
STEAM ENGINE HISTORY MUSEUM
Steamtown National Historic Site is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to steam engines and their significant contribution to America's economy in the 19th century. Visitors can explore authentic steam locomotives and learn about the pivotal role railroads played in shaping the industrial landscape of the United States.
2. Nay Aug Park
URBAN NATURE RETREAT
Nay Aug Park offers a serene natural escape within the city limits of Scranton, featuring beautiful walking paths and recreational areas. The park is home to the impressive Nay Aug Falls, which drops over 20 feet through a scenic gorge with several overlooks accessible via short woodland trails.
3. The Electric City Trolley Station and Museum
HISTORIC TROLLEY SHOWCASE
The Electric City Trolley Station and Museum displays an impressive collection of historical trolley cars and transportation artifacts from Scranton's past. Visitors can view vintage trolleys, watch informative videos, and learn about the electric trolley system that gave Scranton its nickname of 'The Electric City.'
4. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
COAL MINING CULTURAL HISTORY
The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum showcases the rich history of the anthracite coal fields that shaped northeastern Pennsylvania's development and culture. The museum offers insights into the lives of miners and their families, highlighting how coal mining influenced immigration patterns and daily life throughout the Scranton region.
5. Scranton Lake Walking Path
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAIL
The Scranton Lake Walking Path encircles the beautiful Lake Scranton, offering miles of clean, well-maintained trails for walkers and joggers. Visitors appreciate the serene lake views, regular security patrols, and the peaceful natural setting just minutes from downtown Scranton.
6. Montage Mountain
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR RECREATION
Montage Mountain is a premier year-round destination offering top-rated skiing and snowboarding during winter months and water park attractions in summer. The resort provides outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of recreational opportunities just minutes from central Scranton.
7. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour takes visitors deep underground into an authentic former coal mine, providing a firsthand look at mining operations from Scranton's industrial past. Guided tours offer insights into the difficult working conditions miners faced and the historical significance of coal mining to Pennsylvania's economy and culture.
8. Everhart Museum
ART AND NATURAL HISTORY
The Everhart Museum houses an eclectic collection spanning art, science, and natural history in a historic building within Nay Aug Park. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring both regional artistic works and natural specimens that tell the story of northeastern Pennsylvania's cultural and natural heritage.
9. Houdini Museum
MAGIC AND ILLUSION SHOWCASE
The Houdini Museum celebrates the life and career of famed magician Harry Houdini through a unique collection of memorabilia and magical artifacts. Visitors can enjoy live magic performances and tours dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of history's greatest illusionists and escape artists.
10. Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
AQUATIC AND REPTILE EXHIBITS
The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den offers an interactive experience with diverse marine life and exotic reptiles from around the world. Visitors can observe colorful fish, touch stingrays, and get up close with fascinating reptiles in this family-friendly Scranton attraction.
11. Archbald Pothole State Park
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Archbald Pothole State Park features what's recognized as the world's largest glacial pothole, an extraordinary geological phenomenon formed during the last ice age. Though one of Pennsylvania's smallest state parks, this natural oddity provides visitors with a glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped the region's landscape thousands of years ago.
12. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PATH
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers a picturesque pathway along the revitalized Lackawanna River, perfect for walking, running, and cycling through Scranton's natural and industrial landscapes. The trail connects various communities while providing scenic views and historical markers that highlight the region's rich heritage.
13. McDade Park
RECREATIONAL GREEN SPACE
McDade Park provides expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and recreational facilities for Scranton residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year. The park sits on reclaimed mine land and houses several attractions including the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum.
14. Choke Creek Falls
HIDDEN NATURAL WATERFALL
Choke Creek Falls is a serene waterfall hidden within the forests near Scranton, offering a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can hike to these picturesque falls along scenic woodland trails that showcase the natural beauty of northeastern Pennsylvania's landscape.
15. Scranton Cultural Center
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Scranton Cultural Center, housed in a magnificent neo-Gothic structure formerly known as the Masonic Temple, hosts a variety of performances, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year. This architectural gem features stunning interior details including grand halls, intricate woodwork, and remarkable stained glass that transports visitors to Scranton's prosperous past.