Attractions and Places To See around Scranton - Top 12

Scranton offers a rich history to explore. You can visit the Steamtown National Historic Site to learn about steam railroading, or delve into the region's coal mining past at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. The Scranton Iron Furnaces showcase Pennsylvania's iron production legacy, and the Lackawanna Historical Society at the Catlin House provides insights into the city's heritage. For more historical sites, you can check VisitNEPA's historic sites page.

To immerse yourself in Scranton's coal mining history, take the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, which brings you 300 feet underground into an abandoned anthracite mine. Nearby, the Anthracite Heritage Museum provides further insight into the challenging working conditions and unique communities shaped by hard coal mining in Pennsylvania.

Scranton boasts several natural escapes. Nay Aug Park is the city's largest, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and the beautiful Nay Aug Falls. McDade Park offers 200 acres with trails and sports fields. For serene beauty, Lake Scranton provides a 3.57-mile loop track. You can also explore the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain for its unique stunted pine and oak forests and panoramic views.

Yes, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a prominent multi-use path stretching over 70 miles, with paved sections in downtown Scranton, perfect for walking, hiking, and biking. Additionally, Lake Scranton features a scenic 3.57-mile loop track ideal for nature lovers. For more extensive hiking options, consider routes like the 'Gene's, After 5, Stonehenge, Conglomerate, and Nature Preserve Trail' or the 'Top of the World Trail' which you can find details about in the Hiking around Scranton guide.

For panoramic views, head to the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain, which offers stunning vistas of Pennsylvania's northeastern corner, especially beautiful at sunset. Nay Aug Park features the David Wenzel Treehouse, providing views 150 feet down into the gorge where Nay Aug Falls cascades. The Campbells Ledge Reservoir also offers excellent views, particularly near sunset.

Beyond walking and cycling on trails like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, you can enjoy hiking at locations such as Campbells Ledge Reservoir and the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain. Montage Mountain Resorts offers skiing and other outdoor activities. For more specific outdoor adventures, explore the Hiking around Scranton, MTB Trails around Scranton, and Running Trails around Scranton guides.

Scranton offers several family-friendly options. Nay Aug Park and McDade Park both feature inclusive playgrounds and ample space for recreation. The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, located within The Marketplace at Steamtown, is Pennsylvania's second-largest aquarium. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour can also be an engaging experience for families.

Absolutely! Scranton embraces its fame as the setting for "The Office." You can see the 86-foot-wide "The Office: The Story of Us" mural, the only official mural globally recognized by NBC. Other inspired spots include the Penn Paper Tower, Cooper's Seafood House, Poor Richard's Pub, and Alfredo's Pizza Café. For more details, visit VisitNEPA's "The Office" page.

Scranton's cultural scene includes the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art, one of Pennsylvania's oldest museums, located in Nay Aug Park. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances. For a unique experience, visit the Houdini Museum, dedicated to the famous escape artist. You can also experience First Friday Scranton, a monthly art walk downtown.

Yes, Scranton proudly showcases its "Electric City" heritage. The Electric City Trolley Station & Museum highlights this history with vintage trolleys and interactive exhibits. The iconic "Electric City" sign on the Scranton Electric Building is a century-old illuminated landmark best viewed at night, commemorating the city's nickname.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Scranton's outdoor attractions. Spring brings blooming nature, while autumn provides vibrant foliage, making trails like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and areas like Nay Aug Park particularly scenic. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter offers opportunities for activities at Montage Mountain Resorts.

Many of Scranton's outdoor trails are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a popular choice for walks with dogs. Always check specific park regulations before visiting, but generally, natural areas like Nay Aug Park and McDade Park welcome leashed dogs on their trails.