Things to do in Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Scranton earned the nickname 'The Electric City' after becoming the first place in the United States to have a successful, permanently operating electric streetcar system in 1886.
- The city sits atop a complex network of abandoned coal mine tunnels, leading to ongoing geological monitoring to prevent subsidence.
- The Lackawanna River, which flows through the city, was once severely polluted by mine drainage but has undergone significant environmental remediation to become a trout-fishing destination.
- Scranton was a major hub for the anthracite coal industry, which attracted large waves of European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, deeply influencing the city's ethnic culinary landscape.
- The city served as a primary testing ground for the development of early electrical grids and trolley infrastructure in the late 1800s.
About Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a former industrial powerhouse nestled in the Lackawanna Valley, uniquely defined by its deep-rooted coal mining history and evolution into the Electric City. Visitors can descend into historical depths at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour or explore industrial transit history at Steamtown National Historic Site. The city offers diverse green spaces like Nay Aug Park, providing a stark contrast to the rugged landscape of its mining legacy. It remains a central hub for regional history and heritage, anchored by landmarks like St. Peter's Cathedral.
Highlights of Scranton, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
This site features an extensive collection of steam locomotives and offers seasonal train rides through the scenic Lackawanna Valley.
Places of interest
Visitors travel deep underground into a restored 19th-century anthracite coal mine to experience the reality of mining life firsthand.
Parks
The park houses the Everhart Museum and provides access to the dramatic gorge views at the Roaring Brook waterfall.
Museums
This museum preserves the city's trolley heritage with displays detailing the technological innovation that earned Scranton its nickname.
Temples
This historic cathedral serves as a prominent example of Victorian Gothic architecture in the region.
Parks
This site features a large memorial dedicated to anthracite miners and provides extensive hiking trails and outdoor recreation facilities.
Top things to do in Scranton, Pennsylvania
The 59 highest-rated places in Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
Steamtown National Historic Site is a 62-acre park located in the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and...
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Parks
Nay Aug Park is Scranton's largest municipal park, featuring a prominent gorge and two cascading waterfalls along the Ro...
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Parks
Promised Land State Park is a 2,970-acre public recreation area situated on the Pocono Plateau in Pennsylvania. The park...
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Zoos
Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park is a family-oriented zoo located in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. It hous...
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Parks
McDade Park is a 186-acre municipal facility in Scranton, Pennsylvania, situated on the site of a former coal mine. It s...
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Parks
Tobyhanna State Park encompasses 5,440 acres in the Pocono Mountains, centered around the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The p...
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Parks
Lackawanna State Park centers on the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, a man-made reservoir created by a dam on the South Branch...
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Parks
Lazybrook Park is a community recreational space situated along the banks of Tunkhannock Creek in Pennsylvania. The park...
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Places of interest
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour offers a descent 300 feet below the earth into a repurposed anthracite coal mine in Scrant...
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Museums
The Electric City Trolley Museum focuses on the history of electric railway transportation in Northeastern Pennsylvania....
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Parks
Hillside Park in South Abington Township is a community-managed public space occupying a former regional park site that...
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Around Scranton, Pennsylvania
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Scranton, Pennsylvania on the map
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Plan your visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and suitable for outdoor activities in the area's parks.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the major industrial museums and surrounding nature parks.
A car is necessary for most travel within and around Scranton, as public transit coverage is limited and many attractions are spread across the valley.
Staying near the Downtown area provides the most convenient access to major historical attractions and dining, while areas closer to the mountain ridges offer more seclusion.
Scranton is generally a budget-friendly destination compared to major coastal metropolitan areas.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 59 curated attractions in and around Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Steamtown National Historic Site is the highest-rated place to visit in Scranton, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is parks, with 23 places to explore.
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