20 Things To Do In Scranton PA

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When most people think of Pennsylvania, the first thing that comes to mind is Philadelphia. However, there is so much more to this great state than just its largest city. Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a historic city in the northeastern part of the state with a population of about 77,000.

Known for its rich history, cultural diversity and outdoor recreational activities, there are plenty of things to do in Scranton to suit everyone. This charming city is nestled in the Pocono Mountains and offers a lot. Whether you are visiting Scranton for business or pleasure, this northeast hidden gem has plenty of choices.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

20 Things To Do In Scranton

1- Take a Scenic Train Ride at the Steamtown National Historic Site

scranton union pacific big boy
Seeing the Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive X4012 is one of the things to do in Scranton.

Steamtown National Historic Site is a top spot for anyone interested in American history or railways.

The site includes a museum with interactive exhibits, a working roundhouse and turntable, and scenic train rides.

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Even if you are not keen on history or trains, you can’t miss a ride on the Steamtown Excursion Train.

The train departs from the historic Roundhouse for a two-hour journey along the Lackawanna River Valley.

As you make your way through this stunningly beautiful region, your conductor will provide an informative narration about many of its historical points of interest as well as interesting facts along the way.

All aboard Steamtown National Historic Site at 350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA!

2- Explore the Nay Aug Gorge

things to do in scranton the office
Enjoying a lovely waterfall is one of the things to do near Scranton for nature lovers.

Nay Aug Gorge is a stunning natural area just outside downtown Scranton.

Located in Nay Aug Park, the gorge is a 1/2 mile (800m) long ravine that was formed by the spectacular Roaring Brook, which winds through it.

It’s home to some of the region’s most beautiful cascading waterfalls and provides breathtaking views of both the park and the surrounding area.

The gorge’s walls are made up of sandstone and shale, as well as other rocks from the Palaeozoic era, which give it its unique character.

You can access the gorge from Nay Aug park at 1901 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA.

3- Tour the Electric City Trolley Museum

The Electric City Trolley Museum is an incredible place to explore the history of trolleys and railroads.

Located in downtown Scranton, the museum offers a variety of exhibits that tell the story of the city’s electric railway system.

Visitors can take a tour that begins with a ride on a vintage trolley car, allowing them to experience firsthand what it was like to ride one in its heyday.

The museum contains several interactive displays and activities that explain the different types of trolleys used in Scranton, including old photographs and maps.

You can walk through yourself or join a guided tour.

Electric City Trolley Museum is at 300 Cliff St, Scranton, PA.

4- Tour the Lackawanna Coal Mine

Step back in time on the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, which offers a remarkable tour of one of the largest anthracite coal mines in the world.

The mine operated from 1860 until 1966 and was instrumental in shaping the industrial landscape of America.

Visitors to the mine will be taken through 300 feet (91 metres) of solid rock and guided through dark corridors by experienced miners, who share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they bring history to life.

The tour begins at the museum, where visitors can learn about the early days of mining in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Through interactive displays, photographs and artifacts, you’ll learn what the daily grind was like working in a coal mine during this period.

With an underground journey that includes authentic tools and machinery still used by miners today, you’ll gain an appreciation for the challenging conditions endured by these hard-working miners.

Access Lackawanna Coal Mine at Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA.

5- See A Show at the Scranton Cultural Center

The Scranton Cultural Center has been in operation since the early 20th century.

It is a magnificent building originally built as an opera house but now functions as a multi-arts venue.

Inside this historic landmark are three theatres: The Music Hall, The Little Theatre, and The Grand Ballroom.

Aside from attending shows at the venue, you can also participate in various educational programs offered by the centre such as workshops for adults or classes for children about theatre production techniques or photography basics.

This is great for anyone wanting to learn more while having fun.

You can also purchase unique souvenirs like handmade jewellery inspired by local artists at their gift shop near the entrance lobby.

Scranton Cultural Center is at 420 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA.

6- Take a Hike to Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls in Scranton is a picturesque spot in the city’s rolling hills and lush forested areas.

The park’s main feature is the Buttermilk Falls, a cascading waterfall that reaches heights of up to 40 feet (12 metres).

The site is popular among visitors and locals for its spectacular views and serenity.

You can hike along the trail that leads around the falls, which provides access to stunning views in all directions.

In addition to hiking, several picnic spots are located near the falls, allowing guests to enjoy a meal while soaking up the beauty of the falls.

You can reach the falls by driving east along Falls Rd out of Scranton.

7- View the Lackawanna County Courthouse

Lackawanna County Courthouse is one of Scranton’s oldest and most impressive buildings.

It has been a centre of government activity in the county since its construction, which began in 1907 and was completed in 1909.

The building is a beautiful example of Beaux Arts architecture and features a large dome atop its main entrance.

This feature, coupled with the four wings that extend outward, radiating from the centre of the building, gives it an appropriately majestic look for a courthouse.

Lackawanna County Courthouse is on the corner of North Washington Avenue and Spruce Street, Scranton, PA.

8- Ride a Unicorn at Brookvalley Farm

things to do in scranton pa this weekend Fresh, healthy organic food, fruits and vegetables at market.
Shopping in a farmer’s market is one of the top things to do in Scranton.

Visiting Brookvalley Farm is an experience like no other.

You can enjoy various activities such as unicorn and pony rides, horse-drawn carriages, and petting zoo visits, and you can also explore the beautiful farm during a guided tour.

During your visit, you’ll see the diverse farm animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats, and pigs.

You’ll also have a chance to learn about their daily life on the farm and how they are cared for by the caring staff.

Finish your visit with some fresh produce at their farmer’s market.

Note that the Farm Tours are by appointment only between May and October.

Brookvalley Farm is outside Scranton at 22 Brookvalley Rd, Greenfield Township, PA.

9- Shop at The Marketplace at Steamtown

Located in downtown Scranton, this marketplace contains a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, and services in a historical setting.

You’ll begin your journey through the marketplace by walking along the tracks of a former train station that has been converted into pedestrian pathways.

On these pathways, you can explore a range of unique stores such as an art gallery, antique store, jewellery shop, toy store and more.

All these stores are housed within restored 19th-century steam locomotives that provide a captivating atmosphere for shopping.

There are often concerts in the Music Hall and outdoor festivals on the Boardwalk, so check out what is scheduled during your visit.

The Marketplace at Steamtown is at 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA.

10- Cool off at Montage Mountain Waterpark

This family-friendly aquatic amusement park offers thrilling rides and attractions for people of all ages, with plenty of slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and a water playground.

From the exhilarating high-speed waterslide to the relaxing lazy river, you can cool off in style after soaking up the sun in the outdoor pool area.

The Roaring Rapids is perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush, while the activity pool allows children to splash around without worrying about getting too deep.

When you’re ready to relax and take a break from all the excitement, grab a tube and float down the lazy river as you soak in some rays.

The waterpark is open seasonally from Memorial Day (the last Monday of May) until Labor Day (the first Monday in September).

Montage Mountain Waterpark is at 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA.

11- Become Enlightened at the Everhart Museum

Everhart Museum offers unique insight into the cultural, artistic, and scientific history of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The museum has been around since 1905 and includes an extensive collection of art, artifacts and archaeological pieces from around the world, including various interactive exhibits and educational programs.

It’s more than a museum – its rotating exhibitions include sculptures, photographs, folk art, modern works and more.

Regular lectures and workshops are also offered on art, science, nature and more topics.

The kids will love the hands-on experiments in the Science Discovery Room and family-themed events like Maker Faire PA.

Everhart Museum is at 1901 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA.

12- View the Colourful Fish at Electric City

fun things to do in scranton pa A little girl on an outing to the aquarium.
Seeing fish in the aquarium is one of the things to do in Scranton for kids.

At the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, you will find an impressive variety of freshwater and saltwater fish worldwide.

Visitors can come face-to-face with colourful clownfish, electric eels, jellyfish, angelfish, wrasses and more.

In addition to large fish tanks, there are coral reefs where sea creatures like starfish and sea anemones thrive in their natural habitat.

It’s also home to an impressive collection of reptiles ranging from lizards and snakes to turtles and tortoises.

Here you can observe iguanas basking under the sun while other creatures, such as chameleons, blend into their environment using camouflage tactics.

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is open from 11 am to 6 pm at 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA.

13- Attend a Show at the Kirby Center

Located just out of Scranton, this historic venue hosts various shows throughout the year ranging from Broadway-style musicals to comedy acts and children’s theatre.

As you step foot inside this grand theatre, you are instantly transported to a world of spectacular performances.

The auditorium offers seating for over 1,500 guests with excellent sight lines and sound quality, allowing you to truly experience each show.

Before or after a show, visitors can explore the site’s gift shop, where they can find souvenirs and memorabilia related to past shows, such as autographed posters and t-shirts.

In addition to being an architectural marvel, it also holds historical significance for being one of only two theatres in northeastern Pennsylvania that has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century.

Kirby Center is at 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

14- Tour the Historic DeNaples Auto Dealership Garage

Car enthusiasts will love this historic dealership that has been serving customers for over 80 years.

Established in 1937 by the DeNaples family, the dealership’s garage offers a unique glimpse into automobile history and engineering.

In addition to its collection of classic cars, the garage boasts one of the finest automotive museums in the country.

The museum features rare artifacts from ongoing eras in car history, including everything from tools used to build Model T Fords to classic advertisements and brochures sharing stories of America’s love affair with cars.

It’s a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about automotive engineering and design.

DeNaples Auto Dealership Garage is at 400 Mill St, Dunmore, PA.

15- Look for Michael Scott on the official ‘The Office’ Tour

things to do in scranton pennsylvania Girl taking pictures on mobile smart phone a jumbo crab and spices herb.
Eating seafood is another thing to do in Scranton.

Those familiar with The Office will instantly recognise Scranton as the setting for the show.

Fans will love the self-guided walking tour, visiting various recognisable spots from the show, including the Steamtown Mall, Nay Aug Park, the infamous Welcome to Scranton sign, Poor Richards pub, Sabatini’s pizza, and Coopers Seafood House.

Make sure you save time for Cooper’s – not only is it from the show but there is a souvenir shop inside the restaurant with a huge array of Office-themed souvenirs.

Stop for lunch and reminisce about your favourite parts of the show.

You can find details and download the map here

There are multiple spots along the tour, but Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N Washington Ave, Scranton) is an excellent place to start.

16- Learn Some History at the Anthracite Heritage Museum

things to do in scranton pa
Paying your respects to war veterans is one of the poignant things to do in Scranton. Here’s a stone with a memorial plaque honouring veterans of Scranton Pennsylvania.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum & Iron Furnaces Park is a unique and fascinating historical site located in the Lackawanna Valley on the outskirts of Scranton.

This museum and park preserve the history of the region’s coal mining industry, which was instrumental in shaping the area’s economy and culture.

Visitors can explore various interactive exhibits that detail the history of anthracite coal mining, which began in this region in 1790.

The museum houses various artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations at local mine sites, including tools used by miners, historic photographs, documents, and maps detailing the development of coal mines throughout the region.

You can even explore an outdoor replica of a 19th-century iron furnace.

Anthracite Heritage Museum & Iron Furnaces Park is at 22 Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA.

17- See Some Magic at the Houdini Museum

The Houdini Museum, Tour & Magic Show is a unique opportunity to experience the life and legacy of the world-famous magician Harry Houdini.

You can explore an exhaustive collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and documents related to Houdini’s illustrious career and personal life.

The tour begins with a walk through the impressive Houdini Hall of Fame, which features interactive exhibits highlighting his extraordinary feats and accomplishments.

From there, guests can explore the museum’s many displays that showcase Houdini’s world-renowned escape acts and stunts and a wide array of his personal effects such as performance costumes, props from film and stage performances, personal letters and more.

You can also participate in live magic shows featuring illusionists performing some of Houdini’s signature tricks.

At the end of the tour, have your photo taken in one of Houdini’s famous straitjackets.

The magic starts at Houdini Museum, Tour & Magic Show at 1433 N Main Ave Scranton, PA.

18- Meet The Animals at the Safari Farm Petting Zoo

The Safari Farm Petting Zoo offers a safe environment for visitors of all ages to interact with animals they may not have seen before.

In addition to the traditional goats, sheep and llamas, visitors can also get up close and meet some exotic animals like alpacas and reindeer.

Plenty of family activities are available, including pony rides, hayrides, and scenic walking trails.

The petting zoo lets you pat the goats, rabbits, cows, pigs, and sheep, and for the brave, you can even hold the snakes and lizards.

Safari Farm Petting Zoo is outside Scranton at 1675 Mt Cobb Rd, Lake Ariel, PA.

19- Hit the Slopes at Montage Mountain Resort

things to do in scranton Tying the laces of winter skates on a frozen lake.
Enjoying winter activities is one of the fun things to do in Scranton.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Scranton in winter, embrace the cold at Montage Mountain – the ski resort provides visitors with various activities and slopes suitable for all skill levels.

The terrain park features fourteen trails, ranging from beginner to expert level, and over 100 acres (40 ha) of skiable terrain.

In addition to Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Montage Mountain also offers snow tubing, ice skating and other winter activities.

The resort also caters to night skiing enthusiasts offering its longest run lit up by LED lights after sundown until 9 pm.

Here in the warmer months? The mountain is open all year round and makes for some scenic hikes.

Montage Mountain Resort is at 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA.

20- Attend a Show At Scranton Fringe Festival

The Scranton Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of the arts and culture.

It’s a unique event that brings local and international artists, performers, musicians, vendors, and more to showcase their work and talent.

The festival features a variety of art installations, theatre performances, comedy shows, live music performances, film screenings, lectures and panels, dance showcases, food events, community-led initiatives and much more.

This creative event takes place in different venues throughout Scranton, including parks, galleries, churches, and many other venues.

It is sure to be an unforgettable experience with something for everyone.

Located throughout Scranton during September and October every year. You can find the upcoming schedule of events here.

Plan Your Trip

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Emma-Jocelyn Denning
Emma is an Aussie writer and travel enthusiast. Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, she has lived in Philadelphia, USA for the past three years and is preparing for her next big move to The UK in 2023. A University graduate in Supply Chain Management, she decided to break away from the corporate 9-5 after only a couple of years to pursue freelance writing. Emma has travelled to over 30 countries and hopes to visit at least 30 more in the next 10 years. Her favourite travel destination is Southeast Asia (Thailand in particular), and hopes to live there one day near an elephant sanctuary.