A few months back, I was exploring some excellent places to visit near the Poconos. That is when I stumbled upon the vibrant city of Scranton PA. This is a city that is lively, has historical significance and local allure, and captivates people with its rich tapestry of experiences.
A picturesque city with beautiful trails and parks, impressive landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere, it is home to a number of historical places and restaurants. It is also a wonderful destination to enjoy a number of must-do fun activities.
In this blog, I will delve into these must-do activities, the many restaurants and historical places that you can visit in this region. If you are a nature lover and a history enthusiast, then keep reading to explore the variety of things to do in Scranton.
History and Heritage of Scranton
Scranton has a long and rich history and heritage. The area was originally home to the Lenape and Capoose Indian tribes. In the mid-eighteenth century, white settlers arrived and settled in the region.
In 1880, the city got its nickname “Electric City” by a local Baptist minister named Rev. David Spencer, because of electric lights being introduced throughout the city. Another reason for the nickname was that it also became the first city to run streetcars on electricity.
There are a number of historic landmarks in the city that will be a delight to you if you are a history buff. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Steamtown National Historic Site, and the Electric City Trolley Museum are some of those historic places to visit in Scranton PA.
Apart from these, the city also has a few renowned museums, galleries, and theaters, such as the Scranton Cultural Center, the Everhart Museum, and the Moosic Street Viaduct. Let us discuss some of these prominent historic landmarks.
1. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
The Lackawanna Coal Mine is one of the best Scranton PA tourist attractions that you can visit and enjoy. The place offers a mine tour in which you can travel beneath the earth’s surface and explore the coal mine.
I had an awesome experience touring the Lackawanna Coal Mine where I could get a glimpse of the day-to-day life of mine workers. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes before you embark on the tour.
2. Electric City Trolley Museum
One of the popular attractions in Scranton Pennsylvania, the Electric City Trolley Museum is established to remember the operation of the first electric streetcar in the U.S. The museum gives us a good representation of the history of the electric railway of eastern Pennsylvania.
There are a variety of items that are on display in the museum, such as vintage trolleys, a 50-seat theater, interactive exhibits, mini railways, vintage street lights, trolley displays and many more. I can say from experience that this is a unique museum that you can visit while enjoying a vacation in Scranton.
If you are a history buff, then you can visit some popular museums in the Poconos, which is a nearby attraction to Scranton.
3. Scranton Cultural Center
If you love concerts and musicals, then the Scranton Cultural Center will be the source of your entertainment in Scranton PA.
The center is a venue for a variety of entertaining activities such as local and professional musicals, national Broadway tours, art exhibits, theater performances, fundraisers, proms, private parties and much more.
It is also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Below are additional details on the above three historic landmarks.
| Attraction | Location | Pricing | Timings | Prior Reservation |
| Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour | Bald Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18504 | $7.50 to $10 | 10 am to 4 pm (daily) | No |
| Electric City Trolley Museum | 300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503 | $7 to $12 | 9 am to 4 pm (daily) | Yes |
| Scranton Cultural Center | 420 N Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 | Varies for each event | Timings vary by event | No |
Embracing Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Beauty of Scranton
You can venture into the outdoors to explore the fun things to do in Scranton PA. I enjoyed hiking, birdwatching, biking, and fishing after I discovered Scranton’s picturesque trails, scenic parks, and pristine waterways.
You will also experience some good heart-pounding adventure at the various waterfalls in the area, offering you some high-flying excitement and fun.
Few of the must-visit spots where you can enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic beauty include Nay Aug Park, Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, McDade Park, Nay Aug Falls, and Rie Rie Overlook. Here, let us explore some of these spots.
1. Nay Aug Park
The largest park in the city, visiting Nay Aug Park is one of the top things to do in Scranton PA. The park has so many amenities and unique spots to explore.
Some of the activities you can enjoy in this park include hiking through the scenic walking trails, a picnic in one of the welcoming picnic spots, climbing the treehouse, playing in the cascading waterfall and appreciating the awesome scenery around. You can also visit the Rie Rie Overlook and Nay Aug Falls while you are in the Nay Aug Park.
2. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is one of the best attractions in Scranton. It stretches for more than 70 miles.
You can run, hike, jog or bike through the trail and experience magnificent views, parks, playgrounds, and various sculptures. I enjoyed a good hike with my family and the sculptures were a sight to see as we passed through them.
3. McDade Park
Being a local favorite, the McDade Park allows you to enjoy some exciting activities in Scranton PA. It has 180 acres of recreational area for city residents to come and rejuvenate all year long.
The park has a good playground, a vast swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, and two picnic areas with grill facilities. If you have kids, they will love the fishing pond and the butterfly garden.
In case you visit the park during bad weather, you can directly head to the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour or the Anthracite Heritage Museum.
As an additional adventure, you can also visit the nearby Tobyhanna State Park to experience more outdoor activities.
Dive into Fun at Montage Mountain Resorts Waterpark
Montage Mountain Resorts Waterpark is Scranton’s premier waterpark for absolute adventure and family fun in the waters. You can overcome the heat of summer by visiting this waterpark.
There are several water activities that you can enjoy here. Water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, mat racer slides and splash zones provide entertainment and excitement for visitors of all ages. I had visited the waterpark with my family a few months back and enjoyed almost all the water activities with them. The whole thing was a thrilling adventure for us.
One of the best water parks in Scranton, Montage Mountain Resorts Waterpark also has ample amenities such as cabanas, lounge areas, and food concessions. This will give you opportunities for relaxation and refreshment between your rides and attractions.
Below are a few additional details on the Montage Mountain Resorts Waterpark.
| Location | 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18507 |
| Timings | 11 am to 6 pm (daily) |
| Pricing | $24.99 to $29.99 |
Savoring Scranton’s Local Flavors and Culinary Delights
Scranton has a diverse dining experience, ranging from family-owned pizzerias to restaurants that serve farm-to-table delicacies. The city has a selection of tasty cuisines to bring about a savory experience to your taste buds.
Sambuca Grille, Cooper’s Seafood, Posh at The Scranton Club, Sharon’s Place, Keystone Restaurant, and Abe’s Delicatessen are some of the best restaurants and eateries in Scranton. You too can visit these restaurants and enjoy the good culinary experience that I had. Below I have provided some details for a few of the restaurants and eateries.
| Attraction | Sambuca Grille | Keystone Restaurant | Posh at Scranton Club |
| Location | 234 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 | 130 N Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504 | 404 N Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 |
| Average price per person | $30-50 | $10-20 | $30 |
| Timings | 4.30 pm to 9 pm | 6 am to 9 pm | 11.30 am to 9 pm |
| Must try dishes | Frutti Di Mare, Pollo Della Casa, Pork Gorgonzola | Deli Sandwich, Rodeo BBQ Burger, The Gobbler Hoagie | Roasted Pork Loin, Chicken Marsala, Rustic Posh Meatballs |
| Google rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Conclusion
As you can see, Scranton is a vibrant city that will give you a diverse and enriching experience. The city has a fascinating history and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities along with unique culinary delights to offer you a complete vacation experience.
With this blog as a guide, I encourage you to embark on your own exploration of the city. A wonderful city where every corner promises a new adventure and every experience leaves behind a lasting impression. Make a list of the fun things to do in Scranton and head out on an amazing vacation.
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