Scranton is located in northeast Pennsylvania, and it is the county seat of Lackawanna County. It is one of the major cities in the state, and there are many things to do in Scranton Pennsylvania.
The city is the location of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, an affiliate of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees. It is also home to a professional football team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Steamers.
There is a beautiful Lackawanna River that goes through the city, and there are many parks throughout Scranton Pennsylvania. The Scranton Cultural Center has several interesting exhibits.
Scranton is a big city, but it’s not always easy to find things to do in Scranton, PA.
It’s always a challenge to find new things to do and places to go.
It’s even more difficult when you’re not from the area. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Scranton, PA that will make your visit here the best it can be. We have included some of the most fun events in the city.
1. Visit to Steamtown National Historic Site
Source: Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site is a 9-acre Steamtown, the National Park Service’s name for it. It’s the largest collection of steam locomotives and rail cars in the world.
The National Park Service acquired and restored the railroad infrastructure and operations for Scranton-Wilkes-Barre (RailRiders) Railway over a period of 30 years. The railroad is now a tourist attraction, an actual excursion railroad.
It also offers railroad museum tours of the RailRiders train, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania exhibits, and Steamtown RailHawk Train Rides.
The museum also features a working trolley car that travels a line that starts at the museum and passes several historical sites.
Railroader’s Museum: Visitors to the Railroader’s Museum experience the history and heritage of the United States’ most popular means of locomotion from early days through the mechanized age.
Tours & Things to do hand-picked by our insiders
2. Learn about Natural History at Everhart Museum
Source: Everhart Museum
Everhart is home to the world’s largest private collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Philadelphia, PA.
In the 2018 “50 Best Art Museums in the United States,” the Everhart Museum was ranked at #35. The museum was founded in 1883 and since that time has worked hard to create a collection of art that is truly world-class.
One exhibit you may like to check out is “The Body Machine.” It is an interactive art exhibit that uses various machines and techniques to create a multi-media art experience for visitors.
In addition to the great art in the museum, you can also visit a special exhibit called “Curious Drawings by Derek Nickell.”
3. Things to Do in Scranton, Pennsylvania: Electric City Trolley Museum
Source: Electric City Trolley Museum
The Electric City Trolley Museum has several vintage trolleys that you can climb aboard and ride around Scranton.
They have some beautiful vintage trolleys that take you throughout Scranton and the surrounding area. There is also a classic car show on Sunday.
The Electric City Trolley Museum features the largest collection of heritage electric trolleys and railways in the world. It also exhibits headlights, railway lights, mine train equipment, a restored trolley car, and an interactive trolley exhibit for children.
Explore more than 100 streetcars that were once used to operate on several different transit systems in the United States, including the defunct Scranton, Dunmore, and Wilkes-Barre systems.
4. Fall in Love with Nature at Choke Creek Falls
Choke Creek Falls
Here are some quick facts about Choke Creek Falls, there are several areas to see at Choke Creek Falls, and the drive to see them is very pretty and scenic. Choke Creek Falls is the main waterfall that is located at the park. Heading over to Choke Creek Falls is the first time visitor center to check out the falls.
It’s located in Cliffside Park, NJ, which is about 17 minutes away from Scranton, PA. The overlook is a neat place to see water in all of its glory.
The waterfall drops about 60 feet, and it’s very beautiful. The park overlook offers some awesome panoramic views of the water. You can also see the George Washington Bridge and New York City from up here.
5. Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society
Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society
Learn about and ride the interurban cars that brought people from the cities to the coal mines. During the 1920s, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad operated a fleet of 170 cars.
At the time, there were five interurbans and one spur railroad in Scranton. They operated daily between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for passenger and freight service. It was from those rails, the rail cars ran to the Big Run Mine in Peckville, about six miles outside of Scranton.
During their heyday, the interurbans carried 3.5 million passengers to destinations throughout the Northeastern United States, including New York City and Niagara Falls. The Lake Express interurban ran through Scranton along the Lackawanna River.
6. Things to Do Near Me: Houdini Museum, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Source: Houdini Museum
The great, late magician Harry Houdini spent time performing in the area and his legacy is honored by this museum. The museum is dedicated to celebrating Houdini’s life, career, and achievements.
In addition, the museum features an exhibit on the Science of Houdini, exploring how he used various mind tricks to fool his audiences. There are interactive displays, movies, and other artifacts, as well as a permanent collection of magic artifacts.
This is a not-to-be-missed destination when in Scranton, PA. It is in honor of the great Houdini. It is an amazing museum, and you’ll be able to see many memorabilia and exhibits of the great magician.
And, it’s not just Houdini who’s there. There are many other magicians represented in the museum, and some famous ones include David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, and many more.
You can check it out for yourself and take photos while you’re there.
7. Best Things To Do In Scranton PA – Nay Aug Falls
Source: Nay Aug Falls
Nay Aug Falls is an attraction in Scranton, Pennsylvania, one of the state’s most popular attractions.
It is a beautiful waterfall that is a central location in the city, and it’s a great place to visit when you’re visiting Scranton, PA. While you’re visiting Nay Aug Falls, you can also go for a scenic hike or bike ride.
The falls are situated right in the city, and the combination of the scenic beauty of the falls and the tranquility of the area surrounding them makes Nay Aug Falls a great destination for a trip to Scranton, PA.
Once you explore the falls, run around at Nay Aug Park, Scranton’s largest park.
Niagra Falls Niagara Falls is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, and it is a major attraction in New York state.
8. Catlin House
Source: Catlin House
If you’re in Scranton, it’s only natural to want to see the actual house that George Washington grew up in. The Catlin House is an 18th century stone home located on Broadway near Jefferson Avenue. Built-in 1912, Catlin House is a Tudor-style mansion. It was the home of George H. Catlin, an early Scranton businessman.
The home contains 16 rooms that have been beautifully preserved and furnished with period-specific décor and antiques.
It is part of the Misericordia University campus, and it can be rented out as a rental property. The house has been restored and is open to visitors, and it’s a great way to see what life was like in the early 1700s.
They have a gift shop in the building as well, which sells a variety of historic items, and if you want to learn more about George Washington, this is a great way to do it.
The rest of Misericordia University is located right in the heart of downtown, and it’s a great place to see. Tickets for the house are free, but you can find tickets for the rest of the campus online.
9. Places to Visit: Lackawanna County Coal Mine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Source: Lackawanna County Coal Mine
The Lackawanna Coal Mine is a true piece of history. This is one of the most important Scranton attractions, especially if you have any coal miners in your family.
You can learn how the coal industry is still alive in Scranton Pennsylvania. You can learn about what it was like growing up in a small coal-mining town, what they did, and why the economy has changed.
The tour is approximately 3 hours long, and they offer different levels of exposure.
If you are visiting the Scranton area, you are probably going to have to see a coal mine. And seeing a coal mine in Pennsylvania is quite the experience. You may have seen it before, but it’s always neat to see it from a different angle.
You can take the Lackawanna Coal Mine tour to experience this. The underground tours in a coal mine are interesting and very informative. They take you through the mine and allow you to see where coal is produced.
10. See the most beautiful waterfall -Rattlesnake Falls
Rattlesnake Falls
As the name implies, the view from the top of the Rattlesnake Falls is one of the most spectacular things you can see in the Scranton area.
Located on Rattlesnake Island, you can hike up to the top of the waterfall, taking in spectacular views. While you’re up there, you might also want to check out the other activities that are available at the park.
Is just a short hike, and you’re already in the park. The path to the falls is short, steep, but paved. The falls are 25 feet high, and on the opposite side of the path is a series of waterfalls.
There’s a nice playground and a trail that makes a loop to the falls.
11. Country Courthouse Square
Source: Country Courthouse Square, Scranton.
Country Courthouse Square is located in downtown Scranton. This Colonial Revival mansion is one of the most elegant homes in downtown Scranton. Built-in 1904, the Pabst Mansion is now a museum. Check out a full-scale recreation of the house in 1940 to get a feel for the past.
It is a large green space with benches and monuments. There is also a small playground nearby that kids love to use.
If you like sports, then the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are the hockey team for you. There are eight season tickets available.
Downstairs at the Penguins is a bar and pub that is a popular hangout for Scranton residents. The Canal Place is a restaurant with some good food. It’s a casual place for Scranton natives to come together for a drink or a meal.
12. Visit Anthracite Heritage Museum
Source: Anthracite Heritage Museum
In the 1800s many immigrants came to Pennsylvania to build a new life in the anthracite coal mining industry. The Anthracite Heritage Museum seeks to tell the story of these immigrants and their families, work, and traditions.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum is located in Moosic, PA. It’s one of the largest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the name of the museum reflects this. The museum focuses on the history of the coal mining industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The museum is open every day, but some hours will vary depending on the season. The website will give you more information about their hours of operation and special events. The museum offers both individual and group tours.
13. Shop Some Antique Pieces at George’s Antiques
George’s Antiques
George’s Antiques is the perfect place to find unique and traditional antiques. George’s Antiques is located in Scranton, PA, and is one of the most important antique stores in the region.
George’s Antiques has been owned by George Manis for over 40 years, and it has a large selection of antique and vintage items.
14. Archbald Pothole State Park
Source: Archbald Pothole State Park
Archbald Pothole State Park is an easy day trip from Scranton. It is part of the Lackawanna River State Park, which also includes Lake Abington, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake Como, and Lake Scranton.
This park has many trails, ranging from one mile to 15 miles. The trails are easy to walk, but you might want to go on one of the longer trails if you like to hike. It’s a nice family fun park.
In addition to hiking, Archbald Pothole State Park has four fishing piers. The water in the Lackawanna River is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. There is also a canoe and kayak launch to bring your own vessel and enjoy the water.
Several restaurants are nearby, including the Applebee’s on Courthouse Square.
15. Enjoy a Baseball match at PNC Field
Source: PNC Field
PNC Field is an outdoor stadium that has both baseball and football, hockey, and lacrosse fields.
It was originally built in 2001 to serve as a place for high school football. In 2006, it was turned into a baseball stadium for the city’s minor league baseball team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
The team plays its home games at the stadium, and it serves as the spring training home for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Thunderbolts, and the Trenton Thunder.
The RailRiders baseball team also hosts the Game of Thrones in Concert with actor Liam Cunningham, Game of Thrones theme musician Ramin Djawadi and Dragoon by Brian Dozier for its opening night.
PNC Field has a total seating capacity of 5,040.
16. Lackawanna Historical Society Museum
Source: Lackawanna Historical Society Museum
This museum provides some great reasons to visit Scranton.
The museum has a lot of interesting artifacts, including several different carriages, a handmade rocking chair, several mummified cats, some hobos, some buggies, and even a can of Lysol.
There’s also a look back at the city’s past through photos, architectural descriptions, and biographies of notable residents. The museum was opened in 1998, and it was designed by architecture firms Crowell, Parker, and Gregg.
17. Go for a Hike at Lackawanna River Heritage Trail; Kids activities near me, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Explore miles of beautiful woodland scenery along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. There is a free bike trail that goes through the city of Scranton, and it passes through some beautiful wooded areas and lots of beautiful parks, and the lazy river. This is a fantastic way to get your exercise in while exploring the city. You’ll see many beautiful homes as you ride through the city.
The trail extends for 70 miles through both rural and urban areas and is divided into sections of varying lengths. It runs from the northernmost part of the city, all the way to the border of Susquehanna County. It is a scenic bike trail that goes through wooded areas and alongside the scenic Lackawanna River. You’ll see lots of walking trails and fantastic bridges.
As you go, you’ll pass by many places of interest, including the RailRiders Stadium, North Scranton High School, the Abington Heights High School, and the Scranton Cultural Center.
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18. Montage Mountain, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Source: Montage Mountain Ski Resort
There’s a lot to do at Montage Mountain Scranton Theme Park. There’s zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking, a ropes course, mountain biking, horseback riding, fun time at mini-golf, and much more. There’s also a comedy club, a restaurant, a gift shop, and more.
Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, and other winter sports at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Mount Airy Lodge offers winter lodging.
You can also go cool off the humidity and the scorching heat by enjoying one of the best things to do in Scranton, PA, visiting Montage Mountain Waterpark.
Skating at The Scranton Ice Rink
If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game, then you can hit the ice at the Scranton Ice Rink while watching the game.
Food for Your Soul
The famous McClure’s pizza joint
There are many restaurants to check out in Scranton, including the famous McClure’s pizza place.
River Street Jazz Cafe- Join them for live music, beer, and food.
The Anthony & Peter J. Peters Jazz Heritage Stage in Scranton, PA.
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