Need a Northeast getaway with coal country roots, quirky charm, and mountain views? I say head to Scranton! Known as “The Electric City,” Scranton really surprised me—it’s got this cool blend of history, pop culture, and local pride. Whether I’m exploring a train yard, hiking in the hills, or spotting landmarks from The Office, there’s always something to enjoy. If you love places with character, I think you’ll really appreciate this hidden gem in Pennsylvania.
Scranton, PA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike or ski at Montage Mountain – I hit the slopes in winter and slid down water slides in summer—Montage Mountain has it all. You’ll love the seasonal fun and amazing views, whether you're hiking or tubing.
- For History Buffs: Explore Steamtown National Historic Site – I spent hours here and barely scratched the surface. You can tour vintage trains, explore a working roundhouse, and really get a feel for Scranton’s railroad legacy.
- For Shoppers: Visit The Marketplace at Steamtown – It’s not your typical mall. I found local vendors, cool pop-ups, and a funky industrial vibe that fits the city. You’ll enjoy browsing and grabbing a bite downtown.
- For Couples: Ride the Electric City Trolley – I took the trolley on a sunny afternoon, and it was such a fun way to explore. You’ll cruise through tunnels and trestles while soaking up Scranton’s story together.
- For Families: Discover the Everhart Museum – I visited with my niece and nephew and they loved it. From dinosaur bones to folk art, the museum packs in fun learning—and Nay Aug Park outside is great for a walk or a picnic.
Best Time to Visit Scranton, PA
If you ask me, April through October is the best time to go. That’s when you’ll catch the outdoor events, hiking weather, and those incredible fall colors in the Lackawanna hills. I’ve also been in winter and had a blast skiing at Montage—so if you’re into snow sports, don’t count that out either!
How to Get to Scranton, PA
- If you are traveling by car: I usually take I-81 or I-476—Scranton’s right off the major highways and only about 2 hours from NYC or Philly. It makes for an easy weekend trip.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), which is just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown. Super convenient if you're flying in.
- By Bus: If you prefer not to drive, I’ve taken Martz Trailways from New York before and found it really comfortable. You’ll find several carriers connecting from big cities.
Where to Stay in Scranton, PA
- Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel – I stayed here once and was blown away by the architecture. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era, but with modern comfort—it’s a destination in itself.
- Hilton Scranton & Conference Center – I like this spot for its downtown convenience. You’ll be close to shops, restaurants, and attractions, with perks like an indoor pool and comfy rooms.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dickson City–Scranton – I’ve also stayed here when I wanted something low-key and family-friendly. It’s close to the highway and includes breakfast—easy and reliable if you’re on the go.
Museums and History
Everhart Museum
The Everhart Museum was named for prominent Scranton physician Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart. Dr. Everhart gifted the city with what is now the Everhart Museum in 1907. Today, the museum contains exhibits featuring art, science, and natural history. The museum offers special hands-on education events for K-12 students as well as summer camps and adult education classes.
In September the museum hosts the annual Farm to Table meal, featuring locally grown, fresh ingredients. The Everhart Museum is open daily except Wednesdays, February through December, and is closed in the month of January for maintenance.
1901 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18510, Phone: 570-346-7186
Electric City Trolley Museum
In the late 1880's, Scranton became known as “The Electric City” because of its passenger trolley line, the first in the state of Pennsylvania. Today, the Electric City Trolley Museum seeks to preserve the history of the rail line in the city.
Exhibits include model trolleys and railways, headlights, railway lights, mine train equipment, a restored trolley car, and an interactive trolley exhibit for children. The museum also features a working trolley car that travels a line that starts at the museum and passes several historical sites. The museum is open 7 days a week, excluding major holidays.
300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503, Phone: 570-963-6590
Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society
For nearly 100 years, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad was known for serving fresh, gourmet meals to passengers travelling on its railway dining cars. Today, the mission of the Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society is to preserve the history of these cars and of railway travel.
The society has restored three dining cars, one sleeper car, and two Dieseliner coaches. Tours of the cars can be arranged by contacting the society directly. In addition, they offer train rides with meals at special events throughout the year. The events calendar can be found on the society's website.
201 South Blakeley Street #333, Dunmore, PA 18512, Phone: 570-209-5851
Catlin House
Built in 1912, Catlin House is a Tudor-style mansion that was originally 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.
Beautiful wood paneling, a wooden staircase, and stained glass windows are just a few of the details of the home. Guided tours of the Catlin House are offered on certain days. The mansion is also the headquarters of the Lackawanna Historical Society and contains a research library and lecture room.
232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA 18510, Phone: 570-344-3841
Unique Attractions
Houdini Museum
The Houdini Museum pays tribute to Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians and illusionists the world has ever known. The museum contains pictures, posters, and artifacts from Houdini's life and his stage career.
Visitors are treated to a tour of the museum, a film, and a live magic show with world-renowned magicians Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brooks. The entire museum experience lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours and a limited number of seats are available for each show. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be obtained by calling the museum directly.
1433 N Main Ave., Scranton, PA 18508, Phone: 570-342-5555
Lackawanna County Coal Mine
Coal mining has paid an integral part in the economy of Pennsylvania for decades. Visitors to Lackawanna County can experience what mining underground is like by taking a tour of the Lackawanna County Coal Mine, where they descend by elevator 300 feet underground and walk past three veins of coal.
Tour guides explain the history of coal mining as well as the equipment and mining methods used throughout the years. The coal mine tour is offered daily from April 1st through November 30th, excluding major holidays. The tour lasts approximately one hour. Walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.
Recommended Activities for Families
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Explore miles of beautiful woodland scenery along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. The trail extends for 70 miles through both rural and urban areas and is divided into sections of varying lengths. There are many points of interest along the trail and in the towns through which it passes.
Much of the trail is paved, making it excellent for walking, running, or cycling. Special events such as runs and walks, group bicycle rides, races, and trail clean-up days are held throughout the year by various area groups. At its northern end, the Heritage Trail connects with the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail.
Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain is the place to be for outdoor family fun in northern Pennsylvania. In the winter, Montage Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
There are also ski lessons for both children and adults. In the summer, the park offers zipline rides and a large water park with slides, a canal for floating, a large wave pool, and poolside cabanas. Guests can grab a quick bite to eat at the concession stand, or stay for a longer meal at the Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant. Park hours vary by season and can be found on the park's website.
100 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18507, Phone: 570-969-7669
Nay Aug Park
Nay Aug Park is an escape to nature within the city of Scranton. The largest park in the city, Navy Aug contains beautifully landscaped walking trails and picnic areas as well as two playgrounds for children. The trails pass features such as rocky gorges, streams, and waterfalls.
In the summer, guests can beat the heat in the park's two Olympic-sized pools and large water slides. Children will love the park's large treehouse with long walkways stretching 150 feet into the air.
1901 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18510, Phone: 570-348-4186
Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
In the 1800s many immigrants came to Pennsylvania to build a new life in the anthracite coal mining industry. The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum seeks to tell the story of these immigrants and their families, work, and traditions.
The museum's exhibits include a replica of a typical coal miner's home, a replica saloon, and many photographs of workers and their families. There is also a nearby exhibit consisting of four large iron furnaces. These massive stone structures were used for smelting the iron that was produced by the Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is closed major holidays.
22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18504, Phone: 570-963-4804
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