15 Things to Do in Scranton, PA
There’s no shortage of things to do in Scranton, PA whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for good shopping and dining options. Located in the Lackawanna River Valley, Scranton has a unique blend of historical sites mixed with modern entertainment amenities.
Places like the Steamtown National Historic Site and Electric City Trolley Museum are musts. Still, there are also some laid-back walking trails, picturesque views, and exciting entertainment options to check out.
Oh, and don’t forget the attractions related to NBC’s popular TV series, The Office!
In the sections below, we’ll provide an overview of 15 things to do in Scranton, PA – broken down by category.
Historical Landmarks
1. Steamtown National Historic Site
The Steamtown National Historic Site gives an in-depth look at the locomotives and railcars that played a large part in forging ahead America’s industrial economy. You can take a guided tour, check out the different types of historic trains, and board a seasonal train ride during certain months of the year.
2. Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
This is a neat area in downtown Scranton, and the Lackawanna County Courthouse – which was built in 1884 and is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places – stands at the center of the square. You can stroll through the square, admire the architecture of the courthouse, learn about landmark trials that took place here, and visit the local shops nearby.
3. Scranton Iron Furnaces
You can walk the historic grounds where four huge furnaces were used to smelt iron by the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company. This site is a nod to Scranton’s development over time, as the city pivoted from iron to steel production as the railway system was developed.
Art & Museums
4. Everhart Museum
The Everhart Museum is home to collections of natural history, science, and art. Located in the lovely Nay Aug Park (more on that later), this museum offers an engaging learning experience for anyone interested in exhibitions ranging from prehistoric fossils to fine art displays.
5. Scranton Cultural Center
The Scranton Cultural Center is a striking building that offers Broadway plays, concerts, educational programs, and other community gatherings like wine tastings and more. The building itself is an attraction as it was formerly the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral built in 1930.
6. Electric City Trolley Museum
Scranton is known as the “Electric City”, as it was one of the first cities in the United States to start using electric streetcars back in 1886. The Electric City Trolley Museum offers a nostalgic look at that period in time and how it impacted the area as well as the future of the country. You can even take a scenic trolley ride!
Outdoor Activities
7. Nay Aug Park
There’s no shortage of things to do in Nay Aug Park, including concert series, pavilion rentals, festivals, and other activities. However, it’s also a great place to stroll down the scenic walking paths, get some exercise, and take in the sites. This includes a breathtaking gorge and waterfall as well as several scenic lookout points like Dave Wenzel Tree House.
8. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Offers scenic views along with lanes for walking and biking. It is part of a 70-mile trail that goes along the Lackawanna River. The trail runs by Nay Aug Park and offers plenty of views while weaving through the mountains and water of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
9. Montage Mountain Resorts
There are plenty of activities at Montage Mountain Resorts, no matter the season. You can ski or snowboard in the winter and hit the waterpark in the summer months. It’s a great option for those seeking family fun or just looking to get away for a quick trip.
10. “The Office” Self-Guided Tour
If you are a fan of NBC’s popular TV series, The Office, then you already know the show took place in Scranton, PA. You can walk the city streets and take part in a self-guided tour that visits the locations made famous by the hit show.
Entertainment & Nightlife
11. The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
In addition to offering ski slopes and water parks, Montage Mountain often hosts a variety of concerts and festivals throughout the year. The unique atmosphere and stunning backdrop create a very nice location to take in a show.
12. Downtown Scranton
There are plenty of things to do in downtown Scranton, PA – as you’ll find a wide array of bars and clubs. There’s everything from sports bars to your classic local pub while also showcasing trendy establishments as well as live music venues.
Shopping & Dining
13. The Marketplace at Steamtown
The Marketplace at Steamtown features plenty of fun shops and attractions. The second floor is set up to feature local makers and restaurants on Friday through Sunday. There’s also an aquarium here, and they offer different events like concerts and exhibits throughout the year.
14. Local Farmers Markets
There are seasonal farmer’s markets and opportunities to go to the farm to pick your fruits and vegetables like strawberries, apples, and pumpkins.
15 . Dining Options In Scranton, PA
There’s no shortage of dining options, covering everything from award-winning pizza (Alfredo’s Pizza) to cultural and ethnic dishes, as well as your classic American fare.