Welcome to Lackawanna County

In the heart of the Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains, the Scranton region dances to a new beat … one full of fun and excitement. Rich in history and heritage, the “Electric City” boasts some of the most exciting attractions on the east coast and is home to a variety of fine shopping, dining and entertainment experiences you’ll love!

Get to the Bottom of History!

Take a trip back in time at one of our region’s historic attractions.

Travel 300 feet below the surface of the earth at the Lackawanna County Coal Mine tour. See first hand what it was like to work in an underground maze on this tour of a once-active coal mine, and be sure to visit the Coal Mine Interpretive Center to get a glimpse into mining life.

Relive the days when anthracite coal was king at the Pennsylvania State Anthracite Heritage Museum where the stories of the men, women and children who came here to build new lives and worked to establish Scranton as the “Anthracite Capital of the World” are told. View a variety of exhibits including a shifting shanty, a mine family’s home, town saloon, doctor’s office, a church and silk mill.

Visit the Steamtown National Historic Site for a look at steam-powered locomotives that roar back to life and transport riders to another era on scenic excursions. Explore the extensive locomotive collection, freight cars, roundhouse, and museum.

Jump aboard a restored trolley car at the Electric City Trolley Museum and Station and learn how Scranton got its nickname: the Electric City. The museum houses interactive displays, a theater and children’s exhibits. Hop on a ten-mile round trip trolley ride along the historic Laurel Line to Montage Mountain and the Trolley Restoration Shop to see where trolleys are given new life.

Tour Scranton’s Downtown historic districts on the Lackawanna County Historical Society’s Walking Tour where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the city’s unique architectural gems on courthouse square, and throughout the commercial and gothic districts. Various architectural styles are featured in this living display: Gothic Revival, Victorian Gothic, Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts, and Art Deco to name a few.

Dance in the Streets!

“It started in Scranton, it’s still number one … the Pennsylvania Polka …” and other great ethnic music fills the air at our famous festivals: La Festa Italiana, St. Patrick’s Day, Polka Fest, the Race of the Saints, Jazz Fest … take your pick. Eat and dance to your heart’s content as you whirl the night away.

Mangia, Mangia, Mangia!

Our region boasts some of the best ethnic cuisine this side of the Mississippi.  Check out one of our region’s world class Irish pubs where food and spirits are served up with true Irish hospitality. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try one of our area’s great Italian restaurants. And of course, no trip to our region would be complete without going to Old Forge, PA:  the Pizza Capital of the World!  If you’re in the mood for seafood or a signature sandwich, head to Cooper’s Seafood House. A Scranton landmark, Cooper’s is an architecturally significant, work of art; shaped like a Pirate ship it is one of our area’s neatest places to eat!

Play Ball!

Watch the boys of summer at PNC Field, home to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the NY Yankees Triple A affiliate or head to Wachovia Arena to see the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburg Penguins farm team take to the Ice. The stands are full of excitement at Pioneers’ Arena League football games and the roar of the crowd is the only thing louder than the roar of the NASCAR engines at the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors!

In the winter months ski, snowtube and snowboard at one of two great resorts: Snö Mountain Ski Resort and Elk Mountain Ski Resort or ice skate at the Ice Box Indoor Skating Complex.

In the Spring and Summer, hike or walk along one of our region’s trails or along the Lackawanna River Greenway. Be sure to check out the tree house as you walk the Davis Trail to Nay Aug Gorge. Swim in the lake at the Lackawanna State Park or Merli-Sarnoski County Park, take a dip in the pool at McDade Park or swoosh down a waterslide high atop Montage Mountain at Snö Cove Water Park.

Camp out under the stars, go horseback riding, play a round of golf or ride bumper boats at one of two family fun parks. Or just take in some sunshine as you walk our historic streets.

Be Entertained!

The stage is set for family entertainment at one of our area’s premier venues.  The Scranton Cultural Center and Mellow Theater in Scranton’s Cultural District play host to our region’s finest productions and Broadway born shows. Performances by the Northeast Theatre, Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Scranton Community Concerts, Scranton Public Theatre, Music Box Theatre, the PocoNotes and Ballet Theatre of Scranton rival those of bigger city contemporaries.  The Toyota Pavilion high atop Montage Mountain is the backdrop for concert performances for nationally known recording artists.

If you’d like to get a taste of Hollywood right here in the Electric City, take The Office Tour of Scranton; NBC’s hit television series is based on the fictitious Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company’s Scranton Branch.

Get thrills and chills on a tour of the Houdini Museum and Magic Show or at one of their famed Séances or try your luck at one of two casinos: Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs or Mt. Airy Casino Resort.

Relax and Unwind!

Visit one of our resorts, or take a spa day at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley or Rejuven-Essence in Scranton. Go wine tasting at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars or watch brew masters at work at the Lion Brewery. Grab a coffee at the home of the Electric City Roasting Company: Zummo’s Café in the Green Ridge section of the city.

Shop the streets of Downtown Scranton or head to one of our malls:  The Viewmont Mall, Shoppes at Montage or Steamtown Mall. Take a ride to Carriage Barn Antiques in Clarks Summit or head out to Roba Family Farms or Miller’s Orchard Farm Market to pick farm fresh produce.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll treasure your visit to Scranton.  See you soon!

For additional information visit our website, call the Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-WELCOME or (570) 963-6363, Monday-Sunday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or stop by our Visitors Center on Montage Mountain Road (Exit 182 off Interstate 81).