Scranton is a city located in northeastern Pennsylvania.
It is the county seat of the great Lackawanna County and has a population of approximately 75,000 people. The city has a rich history, founded in the 19th century by industrialists who saw the potential for growth in the area’s natural resources, particularly coal and iron. Scranton quickly became a central hub of industry and commerce, and by the late 19th century, it was known as the “Electric City” due to its pioneering use of electric power.
Today, the city is still an important center of industry and commerce, focusing on manufacturing and healthcare. It is also home to a vibrant art scene and culture and has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy.
Table of Contents
What should you do in Scranton when visiting?
Scranton is a city in northeastern Pennsylvania known for its rich history and vibrant culture. There are lots of fun and entertaining things to do and see in Scranton, whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks, enjoying the great outdoors, or sampling some delicious local cuisine.
If you’re planning a visit to Scranton, here are a couple suggestions to make the most of your trip:
- Visit the Electric City Trolley Museum: The Electric City Trolley Museum is a popular attraction in Scranton and is home to a collection of historic trolley cars. The museum offers guided tours and rides on the trolley cars and is a splendid place to learn about the city’s rich transportation history.
- Explore the Lackawanna Coal Mine: The Lackawanna Coal Mine is a historic underground coal mine in Scranton. The mine offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the interesting history of coal mining in the area and explore the underground tunnels.
- Visit the Steamtown National Historic Site: The Steamtown National Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the history of steam railroading in America. The museum features a collection of historic steam locomotives and train cars and offers guided tours and train rides.
- Enjoy the great outdoors: Scranton is in the beautiful Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, and there are many great outdoor activities to enjoy. Some popular options include hiking, fishing, boating, or relaxing in one of the many beautiful parks and nature reserves.
Scranton is an excellent destination with a lot to offer visitors, whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or a bustling music and art scene.
What could be a one-day itinerary when visiting Scranton in Pennsylvania?
If you plan a trip to Scranton, Pennsylvania, there are many fun things to go and see in the area. Here is a suggested one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
- Start your day with a visit to Steamtown National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of steam railroading and see a collection of vintage locomotives and train cars.
- After exploring Steamtown, head downtown to the Scranton Iron Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark that showcases the city’s industrial heritage of iron making. You can view four stone blast furnaces from the 1800s on site.
- For lunch, check out one of Scranton’s many delicious restaurants, such as A Little Pizza Heaven, POSH at Scranton Club, Casa Bella, Cooper’s Seafood House, Ipanema Grille, Backyard Ale House, Sambucca Italian Grille & Bar or Abe’s Kosher Delicatessen.
- In the afternoon, take a stroll through Nay Aug Park, which features beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and a playground for kids.
- Finish your day with a visit to the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, where you can see various exotic aquatic life and reptiles.
Overall, Scranton is a great destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families, and this one-day itinerary will give you a taste of all the intriguing city has to offer. Enjoy your visit!
What is the history of Scranton in Pennsylvania?
Scranton is a city in northeastern Pennsylvania with a rich history that goes back to the 19th century.
The city was founded in 1856 by industrialists who saw the potential for growth in the area’s abundant natural resources, particularly coal and iron. The town quickly became a central hub of industry and commerce. By the late 19th century, Scranton was known as the “Electric City” due to its pioneering use of electric streetcars and other forms of electric power.
Throughout the 20th century, Scranton continued to grow and thrive as a center of industry and commerce, with a particular emphasis on manufacturing and healthcare. In recent years, the city has undergone a period of revitalization, with many historic buildings and neighborhoods being restored and revitalized.
Today, Scranton is a vibrant city home to a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage.
