You may only know Scranton, Pennsylvania from watching episodes of “The Office.” However, there are a plethora of exciting things to do in The Electric City!
Come to Scranton, Pennsylvania, this weekend or later when you have more time to arrange your trip. Check out The Office Self Guided Tour here!
In any case, you’ll have a fantastic time in the Electric City when you visit!
Cooper’s Seafood House
This family owned restaurant dates back to 1948. It has been a Scranton landmark for years now featuring its full sized pirate ship docked up to a lighthouse. The “Whale Room” where you can dine beneath a blue whale. The “Train Room” where a LGB train runs around the top of the bar and dining room thru dioramas set from around the world. Fans of the office know that this “business/romantic” restaurant was mentioned several times in the show, but was featured most prominently in season 5’s “Business Ethics” episode.
Cooper’s is located at 701 N. Washington Ave in Scranton PA and Features a huge parking lot.
The Electric City Trolley Station and Museum
Scranton’s nickname “The Electric City” derives from the city’s early use of electric trolleys. This was a significant advancement in public travel. The Electric City Trolley Museum is without a doubt one of the greatest things to do in Scranton.
This museum shows actual trolley vehicles that used to run through these streets decades ago. You’ll also learn about the region’s long and enduring love affair with transportation. Don’t pass up the opportunity to ride on an old trolley.
If you’re looking for activities to do in Scranton that will teach you about the city’s history, go visit the Electric City Trolley Museum.
Everhart Museum
Isaiah Fawkes, M.D. Everheart was a well-known person in Scranton during his lifetime. His name and legacy live on, since he endowed the city with the Everheart Museum. Since its inception more than 110 years ago, the Everheart Museum has evolved into everything that a museum should be. Located in Scranton’s historic Nay Aug Park, has been engaging audiences with art, science, and natural history for almost 110 years. The Everhart Museum seeks to incorporate natural history, science, and art into people’s daily lives through a variety of exhibitions ranging from temporary exhibits, many of which are on a countrywide tour, to world-renowned works that are a permanent fixture.
The Everheart Museum values inquisitiveness and those who dare to question. Their displays include beautiful artwork, fossils dating back millions of years, and fascinating rocks and minerals. It’s also fantastic if you’re searching for locations to take your kids. They host some pretty great educational activities. Visiting the Everheart Museum is what to do in Scranton if you want to view wonderful items and learn incredible facts.
The Everheart Museum is located in Nay Aug Park
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Explore a 300-foot-deep anthracite coal mine in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that first opened in 1860. Follow your guide through the twisting underground gangways and tunnels, through three distinct coal veins. Listen as they transport you back in time to see how men and boys toiled valiantly to heat a country and spark the Industrial Revolution.
While Scranton is renowned as “The Electric City,” it would be incorrect to discount the city’s reliance on coal. A Lackawanna to Coal Mine Tour takes you inside a working coal mine. While it is no longer in use, its preservation allows visitors to observe how miners operated in the past. Say farewell to the sun and board a mine vehicle that will take you 300 feet below into this coal mine which had been in operation for more than 160 years. You’ll see beautiful places and learn incredible things. This is one of Scranton’s more enjoyable attractions.
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is Located in McDade Park
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Their 20,000 square foot facility, which is dedicated to teaching and conservation, has been meticulously constructed to accommodate each member of their mammal, reptile, and fish family. If you think high definition is cool, wait till you see the bright colors of the many fish species swimming in crystal blue seas. Travel through the Frog Swamp and the Snake Den. Before venturing into Gator Alley, stop at the Lizard Lair. Leave the reptiles behind and continue your journey at Shark Reef. Touch the stingrays at Ray Bay and get your hands wet in the touch tanks.
Many animals with fins and scales reside here. They take you on a journey through the ocean with their fish, octopi, sharks, and other sea creatures. Snakes, lizards, and tortoises are among the reptiles and amphibians on display at their reptile house. They also host feedings, which demonstrate how voracious some of these animals are.
The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den located in the Marketplace at Steamtown.
SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER
This architectural wonder in the Gothic District of Scranton boasts 17 venue spaces including a ballroom that doubles as the backstage of the theater. Designed by the same architect as Rockefeller Center, the building was constructed so multiple groups can host functions or meetings while also providing private floors for the masons. Discover the history during your next meeting or event, or take in a show as the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple annually hosts a series of Broadway shows with Broadway in Scranton.
Presented in the historic Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Broadway in Scranton has been bringing pre and post Broadway tours to Lackawanna County since its inception in 1959. See the best that Broadway has to offer in an intimate setting at a fraction of the cost.
Catch a show while you are in town and make it a perfect night out by indulging in a delicious dinner at Cooper’s!
Houdini Museum
The Houdini Museum in Scranton, PA, is billed as the world’s only facility devoted to Harry Houdini and is a unique treat for young and old alike! A movie, a guided tour of the 150-year-old historic structure, and an hour-long, fun-filled stage magic show with professional magicians and live animals are available all year. In addition, watch never-before-seen video footage of Harry Houdini. It’s top-notch entertainment at its finest!
Harry Houdini paved the path for countless magicians while also changing the world. The Houdini Museum in Scranton educates everyone about this remarkable escape artist by displaying key items from his life. The Houdini Museum experience includes a video about his life, a tour of the museum, and even a magic performance.
All of this demonstrates how influential Houdini was, not only for magicians, but for those who enjoy entertainment in general. Scranton’s tourist attractions, such as the Houdini Museum, set it apart from other small towns. Every area of the Houdini Museum is filled with fun and enchantment.
The Houdini Museum is located at 1433 N Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18508
Anthracite Heritage Museum
The Anthracite Heritage Museum, serves the public’s educational requirements on the history of hard coal mining, associated industries, and the immigrant culture of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Museum highlights the stories of the Europeans who came to work in the anthracite mining and textile industries.
One of the best venues to learn about coal mining is the Anthracite Heritage Museum.
You’ll see how important anthracite coal is to the whole region of northeastern Pennsylvania.
While touring the Anthracite Heritage Museum, you will learn about the significance of immigrants in coal mining, as well as the stories of the miners.
There are also many interesting artifacts from this era to see, such as an antique lace machine.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Scranton, Pennsylvania, especially if you’re interested in the history of the coal industry and its workers.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum, located in Scranton’s McDade Park
Steamtown National Historic Site
The only National Park dedicated entirely to the history of steam railroading and the individuals who made it possible. Steamtown NHS features restored steam locomotives, cabooses, freight wagons, and passenger coaches from the early twentieth century. The 52-acre property contains an operating Locomotive Repair Shop and Roundhouse with an operable turntable, as well as a museum complex with a Visitor Center, History and Technology museums, and a 250-seat HD Surround-Sound theater. Throughout the year, guests are invited to watch the Park video “Steel and Steam,” take in the views, and marvel at the superb restoration of vintage rolling stock from America’s industrial past.
SCRANTON WELCOMES YOU SIGN
Fans of the office know this sign all too well! The “Scranton Welcomes You” sign may be seen in the Steamtown marketplace. The sign, which appears in the beginning of each episode, was relocated to the mall after causing too much traffic congestion on the road — as a result of people stopping to snap photographs with it.
The sign is now on the second level of the mall, on AstroTurf, in front of a printed screen of Scranton. It’s not quite the same as being outside, but it’s still a wonderful photo opportunity for “The Office” superfans!
The Scranton Welcomes You sign is located in the Marketplace at Steamtown.
CATCH A BASEBALL GAME WITH THE RAILRIDERS
The SWB RailRiders are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees and the pride of Lackawanna County. The successes they have won on the field are only outdone by the triumphs their astounding players have had upon their promotion to the Bronx. The Yankees current roster is filled with men who once called Lackawanna County home. Having the opportunity to see tomorrow’s Major League All-Stars earn their pinstripes is a must for anyone who visits Lackawanna County from April to September.
You can enjoy the game, take the kids to the giant bounce house, enjoy the hilarious mascots, or visit one of the many concession stands and enjoy great food and drinks. You don’t have to love baseball to have an amazing time at PNC Field!
Make it a night by grabbing dinner at Cooper’s before catching the game!
PENN PAPER TOWER
Even if you skipped the opening on Netflix, the famous image of the Dunder Mifflin skyscraper appeared on your screen.
According to the Office Ladies, the first shot in the opener was filmed by John Krasinski (Jim Halpert) on one of his early trips to Scranton. The footage was used in the opening, serving as the backdrop to one of television’s most well-known theme tunes.
The tower, which is really home to the family-owned Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company, isn’t far from The Marketplace at Steamtown, so you can either walk there or drive there if you’re short on time.
The Penn Paper Tower is located at 215 Vine St. Scranton PA
CATCH A CONCERT AT THE PAVILION AT MONTAGE MOUNTAIN
There is music on the mountain! Day or night, the best place to enjoy music in Lackawanna County is on the Mountain. The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, located, in Scranton, is host to Live Nation national headline acts and highly anticipated multi-day music festivals. This beautiful outdoor amphitheater holds 17,500 fans, between the big-top tent and sprawling lawn, and boasts some of the most up-to-date sound systems in the world. You will feel like you are on the stage from any seat in the house.
The Pavilion annually attracts music’s hottest acts to Lackawanna County and when The Pavilion hosts a concert, there is unmistakable energy and a party atmosphere that runs from the parking lot to the front row. This venue offers some of the most spectacular views with the surrounding mountains, offering something of a spectacle.
