Attractions and Places To See in Lackawanna County - Top 11

Lackawanna County offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Choke Creek Falls, a beautiful two-tiered waterfall in Pinchot State Forest. The Spruce Swamp Natural Area is an 87-acre glacial bog with native spruce and balsam fir. For panoramic views, head to the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain. Additionally, Nay Aug Park features Nay Aug Falls and a gorge, and Archbald Pothole State Park is home to the largest known glacial pothole in the U.S.

Yes, the county is rich in history, particularly related to the anthracite coal mining industry. You can take an immersive tour 300 feet underground at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. The Steamtown National Historic Site showcases the history of steam railroading, and the Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park preserves the mining industry's legacy. The Scranton Iron Furnaces are also a significant reminder of the region's role in the iron industry.

Families can enjoy several attractions. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour offers an educational and unique experience. Nay Aug Park provides a treehouse and a gorge for exploration. Montage Mountain Resorts features a waterpark in summer and a ski resort in winter. Roba Family Farms and Lakeland Orchard & Cidery are popular fall destinations with seasonal activities like pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Many trails, including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, are also marked as family-friendly.

Absolutely. The most notable is Choke Creek Falls, a two-tiered, 20-foot tall waterfall located in the Pinchot State Forest, accessible via a relatively flat 0.7-mile hike. Nay Aug Park in Scranton also features Nay Aug Falls.

Lackawanna County offers extensive outdoor opportunities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including easy options like those found in the Easy hikes in Lackawanna County guide, or more challenging routes in the Hiking in Lackawanna County guide. Mountain biking is popular at the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain and on trails listed in the MTB Trails in Lackawanna County guide. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is excellent for hiking and biking, and Lackawanna State Park offers swimming, camping, kayaking, and fishing.

Scranton, known as "The Electric City" for its pioneering electric streetcar system, offers a blend of history and pop culture. You can visit the Electric City Trolley Museum, located within the Steamtown National Historic Site, and even take a ride on vintage trolleys. Fans of "The Office" can enjoy a self-guided tour of locations mentioned in the show. The city also hosts the Everhart Museum and the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple for arts and culture.

Yes, several areas welcome dogs. The Spruce Swamp Natural Area and Pinchot State Forest are noted as dog-friendly. Many of the outdoor trails throughout the county, including sections of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, are suitable for walks with leashed dogs.

For something unique, visit the Houdini Museum in Scranton, touted as the only building solely dedicated to Harry Houdini in the world. The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den is another interesting stop. For nature enthusiasts, the Spruce Swamp Natural Area is a tranquil glacial bog that is home to rare plant species.

Lackawanna County offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is perfect for water activities at Lackawanna State Park or Montage Mountain Resorts' waterpark. Winter brings opportunities for skiing at Montage Mountain. Historical and cultural sites are generally open year-round, making them suitable for any season.

While specific accessibility details vary, many state parks and museums strive to offer accessible routes and facilities. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, being a multi-purpose trail, often has paved or well-maintained sections suitable for wheelchairs. It's always recommended to check directly with specific venues like the Steamtown National Historic Site or the Anthracite Heritage Museum for their current accessibility provisions.

To delve into the region's coal mining past, you must visit the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, which takes you 300 feet underground into an actual anthracite coal mine. The Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park further explores the industry's history and the cultural legacy of the immigrant miners. You can also see the Scranton Iron Furnaces, which played a crucial role in the industrial era.

The natural areas of Lackawanna County are home to diverse wildlife. At the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain, you might spot various bird species and rare butterflies and moths. The Spruce Swamp Natural Area is a habitat for several Pennsylvania Plant Species of Concern. Forests and parks throughout the county provide opportunities to see common woodland animals like deer, rabbits, and various birdlife.

Yes, there are several options for easy walks and runs. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers miles of multi-purpose pathways. The Lake Scranton Walking Trail is a popular 3.5-mile loop around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll or run. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes in Lackawanna County guide.