Introduction
I’ll never forget the moment I pulled into Scranton, Pennsylvania—known to many as the setting of the beloved TV show The Office, but to me it turned out to be so much more. What I thought would be just a quick stop turned into a weekend of discovery filled with industrial‑heritage sites, lush parks, quirky pop‑culture references, and genuine Mid‑Atlantic small‑city charm. Scranton surprised me by blending history, outdoors, culture and local flavor in a way that felt both relaxed and engaging.
If you, too, are planning a visit (or just curious about what’s beyond the paper‑company jokes), here are 12 of the best and fun things to do in Scranton, PA—each one something I experienced, enjoyed, and wholeheartedly recommend.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Scranton, PA (Fun You Shouldn’t Miss!)
1. Visit Steamtown National Historic Site
Start your trip with a deep dive into Scranton’s railroading and industrial past. The Steamtown National Historic Site occupies a former railyard and offers an incredible collection of steam locomotives and historic train cars. According to the site, it focuses on the history of steam railroads in the northeast.
What I loved: I stood face‑to‑face with a massive steam engine, felt the metal and the history, heard the echoes of the past.
Tip: Allow at least 1–2 hours, maybe more if you’re a rail or history buff. Great for photo ops.
See Also: 28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Augusta, GA
2. Take the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum Ride
Just beside Steamtown, you’ll find the Trolley Station & Museum where you can explore vintage electric streetcars and take a short ride. It’s one of the many places that give Scranton its nickname, “The Electric City.”
What I loved: Riding an old streetcar through part of the downtown area felt nostalgic and fun.
Tip: Check operating hours in advance; some rides may be seasonal or schedule‑based.
3. Explore Nay Aug Park & Its Gorge
Need a nature fix? Nay Aug Park is your green escape. The park features the dramatic Nay Aug Gorge—a National Natural Landmark—and a unique treehouse overlook among other attractions.
What I loved: I walked the trails, looked over the gorge, and felt the mix of lush woods and urban edge.
Tip: Good walking shoes recommended; fall foliage here is beautiful, so timing matters if you want colors.
4. Visit the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art
Located in or near Nay Aug Park, the Everhart Museum mixes natural history, science and folk art, making for a well‑rounded and interesting museum stop.
What I loved: A quiet hour indoors, enjoying unique artifacts and seeing how local art and nature merge in this city.
Tip: Great as a backup if the weather turns or you need a rest from outdoor activity.
5. Tour the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
Scranton was once a huge center for coal mining—and this museum tells that story deeply. Located in McDade Park, you’ll get insights into the anthracite industry and the lives of the miners.
What I loved: Walking through displays of mining gear, imagining the work, understanding part of this area’s backbone.
Tip: Combine this stop with McDade Park (#6 below) for a full‑day outdoor + history experience.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Time at McDade Park
McDade Park is big, beautiful, and full of possibilities—walking trails, ponds, an arboretum and even the coal mine tour integrated into the park space.
What I loved: I took a leisurely stroll, sat by a pond, and pondered how nature reclaims old industrial spaces.
Tip: Bring your sneakers and a picnic if weather allows. A relaxed outdoor afternoon is always a win.
7. Walk or Jog Around Lake Scranton
For a more gentle outdoor option, the Lake Scranton trail loops around the reservoir—about 3.5 miles, mostly flat, and offering scenic views.
What I loved: Especially in the early morning, the reflection on the water and a quiet sense of arrival.
Tip: Great for families, walks, or a relaxed workout. Bring water and sunglasses.
8. Take in the Architecture and History of Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
In downtown Scranton you’ll find Courthouse Square—beautiful late‑19th / early‑20th‑century architecture, monuments and the electric‑city sign that’s become a photo classic.
What I loved: Strolling the square, admiring the stonework, imagining the city in its industrial peak era.
Tip: Visit near dusk—the lights add drama and make for great photo sessions.
9. Pop Culture & TV Fans: “The Office” Tour
Whether you watched it or not, Scranton has embraced the legacy of The Office. You’ll find walking tours, themed restaurants and recognizable spots around town that cater to fans.
What I loved: The playful nods around the city—fun for a fan, and an amusing diversion for anyone.
Tip: Plan 30–60 minutes for this. Visit Cooper’s Seafood House or other themed spots for extra fun.
10. Experience Live Performance at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
Looking for an evening out? The Scranton Cultural Center (housed in a historic Masonic Temple) offers Broadway touring shows, concerts, and performances.
What I loved: Sitting under the ornate ceiling, being part of a live audience—it reminded me one city can hold both industrial heritage and live arts.
Tip: Check the schedule in advance and book tickets early for popular shows.
11. Hit the Slopes or Waterpark at Montage Mountain Resort
If you’re visiting in winter, Montage Mountain offers skiing, snow tubing and winter fun. In warmer months, the waterpark, zipline and resort amenities make for an all‑season draw.
What I loved: The wholesome fun of switching from historical city stops to action at the resort.
Tip: During peak seasons (winter holidays, summer weekends) go early and reserve equipment ahead.
12. Explore Local Dining, Brewery Hops & Hidden Gems
Scranton’s food scene surprised me. From local breweries to classic pizza styles (yes, try Old Forge pizza nearby) to cozy cafés and unique décor restaurants—it’s worth slowing down and dining around.
What I loved: Sitting at a brick‑walled downtown tavern, chatting with locals, and sampling regional specialties I’d never heard of before.
Tip: Ask for local favorites. And try dessert or a craft beer flight in the evening for a laid‑back end to your day.
Final Thoughts
If you asked me what Scranton meant beyond the TV shows and coal‑town stereotypes, I’d say: richness of history, openness of nature, vibrancy of community. My trip there turned into a genuine adventure—one that mixed tracks and trains with trails and trees, museums and monuments with lilac‑scented park benches.
Here are a few reflections from my visit:
- Mix your time: One morning in a historic museum, the next afternoon walking a trail, the evening in a lively downtown spot. That variety kept things fresh.
- Don’t rush: Some of my favorite moments were simply sitting by the gorge or an old locomotive, not hurrying to “the next thing.”
- Go for the personal moments: Chat with someone at a local bar, visit a smaller museum, wander an unmarked trail. Those are the memories.
- Bring layers: The hills, the industrial areas, the parks—they each have a different feel and the weather can shift.
- Look beyond the name: Scranton may be “The Electric City” and “the setting of The Office,” but it offers real experiences beyond those labels.
So if you’re planning a visit, give yourself time. Dive into the history, step into the parks, feast on the local cuisine, and above all, let Scranton surprise you. When I left, I felt like I didn’t just visit Scranton—I experienced it. And I’ll be back.
Safe travels, and enjoy discovering all that Scranton has to offer!