Scranton, Pennsylvania: Where Industrial Power, Arts, and Community Converge

Scranton is a city that tells the story of American innovation, resilience, and community—a place where Victorian architecture, railroading heritage, modern entertainment, and local pride harmoniously blend. Perhaps best known to a new generation as the setting for “The Office,” Scranton’s real identity is far richer: it’s a city of vibrant neighborhoods, fascinating museums, culinary gems, beautiful parks, and dynamic local culture. Whether you’re arriving for history, fun, or relaxation, Scranton will surprise with its diversity and warmth.

A Storied Past: The Foundations of Scranton

Scranton’s beginnings trace back to indigenous Lenape and Capoose tribes, later followed by colonial settlers in the mid-18th century. The city’s transformation began when George W. and Selden Scranton founded an iron operation in 1840, eventually becoming the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company. Fueled by the anthracite coal boom and driven by ambitious entrepreneurs, Scranton’s rapid 19th-century growth saw it crowned the “Electric City”—the first U.S. city with a commercially successful electric streetcar system. By 1866, Scranton was incorporated as a city, and by the end of the 19th century, it had become a national industrial hub welcoming immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Despite struggles—labor strikes, subsidence from mining, and the decline of coal and steel—the community adapted. The past century saw Scranton embrace new industries, celebrate its immigrant tapestry, and invest in urban revival, cultural programming, and historic preservation. It’s a testament to resilience and reinvention.

Must-See Attractions

Steamtown National Historic Site
350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 340-5200
This fascinating National Park Service site is dedicated to America’s steam railroading legacy. Explore hands-on locomotive exhibits, interactive museums, vintage rolling stock, and scenic train excursions. See the impressive roundhouse, take a short ride, or check out seasonal living history events. Details: Steamtown NHS.

Electric City Trolley Station & Museum
300 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6590
Steps from Steamtown, this venue brings alive the golden age of trolleys. Visitors can tour restored streetcars, interactive displays, and even take a ride on a vintage trolley to Montage Mountain. Visit: Electric City Trolley Museum.

Nay Aug Park
500 Arthur Ave, Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 348-4186
Scranton’s largest green space offers wooded trails, the Nay Aug Gorge & Waterfalls, a treehouse, playgrounds, picnic groves, a swimming pool, and summer festivals. Inside the park, the Everhart Museum (1901 Mulberry St, (570) 346-7186, Everhart Museum) is a favorite for art, natural history, and science.

Montage Mountain Resorts
1000 Montage Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18507
(570) 969-7669
A four-season destination for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and a waterpark in summer. The Pavilion at Montage Mountain hosts major concerts and events. Info: Montage Mountain.

Houdini Museum, Tour & Magic Show
1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508
(570) 342-5555
Step into the world of the legendary magician with exhibits, artifacts, and live magic shows—a delight for curious minds. Learn more: Houdini Museum.

The Office Mural & Penn Paper Tower
Mural: 503 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA
Penn Paper Tower: 215 Vine St, Scranton, PA
Fans of NBC’s “The Office” can visit the city’s famous mural and the Dunder Mifflin/Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Co. building, plus a self-guided tour of show landmarks. Selfie opportunities abound! Guide: Scranton Office Tour.

Historic Sites & Landmarks

• Historic Scranton Iron Furnaces
  159 Cedar Ave, Scranton, PA 18505
  Open-air relics of the birthplace of Scranton’s iron and steel industry, now a monument and event site. More: Scranton Iron Furnaces.
• Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
  1 Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504
  (570) 963-6463
  Descend 300 feet beneath the earth with retired miners, learning about coal-mining life and Scranton’s foundational industry. Info: Coal Mine Tour.
• Lackawanna County Courthouse Square
  200 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  (570) 963-6500
  The civic and geographic heart of Scranton, surrounded by historic government buildings, monuments, and often home to festivals and public art installations.

Where to Eat: Popular Restaurants & Eateries

Scranton’s food scene blends old and new, immigrant traditions and inventive chefs:

• Catch 21
  132 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  (570) 955-5198
  Seafood, steak, cocktails, and contemporary flair with a downtown vibe. See Catch 21.
• Cooper’s Seafood House
  701 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18509
  (570) 346-6883
  A Scranton icon since 1948—seafood, steaks, craft beers, and a collection of “The Office” memorabilia. Check Cooper’s Seafood.
• A Little Pizza Heaven
  2015 Boulevard Ave, Scranton, PA 18509
  (570) 347-4977
  Family favorite for classic and specialty pizzas, pastas, wings, and Italian specialties. View: A Little Pizza Heaven.
• Bar Pazzo
  131 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  (570) 871-4179
  Rustic chic spot for wood-fired Italian classics and small plates. Menu at Bar Pazzo.
• Sambucca Italian Grille & Bar
  2027 Walnut St, Scranton, PA 18509
  (570) 961-5205
  Highly rated for homestyle Italian dishes and warm ambience. More: Sambucca Grille.
• The Garden – Mediterranean
  109 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  (570) 299-1723
  A modern spot offering fresh Mediterranean flavors and cocktails. See The Garden Restaurant.

Discover more downtown choices, brunch cafés, and takeout gems through Scranton Tomorrow Downtown Dining.

Shopping: Malls & Retail Centers

• The Marketplace at Steamtown
  300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  (570) 207-5600
  Downtown’s premier shopping, featuring Boscov’s, the Electric City Aquarium, unique shops, food court, and event spaces. Details: Marketplace at Steamtown.
• Viewmont Mall
  100 Viewmont Mall, Scranton, PA 18508
  (570) 346-7650
  This major enclosed shopping center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, and HomeGoods and features dozens of national retailers. Info: Viewmont Mall.
• Shoppes at Montage
  4005 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic, PA 18507
  (570) 343-6790
  A nearby open-air complex with shops, dining, and a movie theater.

Find local boutiques, music stores, and gift shops throughout the city, especially in the downtown historic district.

Relaxation & Family Fun

• Nay Aug Park (see above)
  Ideal for nature walks, picnics, playgrounds, and exploring Nay Aug Gorge and Waterfall. Don’t miss the Everhart Museum for art, science, and rotating kid-friendly exhibits.
• Montage Mountain Resorts (see above)
  Year-round fun for the family with water park attractions in summer and snow sports in winter.
• Lahey Family Fun Park
  500 Morgan Hwy, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
  (570) 586-5699
  Go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and arcade games. See Lahey Park.
• Idle Hours Entertainment
  2008 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508
  (570) 489-7526
  Bowling, laser tag, and a vibrant arcade ensure all-ages fun. Info: Idle Hours.
• Bee’s Backyard
  2449 Meridian Ave, Scranton, PA 18504
  (570) 507-9856
  Indoor playground, perfect for younger kids.
• Chackos Family Bowling Center
  195 North Wilkes Barre Blvd, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
  (570) 208-2695
  Arcade, laser tag, and plenty of lanes for up to 40 bowlers.

Scranton is a city that invites deeper discovery with every visit. Its legacy as a cradle of American industry, combined with creative arts, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic urban parks, makes it a compelling community for visitors and residents alike. Exploring Steamtown’s engines, sampling Italian favorites, taking a selfie with The Office mural, or relaxing at Nay Aug Park showcase Scranton’s many faces—historic, quirky, ambitious, and welcoming.

With its strategic location in Northeast Pennsylvania, Scranton is also a gateway to the region’s mountain getaways, state parks, and small towns. Its revitalized downtown, energetic festivals, and growing arts scene continue to draw new families, businesses, and tourists. Those planning a trip, seeking eats, or just looking for Pennsylvania resources should also browse myphillyconnection.com for expanded travel tips and statewide guides.

No matter the reason for your stop in the Electric City, Scranton welcomes all who are ready to explore, laugh, and connect with its unique blend of history and possibility.