LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. – From skiing and hiking to historic train rides through the mountains, the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau invites visitors to experience the beauty, history and culture of Northeast Pennsylvania.
“This area is truly a hidden gem with experiences that everyone can enjoy,” shared Susan Estler, executive director for Lackawanna County in Northeast Pennsylvania. “The beautiful biking and hiking trails in our four county parks, along with the rich American industrial history at the Steamtown National Historic Site, make Northeast Pennsylvania a destination that everyone should have on their travel list this year.”
Centrally located within a few hours of major hubs such as New York City and Philadelphia, Lackawanna County offers an array of activities and sites for guests of all ages to enjoy.
- Steamtown National Historic Site
At the Steamtown National Historic Site, visitors can explore the history of steam railroad transportation in the United States. Dating back to 1850, the site includes several interactive museums featuring rotating exhibits, theater presentations and walking tours that showcase the region’s role in the Industrial Revolution. There’s also a Locomotive Shop Tour, where visitors get an up-close look at the detailed process of maintaining, repairing and restoring steam locomotives. The Scranton Limited and the Nay Aug Limited short train rides start in April.
Beginning in April, visitors can hop aboard a traditional Electric City Trolley at the The Electric City Trolley Museum for a ride along the former Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley routes, passing sites such as the Historic Iron Furnaces and Crown Avenue Tunnel. Scranton was one of the first places in the nation to construct an electric trolley line, leading to the nickname of “The Electric City.” For more information please call 570-963-6590 or visit www.ectma.org.
- Coal Mine Tour & Anthracite Museum
Opening in April, the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, located in McDade Park, allows visitors to descend 300 feet via coal car into an anthracite mine dating back to 1860. During this authentic experience, guests are invited to strap on a hardhat to discover how local miners worked tirelessly to fuel the nation’s economy during the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can also stop by the Anthracite Heritage Museum to explore the lives and homes of these mining families. For more information please call 570-963-6463 or visit www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/attractions/coal-mine
- MORE -
- Heritage Valley Trails
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) is part of a 70-mile, multipurpose trail system that follows the scenic Lackawanna River. Ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling or walking dogs, the LRHT begins at the confluence of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna rivers in Pittston and continues north where it connects with the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail. The trail is also home to an array of spring marathons and races, including:
- Shiver by the River – Every winter along the Lackawanna River, runners choose to participate in a 10k, 5k or two-mile race.
- Riverfest – Every May, paddlers take to the water and revelers fill the banks of the Lackawanna River during this day of fitness and fun.
For more information please call 570-963-6730 or visit www.lhva.org.
- Montage Mountain Resort
Located in the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania, Montage Mountain Resort provides year-round fun for the whole family. During the winter months, the property offers 26 trails, seven ski lifts, 16 snow tubing lanes and two adrenaline-pumping terrain parks for snowboarders. Montage one of the few resorts in the country to offer Airboarding, a ride atop a lightweight inflatable sled that can reach up to 60 miles per hour.
The fun at Montage doesn’t end when the snow melts. During the late spring and summer, families can enjoy water rides, mini golf, batting cages and the exhilarating Montage ZipRider at the park.
After a day of adventure, Montage visitors can dine by the fire at Slocum Hollow, the property’s new bar and restaurant that features homemade American bistro fare and craft beers. For more information please call 570-969-7669 or visit www.montagemountainresorts.com.
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Located in Northeast Pennsylvania just west of the Poconos, Lackawanna County is named for the picturesque river which flows through it. The county, including its largest city, Scranton, saw rapid growth at the turn of the 20th century by producing coal during the growth of steel production. This early industrial heritage lent the county a rich multicultural heritage as mining drew immigrants from around the world. While the area has recently transitioned to a more diverse economy due to the globalization of the steel industry, the county preserves its cultural mix with various heritage festivals as well as outdoor activities. Lackawanna County is part of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area.