LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. – Spring is an ideal time to shake off the winter blues by exploring Lackawanna County, a hidden gem of a rejuvenating getaway packed with extraordinary activities. Situated just two hours from Philadelphia and New York City, the area offers culturally rich experiences and festive seasonal events.

“Lackawanna County is buzzing with exciting experiences for visitors to enjoy this spring,” shared Susan Estler, executive director of Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau. “From trolley and train excursions to the annual craft beer festival, there is something fun for everyone.”

All are invited to enjoy the many happenings in Lackawanna County this spring:

 

Outdoor Adventures at Lackawanna County Parks

What better place to experience beautiful spring weather than with an exhilarating adventure in the park? Lackawanna County’s four-county parks offer various terrains, rivers, lakes and attractions for hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing and exploring. McDade Park, Merli-Sarnoski Park, Aylesworth Park, and Covington Park make Northeast Pennsylvania the perfect natural playground for outdoor lovers. For more information, please call 570-963-6764 or visit www.lackawannacounty.org.

 

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

Beginning in April, visitors are invited to journey 300 feet beneath Earth’s surface to tour a restored anthracite coal mine dating back to 1860. During this authentic experience guided by a miner, guests will 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.

 

Opening Day at PNC Park

Travelers can celebrate springtime at the ballpark as the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders go head-to-head with the Rochester Red Wings during the season opener on April 6. The game kicks off at 2:05 p.m. For more information please call 570-969-2255 or visit www.swbrailriders.com.

 

Electric City Brewfest

Montage Mountain will host the Electric City Brewfest on April 28 and 29. From local craft beer samplings to live music to giveaways, this two-day event is not to be missed. The VIP Session ($59 presale; $70 at door) takes place Saturday, April 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and includes an intimate meet-and-greet with the brewers, samples of over 100 craft brews, food and more. Two general admissions sessions take place Friday, April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. General Admission Session tickets are $29 prior to the event ($40 at the door) and include craft brew samples, live music and more. Guests must be 21 and older to attend. For more information please call 570-969-7669 or visit their Facebook page.

 

Electric City Trolley Excursions

The Electric City Trolley Excursion season begins in April. Visitors are invited to climb aboard an authentic 1926 or 1932 antique trolley for a five and a half mile trip over Roaring Brook through the Crown Avenue Tunnel – at 4747 feet long, it’s one of the longest interurban tunnels ever built—and along the original “Laurel Line” up to PNC Field on Montage Mountain. During the operating season, the trolley excursion departs from the main passenger platform of the Steamtown National Historic Site.

Complete this historic adventure by touring the Electric City Trolley Museum. The collection provides a representative picture of the electric railway history of eastern Pennsylvania, from the Philadelphia region to Northeast Pennsylvania. For more information, please call 570-963-6590 or visit www.visitnepa.org.

 

Steamtown National Historic Site

The Steamtown National Historic Site is the only National Park solely dedicated to the history of steam railroading. The site showcases steam locomotives, restored cabooses, freight cars and passenger coaches dating from the early 20th century. The 52-acre site boasts an active Locomotive Repair Shop and Roundhouse with an operational turntable, and a museum complex that includes a Visitor Center, history and technology museums, and a 250-seat HD Surround-Sound theater. Throughout the year, visitors are welcome to enjoy the Park film, “Steel and Steam,” take in the sites and observe the masterful restoration of classic rolling stock, representative of America’s industrial past. For more information please call 570-340-5200 or visit www.nps.gov/stea.

 

Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Located in Northeast Pennsylvania just west of the Poconos, Lackawanna County is named for the scenic river which flows through it. The county, along with its largest city, Scranton, saw rapid growth at the turn of the 20th century by manufacturing coal during the growth of steel production. However, more recently, the area’s economy has diversified due to the globalization of the steel industry; the county preserves its cultural mix with various heritage festivals as well as outdoor activities. The county is perfect driving distance from surrounding areas and great for weekend activities you can’t find anywhere else. Lackawanna County is part of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area.