The Industrial Revolution
Sample Itinerary
Experience the home of the Industrial Revolution with interactive museums that showcase the region’s transition from agriculture to iron production and coal mining. This transition sparked demand for steam engines and led to the development of the first functional electric trolley system.
• DAY ONE •
SCRANTON IRON FURNACES
These stone structures at the Scranton Iron Furnaces were once teeming with metal working activity and were the catalyst of Scranton’s iron industry. Visitors can walk amongst these impressive structures overlooking the Roaring Brook extension of the Lackawanna River and learn the history of the region’s iron production from the informational markers.
TIPS:
The Scranton Iron Furnaces is a self-guided tour; however, the Anthracite Heritage Museum owns the structures. If you would like your group to have a guided tour, please contact the Anthracite Heritage Museum to ask for an expert tour guide. A self-guided tour should take a group approximately a half-hour. A guided tour can be customized to your group’s needs.
ANTHRACITE HERITAGE MUSEUM
This Anthracite Heritage Museum focuses on the history of hard coal mining, its related industries, and the immigrant culture of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Museum tells the story of people who came from Europe to work in the anthracite mining and textile industries. As you tour the facility you will experience the lives of proud people who endured harsh working conditions yet carved out communities filled with tradition.
TIPS:
A tour of the Anthracite Heritage Museum is usually self-guided, but a group can plan for a guided tour when booking the reservation. A self-guided tour is typically 1- 1 ½ hours. A guided tour is customized to the group’s time restraints.
LACKAWANNA COAL MINE TOUR
Explore 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine originally opened in 1860 at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. Listen to your guide as they explain the fascinating methods used and the heroic efforts involved, as men and boys worked to heat a nation and fuel the conversion of our economy from agriculture to industry.
TIPS:
Plan for a 1 ½ hour tour per group. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Anthracite Heritage Museum are located in McDade Park and work well together. If you have more than 25 people in a group, half of the group can visit the mine while the other half visit the Anthracite Heritage Museum. The groups can switch when completed. The mine is an average of 53 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
• DAY TWO •
LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY WALKING TOURS
Grab your walking shoes and get ready to get your steps in! The Historical Society offers four unique walking tours of Scranton’s districts. The tours focus on the development and history of the architecture, cultures, and famous historical figures that have impacted the course of the Industrial Revolution.
TIPS:
The Lackawanna Historical Society will accommodate groups who prefer to stay on the bus due to walking difficulties. Be on the lookout for Scranton After Dark walking tours, a spookier nighttime tour through Downtown Scranton, in the fall!
STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
At the Steamtown National Historic Site, you can learn the history of the steam engine, see the giant locomotives that helped expand our nation, hear the sensational true stories of those that rode, worked for, and built these beautiful machines. You will feel the weight of history as you tour this national park and will be amazed at the ingenuity of the engines and the turntable. Steamtown offers rides and excursions of various lengths to several different destinations.
TIPS:
Wear your walking shoes! Steamtown National Historic Site is separated into three sections; History Museum, Roundhouse, and Technology Museum. The park is free to enter! Excursion pricing is based on the length of time and seasonality. The Fall Foliage Excursion and Holiday Express book very quickly! Sign up with the park’s email list to receive updates for the start of booking these popular events.
ELECTRIC CITY TROLLEY MUSEUM
Located on the Steamtown National Historic Site grounds in a restored late 19th-century mill building, the Electric City Trolley Museum commemorates the first successfully operational electric-powered streetcar system in the United States. You will enjoy the interactive exhibits and displays including vintage trolleys.
TIPS:
The Electric City Trolley Museum is self-guided, but groups can ask for a tour guide upon arrival. Plan to tour the museum for 1- ½ hours. The round-trip trolley excursion is approximately 45 minutes and takes you to their Restoration Shop on Montage Mountain.
Plan Your Visit Now!
