Exploring Lackawanna through its history brings visitors face to face with steam railroading, anthracite mining, and the early iron industry. Museums and historic sites make these subjects tangible in different ways; parks and trails add landscape and activity to the picture.
Railroad History in Many Forms
Steamtown National Historic Site preserves and interprets the history of steam railroading in America. Its collection includes locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and equipment for maintaining railroad facilities. The objects come from several historic railroads. The Electric City Trolley Museum offers a different perspective on railroad history: it is located on the grounds of Steamtown in a restored mill building dating from the late 19th century. Its collection presents a representative picture of electric railways in eastern Pennsylvania—from the Philadelphia region to northeastern Pennsylvania.
A scenic excursion route offered by the Trolley Museum is also connected to railroad history. It follows a section of the former Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad line, also known as the Laurel Line, passes the Historic Iron Furnaces, and runs through the 4,747-foot-long Crown Avenue Tunnel. It is one of the longest interurban tunnels ever built. As excursion services may vary, check before your visit to see whether a ride is being offered.
Anthracite and Early Industry
The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum is located in McDade Park in Scranton. It presents the history of hard coal mining and related industries, as well as the historic immigrant culture of northeastern Pennsylvania. Also located in McDade Park, the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour takes visitors 300 feet underground into an anthracite mine that originally opened in 1860. Knowledgeable guides lead the tour through winding underground passages and a rock tunnel, past three different anthracite coal seams.
The Scranton Iron Furnaces represent the early iron industry of the United States. Its four large stone blast furnaces are remnants of what was once an extensive plant operated by the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company. The site is open to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset; as visiting hours may change, check before your visit.
Parks, Gorge, and Trails
Lackawanna State Park covers 1,445 acres. At its center is 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, surrounded by wooded multi-use trails. Activities offered there include boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail has a different focus: its interconnected paved sections are ideal for walking, running, or cycling. Numerous trailheads and access points are spread throughout Lackawanna County.
Nay Aug Gorge is a striking natural area in Nay Aug Park. Roaring Brook carved the gorge more than 11,500 years ago; it is designated a National Natural Landmark. The easy Davis Trail is a two-mile round-trip route through mature forest along Roaring Brook. Along the way are overlooks, waterfalls, and striking rock formations. The David Wenzel Tree House in Nay Aug Park is fully accessible and offers expansive views of the gorge and the brook.
Another geological feature is the Archbald Pothole: a 38-foot-deep, elliptical formation that formed during the Wisconsin glaciation about 15,000 years ago and gave Archbald Pothole State Park its name. The state park can be reached from Interstate 81 via Exit 191A and Business US 6.
Regional Flavors and Getting Around
Old Forge pizza is part of the local food culture. It is baked in a rectangular metal pan and divided into “cuts” rather than slices. It is ordered by “trays” rather than “pies.” The Lackawanna County Pizza Trail adds another regional perspective. Interstates 81, 80, 476, 84, and 380, along with the Casey Highway, converge to provide access around the county.
Discover More Destinations
Scranton, Clarks Summit, Moosic, Dickson City, Dunmore, Old Forge, Erie, Blair
For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
