Scranton is a delightful town filled with rich locomotive- and industry-based history. If you’re a railway lover, you wouldn’t want to miss this place. The city also provides many intriguing historical attractions as it’s the former headquarters for anthracite coal mining. Prepare to discover many unique and interactive exhibitions in the area, sightseeing, and good old photo-taking, for an unforgettable vacation. Enjoy a blast from the past at Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Visit a Trolley Museum
Scranton’s Electric City Trolley Station & Museum exhibits original vehicles preserved from the early days of the eponymous transportation system. These beautiful trolleys once served the city years ago and continue to remind residents and tourists alike about the city’s efficient travel technology. You can look forward to fascinating tidbits of information about Scranton’s innovative past, commemorating the first successfully operational electric-powered streetcar system in the country. Also, you’ll have a taste of how it feels as a passenger onboard one of these wonderful trolleys from yesteryear.
Take a Coal Mine Tour
If you’re a fan of history, you’d be glad to know that the city’s industrious past isn’t limited to its railway tracks and locomotives. Established in 1860 and located in McDade Park is the retired Lackawanna Coal Mine. Take a guided tour through its tunnels in depths of up to 300 feet underground to experience what it was like as a miner during its operations.
The descent into the mines takes an estimated 3-4 minutes and the walking tour lasts about an hour.
Check Out the Anthracite Heritage Museum
Complete your historical adventures in Scranton at the Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park. You’ll learn about the significance of hard coal mining during Pennsylvania’s industrial years preserved through artifacts, photos, and videos. The four massive iron furnaces in the area are impressive remnants from the nation’s early iron revolution that are certainly worth a visit.
With all these fascinating historical sites, you will certainly enjoy a blast from the past at Scranton, Pennsylvania.