2021-12-08 00:37:34
Why You’ll Love It Glorious mountains that fade into the distance and the winding Susquehanna River define the landscape in this scenic region. Old steel mills, covered bridges, and behemoth mansions are reminders of the region’s storied past. Rebirth is well underway in places that were former industrial centers where longstanding buildings are finding new lives as museums, colleges, and hotels. Color and creativity bloom in small-town art galleries, historic cultural centers, and grand theaters. Explore wineries and breweries, and take in the charms of quaint towns. GET IDEAS » Ways to Explore 1 Seven Tubs Nature Area, Wilkes-Barre The focal point of this 500-acre recreation area is a stream called Wheelbarrow Run, which flows through a series of “tubs” in the underlying bedrock. Hike the 1.8-mile trail to see this popular cascade. 2 F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre Restored to the splendor of its Art Deco roots, this arts center, which opened in 1938 as a movie theater, today hosts film screenings, concerts, and comedy acts. 3 Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Scranton Hop in a mine car and descend 300 feet underground into an anthracite coal mine dating back to 1860, all while learning about the history of this industry. 4 Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton Learn about the history of steam-powered railroad transportation when you visit the museum complex, see mechanics repair and maintain locomotives, and ride in a vintage passenger car. 5 Eagles Mere Historic Village, Eagles Mere A historic resort destination that once drew well-heeled vacationers from the big city, Eagles Mere continues to enchant visitors with its centerpiece lake, museums, shops, and restaurants. 6 Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock This restored cultural center dating back to 1936 is a hub of culture, with film festivals, concerts, live theatrical productions, classes, and workshops. 7 The Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton Housed in a restored 19th-century mill building, this museum showcases historic artifacts, vintage trolleys, interactive displays, and a model train scene. 8 Houdini Museum & Magic Show, Scranton Enter a world of wonder at the world’s only building dedicated to Harry Houdini. See rare footage of Houdini’s illusions and escapes, take a guided tour to learn more about this fascinating magician, and top it all off with a professional magic show. 9 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, Ashland Take a coal mining tour and head into Mahanoy Mountain to learn about the coal mining process. Then, take a scenic train ride on the Henry Clay, a 1920s narrow-gauge steam locomotive. 10 Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, Nicholson History and architecture buffs won’t want to miss seeing this engineering marvel, which was the largest concrete railroad bridge in the world upon its completion in 1915. This landmark is still mind-boggling, and you can watch trains chugging along its grand arches today. 11 Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton At more than 13,000 acres, this state park offers some of the state’s best outdoor experiences. Join in year-round fun—hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in winter. The park is also home to the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark featuring remarkable waterfalls. 12 Worlds End State Park, Forksville At this 780-acre natural playground, you can try out endless opportunities of outdoor recreation, including whitewater boating, fishing, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 13 Wyalusing Rocks Scenic Overlook, Wyalusing Take in even more astonishing views of the river valley from 500 feet above the Susquehanna River. This landmark, once used as a signaling point by the Iroquois, now offers scenic views of mountains, forests, and the river.
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