3 Unique Things to Do in Scranton, PA: Trains, Trolleys & Coal Mines
Updated November 3, 2026
Looking for something different to do during your Pocono Mountains vacation?
While the Poconos are famous for lakes, hiking, skiing, and waterparks, northeastern Pennsylvania also offers fascinating attractions that tell the story of America's industrial past.
Just a day trip from Arrowhead Lake and Pocono Lake, Scranton is home to historic steam locomotives, vintage electric trolleys, and an authentic underground coal mine.
These attractions offer a combination of history, adventure, and hands-on learning that's particularly appealing to families with school-age children.
Whether you're visiting during a chilly November weekend or planning activities for a future vacation, here are three unique Scranton attractions worth exploring.
1. Steamtown National Historic Site — Best for Train Enthusiasts
Location: 350 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA
Admission: Free
Steamtown National Historic Site is one of the region's most interesting historic attractions.
Operated by the National Park Service, Steamtown preserves the history of steam railroads and their role in America's industrial development.
Visitors can explore historic locomotives, railroad exhibits, maintenance facilities, and a working rail yard.
The site includes a History Museum, Technology Museum, Roundhouse, and Locomotive Cutaway Exhibit.
One of the highlights is seeing the enormous machinery that once powered passenger and freight transportation across the country.
Families can also learn how steam engines work and how railroad workers maintained these complex machines.
Can You Ride a Train at Steamtown?
Yes, although train rides operate on selected dates and require separate tickets.
For 2026, short train rides are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 8.
Published short-ride admission is $6 for adults and children older than five, and $1 for children ages five and younger.
Longer excursions have separate schedules and prices.
November 2026 Operating Hours
Steamtown has announced the following schedule:
Through November 15: Daily, 9:30 AM–5 PM.
November 16 through April 30, 2027: Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–4 PM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
The site will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
Local tip: Even if you don't purchase train tickets, the free museums and historic railroad exhibits make Steamtown a worthwhile destination.
Check the National Park Service's schedule before visiting because restoration work and weather can affect access.
Official information: Steamtown National Historic Site visitor guide. National Park Service
2. Electric City Trolley Museum — Best for a Vintage Trolley Experience
Location: 300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA
Located on the Steamtown grounds, Electric City Trolley Museum offers another fascinating transportation experience.
The museum celebrates the history of electric streetcars and interurban railways, which once connected communities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
Visitors can explore restored trolley cars, historic photographs, exhibits, and displays explaining how electric transportation developed.
For children, seeing the vintage passenger cars up close provides a different perspective on how people traveled before modern automobiles became widespread.
Ride a Historic Electric Trolley
One of the museum's main attractions is its seasonal trolley excursion.
The scenic route follows a portion of the former Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad, commonly known as the Laurel Line.
The ride passes Roaring Brook, historic industrial sites, and the impressive Crown Avenue Tunnel.
The museum lists trolley departures at 10:30 AM, noon, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM on operating Thursdays through Sundays.
However, excursion operations are seasonal. Confirm that rides are running on your specific November travel date before purchasing tickets.
November 2026 Museum Hours
The museum's published schedule lists daily operations from 9 AM to 4 PM during April through December.
Admission to the museum and tickets for trolley excursions are separate options.
Local tip: Steamtown and the Trolley Museum are adjacent, making them easy to combine into one outing without driving between attractions.
Allow time for both museums rather than planning only around the trolley ride.
Official information: Electric City Trolley Museum hours and excursions. Electric City Trolley Museum Association
3. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour — Best Underground Adventure
Location: McDade Park, Scranton, PA
For a completely different experience, visit Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
This attraction takes visitors approximately 300 feet underground into a former coal mine.
The experience begins with a ride in a mine car that descends into the mountain.
Once underground, knowledgeable guides lead visitors through historic tunnels and explain the challenging working conditions faced by Pennsylvania coal miners.
The mine originally opened in 1860, when anthracite coal mining was an important part of the regional economy.
Today, the tour provides an opportunity to learn about the people, machinery, and industries that helped shape northeastern Pennsylvania.
November 2026 Tour Schedule and Prices
The published 2026 season continues through November 30, with tours operating Friday through Monday.
The ticket office opens at 10 AM. The first tour begins at 10:45 AM, and the final tour departs at 2:45 PM.
Current published admission prices are:
Visitor Admission
Adults ages 13–64 $10
Seniors ages 65+ $9.50
Active military with ID $9
Children ages 3–12 $7.50
Children under 3Free
The mine is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Local tip: Bring a jacket, even if the weather outside is comfortable. Underground temperatures remain cool, and visitors should wear sturdy shoes.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your preferred tour.
Official information: Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour 2026 schedule. Visit NEPA
How to Plan a Scranton Day Trip from Pocono Lake
If you're staying in Arrowhead Lake, consider setting aside most of a day for Scranton.
A practical itinerary starts with Steamtown in the morning, followed by the Electric City Trolley Museum.
After lunch, visit the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour at McDade Park.
However, if you want to ride both a steam train and a trolley, check their schedules before choosing your date. Not every attraction offers rides every day.
For a shorter outing, choose Steamtown and the Trolley Museum, then save the coal mine for another visit.
During November, remember that daylight hours are shorter and some attractions transition to winter operating schedules.
Where to Stay for Your Pocono Mountains Getaway
Planning a vacation that combines outdoor adventures with interesting day trips? Poconos Vacations offers professionally managed vacation rentals in Arrowhead Lake, a private gated community in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. Depending on the property, guests can enjoy fireplaces, private hot tubs, game rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable accommodations for families and groups. Explore Scranton's historic attractions during the day, then return to your mountain vacation home for a relaxing evening. Browse Arrowhead Lake vacation rentals and check availability at Poconos.Vacations.
Arrowhead Lake requires advance guest registration and mandatory community fees. Outdoor swimming pools and certain recreational amenities operate seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Scranton
What are the best things to do in Scranton with kids?
Steamtown National Historic Site, the Electric City Trolley Museum, and the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour offer educational experiences that many families enjoy.
Is Steamtown National Historic Site free?
Yes. General admission to Steamtown's museums and grounds is free. Train rides require separate tickets.
Can you ride a trolley in Scranton?
Yes. The Electric City Trolley Museum offers seasonal excursions aboard historic electric trolleys. Check the operating calendar before visiting.
Is the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour open in November?
Yes. The published 2026 season runs through November 30, with tours scheduled Friday through Monday, excluding Thanksgiving.
Is Scranton worth visiting during a Pocono vacation?
Absolutely. Scranton offers historic attractions, museums, restaurants, and experiences that complement the Poconos' outdoor activities.
Discover More Than Mountains During Your Pocono Vacation
The Pocono Mountains and surrounding region offer much more than skiing, hiking, and lakes.
A day trip to Scranton provides an opportunity to explore Pennsylvania's railroad history, experience vintage transportation, and discover what life was like for underground coal miners.
Whether you're traveling with children, exploring with friends, or simply looking for something different to do, these three attractions make an interesting addition to your Pocono Mountains itinerary.
Attraction information reviewed November 3, 2026. Operating hours, tour availability, and admission prices may change. Confirm details with each attraction before visiting.