There are lots of things to do in Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and a visit to this quaint town is sure to be enjoyable. Visit the Everheart Museum, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, the Ricketts Glen State Park, and the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum. For a more cultural experience, spend some time at the Everhart Museum.
Visit the Everheart Museum
The Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art is an educational and non-profit institution located in Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1908 by local doctor and taxidermist Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, the museum has over three million objects on display. The museum is open to the public daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission is free.
The Everhart Museum is located in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park and contains over a dozen galleries devoted to science, art, and history. Its “Bird Gallery” was named after its founder, Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart. The museum also features fossils and fine art galleries with works from around the world. For those who are art lovers, there is a trolley museum and electric city.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll love the museum’s collection of stunning paintings and fossils dating back millions of years. It also houses fascinating rock and mineral specimens and hosts some cool teaching events. It’s a must-see for visitors in Scranton, PA. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children. Active military members are also entitled to free admission.
Visit the Anthracite Heritage Museum
The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum preserves the industrial heritage of anthracite coal mining. Located in Scranton’s McDade Park, the museum features exhibits that showcase the industrial history of northeastern Pennsylvania. There’s a wealth of information about this region’s past, from the mines that used anthracite coal to the many jobs they created.
The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum is located in Scranton, Lackawanna County. While visiting this museum, be sure to check out the sculptural works of Patience, a local sculptor. Patience carved three presidential portraits in his lifetime. In addition to his artwork, the museum also features a replica of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Big Run Mine.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and free for active military members. In addition to the museum, you can also catch a game at the Minor League Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in Scranton.
A tour of the historic Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company is an excellent way to learn more about the region’s history. The Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company also has a museum that tells the story of the anthracite industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, except on major holidays, and features an interactive map.
If you’re into vintage art, you can explore the Scranton Cultural Center at Masonic Temple. This historic site is the home to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and features numerous special events. Check the events calendar to see when the museum is hosting a special event. The museum also has a collection of antique and vintage trolleys. A trip to this area can include visiting a vintage train museum or an African musical instrument shop.
Anthracite was discovered in the region in 1858, and the town’s history stretches back over 400 years. The industry grew to such a scale that anthracite was the most important factor in the city’s economic development. During the Industrial Revolution, the city became the center of anthracite and steel production. The industry brought waves of immigrants to the area and fueled its economy. The anthracite deposits also fueled the creation of famous products, such as Nottingham lace.
Visit Ricketts Glen State Park
If you’re in the mood for a day of hiking and biking, Visit Ricketts Glen State Park. Located thirty miles west of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Ricketts Glen offers an eight-mile waterfall hike along Kitchen Creek. The trail begins in the valley, runs through old-growth pine forests, and then gradually climbs up through narrow ravines. At the top of the park, you’ll find a lake, campground, and rental cabins.
The 13,053-acre park is home to two deep gorges, giant pine trees, and a stunning waterfall – the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. There’s also a trail that passes through stands of giant trees, including one over 500 years old. The trails wind through the park, so you can relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
The area was once home to Native Americans. During the nineteenth century, it was the home of wealthy lumberman R. Bruce Ricketts. He had a sawmill in the village and preserved 2,000 acres of virgin forest in three glens. After Ricketts’ death in 1918, his heirs began selling the land to the state as Pennsylvania State Game Lands.
Those looking for a more challenging hiking trail will want to head to Ricketts Glen State Park. This state park has 26 miles of hiking trails and several challenging ones. Camping here is a great way to unwind and enjoy the scenery. And, there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re here! You can spend a day or a weekend enjoying the scenic views of the Pennsylvania countryside.
If you’re traveling with your dog, be sure to bring him along. The trails can be slippery, so make sure your pet is comfortable with steep terrain. You’ll be glad you did! Ricketts Glen offers two types of hiking trails: one for walking, one for biking, and a dog trail. And if you’re in the mood for a picnic, head to the nearby park tavern and enjoy the delicious food.
If you want to learn about nature, Ricketts Glen State Park is an excellent choice. This park has a renowned natural area and boasts a collection of 22 named waterfalls. The park also has a diverse wildlife population. You’ll find many trails that are open daily, but if you want to make a day of it, this state park is open during specific hours and seasons.
Visit the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum
Whether you’re looking for history or just some family entertainment, the Luzerne County Historical Society is the place for you. Founded in 1830, it is one of the oldest continuously-operating local historical societies in the United States. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the local history and find relics from the past. Visitors can even take part in local historical societies’ programs.
The Luzerne County Historical Society Museum is open to the public and features rotating exhibits focusing on local history. Exhibits have ranged from coal mining to Native American heritage and Hurricane Agnes. You can also purchase historical books by local authors. Those who visit the museum will find themselves immersed in the past and inspired to research the history of the region.
In addition to a comprehensive collection of local history and genealogy resources, you can visit the Luzerne County Library. This center holds county records and will do some limited research for you for a small fee. You can also visit the Pennsylvania Society of Genealogy for state-wide research. You can also visit a Family History Center to receive one-on-one assistance. FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases. However, they may not offer the same services as a Family History Center.
The Luzerne County Historical Society Museum is a must-visit while in Wilkes-Barre. Its collection is home to a variety of artifacts from the local history. Visitors can purchase a variety of artifacts and souvenirs at this location. While in Scranton, you can even go for a day trip to Ricketts Glen State Park. Its Falls Trail is a challenging trail that will allow you to enjoy over 20 waterfalls.
While in Scranton, PA, you can also explore the Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park. Located on the site of the Anthracite Mining Disaster, this museum focuses on the history of the region and the anthracite industry. Visitors can also tour the homes and neighborhoods of these settlers and find out how they lived their lives.
