Synonymous
with the classic television show The Office the city of Scranton,
Pennsylvania gives fans glimpses into the world of Dunder Mifflin.
However there is much more to this city than just Michael Scott’s
hangouts.
Incorporated
in 1866 Scranton is nicknamed ‘The Electric City.’ It lies among
the Moosic Mountains and is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania.
Part of Lackawanna County one of the city’s top attractions is the
Lackawanna Coal Mine.
Located
as part of the more than 200-acres of McDade Park the complex
contains the actual coal mine first opened in 1860. The mine was in
use until 1966 when it closed and remained abandoned until 1978. It
was at that point that $2.5 million in federal money was granted to
convert the property into a museum.
Typically
open from April through November the Lackawanna Coal Mine gives tours
where people can take a trip 300-feet underground in a mine car down
the Slope #190 tunnel. It is 53-degrees year-round in the mine so
appropriate clothing and footwear is recommended and the tour is just
over an hour.
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| Entrance to the Lackawanna Coal Mine tunnel. |
The
Anthracite Heritage Museum, which provides education about Scranton’s
history in coal and its related industries, is also located on the
grounds of the Lackawanna Coal Mine. One such related attraction is
the Iron Furnaces located about 3 ½ miles east of the museum.
Started in 1840 as Scranton, Grant, & Company it had the
country’s largest iron production capacity by 1865. McDade Park
and the Lackawanna Coal Mine are basically a package deal and you can
enjoy both at the same time.
Near
the Iron Furnaces site is the Steamtown National Historic Site. This
National Park celebrates railroad transportation, specifically
steam-engine locomotives. There are historic trains as well as
active trains located on 40 acres of the former Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western Railroad. First opened in 1986 the park grounds are open
year round. At the other end of the grounds is the Electric City
Trolley Museum. They are not owned by the same group though, the
trolley museum is run by Lackawanna County. The trolley museum
celebrates the fact that in 1887 Scranton became Pennsylvania’s
first city with a trolley line. This earned Scranton the nickname
the ‘Electric City.’
 |
| Steamtown National Historic Site |
For
fans of The Office though Scranton provides a chance to see and visit
places made famous from the show’s 9 seasons. Only walking
distance from the Steamtown National Historic Site is The Marketplace
at Steamtown. Part of a plan to revitalize the downtown area it was
opened in 1993 as the Mall at Steamtown. It was routinely referred
to as the Steamtown Mall on The Office. It was purchased in 2015 and
rechristened The Marketplace at Steamtown. Inside of it is the 'Scranton Welcomes You' sign seen at the beginning of The Office opening. Though there is no actual
Dunder Mifflin company located close to The Marketplace at Steamtown
is Mifflin Avenue.
 |
| On the second floor of The Marketplace at Steamtown |
The
two most popular Office locales in Scranton though have to do with
food and drink.
First is Alfredo’s Cafe. This restaurant was
known for being the home of the ‘good pizza’ on The Office.
Inside the restaurant are several reminders of this fact and the
pizza is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food and
atmosphere.
Second
is Poor Richard’s Pub. Inside Idle Hours South entertainment
complex this spot was a frequently mentioned hangout on The Office.
It is possible to stop in for a drink and also check out the actual
Dundie award located behind the bar. There are also Office-inspired
drinks typically on the menu.
 |
| The Dundie Award at Poor Richard's Pub |
One
of the largest cities in Pennsylvania Scranton has mountains, coal
mines, historic trains, a renewed downtown district and all of the
Office sites one could hope for.
Check
out my YouTube video featuring Scranton: In My Footsteps: Scranton, PA
If
You Go:
- Lackawanna Coal Mine Museum – Bald Mountain Road/McDade Park
- Steamtown National Historic Site – 350 Cliff Street
- Electric City Trolley Museum – 300 Cliff Street
- Alfredo’s Cafe – 1040 S. Washington Avenue
- Poor Richard’s Pub – 125 Beech Street
Helpful
Links:
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View my previous blog posts: In Their Footsteps: Cape Cod History - Cape Cod Bank and Trust
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