Throughout history, Pennsylvania has been known as one of the nation’s most vital sources of steel and coal.
One of the towns that thrived from coal mining back in the day is Dickson City, formerly known as “Priceburg.”
It’s part of a cluster of towns and cities in Lackawanna County in Northeast Pennsylvania.
German and Polish immigrants founded Dickson City in the mid-1800s.
However, the town today is the complete opposite of its industrious past.
Not to be confused, Dickson City is considered a borough or a township rather than a city.
Visiting Dickson City offers laid-back vibes, especially if you’re coming from the bustling scene of New York.
It is roughly a two-hour drive from New York in the southeast and Harrisburg in the southwest.
Those planning to visit Dickson City expect a quaint appeal and a tightly-knitted community.
Meanwhile, its attractions are mostly leisure, dining, and shopping, while some involve outdoor activities.
Check out the 15 best things to do in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, and its nearby attractions!
Visiting Dickson City is all about relaxation and recreation.
To experience it first-hand, head to Bernard Seminski Memorial Park.
You can find this park along Elm St & Dewey St.
The park features baseball, volleyball, softball, basketball, and tennis courts.
At the same time, it has a concession stand and a covered pavilion for a convenient picnic.
This park also has a playground area and a walking path for hiking.
What’s more, this park holds historical significance to Dickson City.
The park was named after volunteer fireman Bernard Seminski who died in the line of duty on July 2, 1954, while responding to a fire at a mill.
Dickson City built the Bernard Seminski Memorial Park to honor his passing and his courageous act in putting out the fire.
Primanti Bros is one of the most famous restaurants in Pittsburgh.
To share its rich food heritage and tradition, it expanded in Dickson City in 2016.
Today, this restaurant along Commerce Boulevard is one of the favorite places for locals and visitors in town.
Primanti Bros opened in Pittsburgh’s Strip District back in 1933.
It eventually became famous for its handcrafted sandwiches, signature seasoned fries, and homemade coleslaw.
For an ideal place to grab your food while exploring Dickson City, check out this restaurant and get blown away by its delicious menu.
Besides sandwiches, it also serves pizzas, wings, tenders, and salads!
If you’re up for some sports activities, head to Crystal Park.
You can find this community park along Dolloff Drive and Shady Lane Drive.
It features numerous sports facilities, such as a lighted baseball field, basketball, tennis court, and playground.
It’s a fun place to do these sports, especially if you join locals playing their favorite game.
At the same time, you can watch the Dickson City Little League Crystal Park games.
It features kids competing with their respective teams in a fun-filled baseball tournament, which usually gathers locals, especially parents cheering on the sidelines.
Overall, Crystal Park is an ideal location for a cost-free outdoor activity.
St. Mary’s Visitation Church is one of the oldest religious buildings in Dickson City.
You can visit this church along Carmalt Street, which you can quickly see from a distance because of its twin bell towers and charming Romanesque design.
This church was constructed in 1892 by Polish immigrants who settled in Dickson City when it was called Priceburg.
The church isn’t just a religious center for Roman Catholics in Dickson City but also a historically-significant building.
You can join guided tours to discover the church’s history through collections of photographs and historical discussions from its officials.
The St. Mary’s Visitation Church has come a long way from its humble beginnings by remaining relevant religiously and historically for locals, making it a special place to visit.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail spans over 70 miles passing through various towns and cities, including Dickson City.
Hiking through this famous trail takes you to Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area’s central location.
It’s situated amidst the Northeastern Pennsylvania mountains, where the Lackawanna River flows.
While hiking, you’ll enjoy scenic landscapes and the relics of Pennsylvania’s rich industrial past and notable attractions.
It’s one of the best places to explore that can be accessed through Bernard Seminski Memorial Park.
So, pack your hiking boots and channel your adventurous spirit because you’ll likely find yourself wandering through the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
For a different kind of rest and recreation, check out Dickson City Crossings along Commerce Boulevard.
This retail hub is considered the main shopping center in the entire town, making it an ideal place to shop for your wants and needs.
You won’t run out of choices visiting Dickson City Crossings because it’s home to over a dozen stores.
It includes Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Joann, Party City, Burlington, The Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Sleep Number, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and JCPenney.
After a tiring shopping spree, grab your meal at TGI Fridays, Five Guys, or the Tokyo Steakhouse.
The VFW Park, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), is one of the community parks in Dickson City.
You can find this park along Jermyn Street and Walker.
It’s an idyllic location to bring your family or travel buddies for afternoon relaxation.
You can visit this park if you’re looking for a place to chill and enjoy a peaceful ambiance while passing the time.
Like most parks, it has a playground, a picnic area, restrooms, and sports facilities for basketball and baseball.
Most of all, it’s a fun place to visit without spending a penny or driving far off Dickson City.
Circle Drive-In is one of the most famous entertainment hubs in Lackawanna County.
This open-air drive-in theatre is also one of the oldest in the county when it opened in 1949.
You can find this place along Scranton Carbondale Highway.
It mainly features the latest movie flicks from Spring to Fall every year and also shows retro classics for some nostalgic experience.
You won’t have difficulty getting the best view since it has two huge outdoor screens and a top-notch audio system.
In addition, it also hosts the famous Circle Flea Fair that runs from March to November.
It features a novelty of collectibles and items at a low price.
So, don’t forget to include Circle Drive-In into your itinerary for a top-notch entertainment experience.
Spirited Art Scranton offers you a wholesome and fun-filled art experience.
You can find this unique place along Scranton Carbondale Highway, where you can join exciting painting classes.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or someone yearning to learn, its in-house artists are willing to provide a wholesome and worthwhile experience.
While joining its painting classes, you are provided with all the materials and subjects to create your artwork.
Have fun and join fellow visitors in learning various painting techniques.
At the same time, you can rent the entire place for birthday parties and other private affairs and enjoy a unique activity like this one.
If you’re itching to watch more movies, check out Regal Dickson City.
You can find this massive theater complex along Commerce Boulevard.
This theater has multiple screens and an IMAX movie theater featuring the latest Hollywood flicks.
It has a concession stand and cozy seating for a relaxing movie experience.
Overall, this theater is an excellent alternative for those who don’t have a car to watch movies at the Circle Drive-In’s outdoor movie theater.
Since towns and cities in Lackawanna County surround Dickson City, it would be awesome if you take the time to explore them.
Below are some of the things you can do near Dickson City!
Clint, stitched and cropped by Ruhrfisch, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thirteen-minute drive northeast of Dickson City takes you to Archbald!
Here, you’ll see the Archbald Pothole State Park, home to a prehistoric geologic feature shaped like a pothole.
It’s located within the state park that spans over 149 acres.
The pothole has a 38-feet depth with a diameter of about 42×24 feet.
Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It has a distinctly elliptical shape, similar to a deep well, but empty.
The Archbald Pothole State Park is considered one of the most excellent glacial potholes in the world, making it a special place to visit.
You can look closer at this famous place through a viewing deck on top.
At the same time, you can also take gorgeous photos of this unique natural attraction.
Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Montage Mountain Pavilion is 25 minutes or 14.2 miles south of Dickson City in Scranton.
This outdoor amphitheater is situated within a famous mountain ski resort called Montage Mountain.
After its construction in 1992, it has already hosted countless world-class concerts, making it the premier events venue in Pennsylvania.
Besides the world-class concerts, you’ll get mesmerized by the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
So, head to the Montage Mountain Pavilion and join thousands of spectators if you’re yearning for concerts.
Family time is always essential, so take your loved ones to the Lahey Family Fun Park along Morgan Highway in Clarks Summit.
This wholesome attraction is a 12-minute drive or 5.6-miles southwest of Dickson City.
It mainly features family-friendly amusement games, such as mini-golf, arcade gaming, go-karts, bumper boats, and many more.
Its main feature is the 18-hole mini golf course that has already reaped numerous awards.
Plus, it has a ¼-mile go-kart racing course for a more exciting activity.
You may also take your loved ones to its arcade arena, featuring retro and modern games for more fun.
In addition, its bumper boats offer a different kind of fun full of bumps, twists, and turns.
So, include Lahey Family Fun Park in your itinerary for a memorable outing with your loved ones near Dickson City.
Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com
Eales Preserve is a 15-minute drive or 7.7 miles southeast of Dickson City in Jessup.
This natural attraction is a haven for outdoor adventurers for its vast outdoor recreational opportunities.
Since this place is located in the Moosic Mountains, it gives you stunning scenery of the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania.
It’s one of the best places to see excellent ridge tops and heath barrens where you can enjoy various activities.
Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com
While visiting, enjoy birdwatching, nature photography, and hiking.
This place is home to various bird species, such as white warblers, zebra-striped songbirds, black warblers, and northern harrier hawks.
While hiking through its pristine trails, you usually see these birds along with local wildlife like bears, deer, and coyotes.
With all that in mind, Eales Preserve is an excellent place to immerse yourself in nature.
Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com
Reward yourself with excellent wines at the Capra Collina Winery before wrapping up your Dickson City travel adventure.
You can visit this winery in Peckville, a three-minute drive north of Dickson City.
You’ve come to the right place in Peckville, whether you’re yearning for wine or want a place to unwind.
Capra Collina Winery offers a wide array of artisanal wines and a unique selection of fruit and traditional wines.
While visiting this winery, don’t miss trying out its Cabernet Sauvignon, Cardinal Zin, Chilean Zinfandel, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and many more.
Lastly, don’t forget to buy a bottle or two of its finest wines as your souvenir.
Those are the best things to do in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.
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