DiscoverNEPA Bucket List | Things To Do

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January 07, 2025

DiscoverNEPA Bucket List

Explore the ultimate NEPA Bucket List and uncover must-visit destinations, outdoor adventures, local eateries, and hidden gems across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Start planning your next adventure today!

Jonathan Davies

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A Definitive "Must-Do" List of NEPA Adventures

Whether you call NEPA home, or you just find yourself coming back again and again, you’ve got to get to work on the DiscoverNEPA Bucket List. From ambitious “out-of-the-box” ideas to more “let’s take it easy” adventures, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do right here in our own backyard.

Sure, there will be wild options like sky diving, zooming around the track in a race car or even running a marathon. And some will be simple, everyday sort of things like enjoying a pint at America’s oldest brewery. All of them, however, are specific to Northeastern Pennsylvania. From amazing, once-in-a-lifetime activities to awesome, family-friendly adventures, this list features some of the region’s most unique locations and action-packed experiences.

Get out there and dive right into your DiscoverNEPA Bucket List!

DiscoverNEPA Bucket List

A smiling woman in a skydiving tandem harness holds her hands up to the camera. Written on her palms is

#1 Jump from a Plane

Multiple Locations

Jump out of an airplane… with a professional and a parachute, of course. It takes a bit of courage to step out of a perfectly good airplane, but all the best experiences do. Take flight with the help of NEPA’s awesome skydiving attractions.

A man and a child are riding down a snowy hill at Camelback Resort on a large, blue inflatable snow tube. The child is sitting in front and the man is behind, holding on to the tube. They are both wearing winter coats, gloves and face coverings. There are other people in the background, also tubing down the hill.

#2 Go Snowtubing

Multiple Locations

It might not be as “extreme” as skiing or snowboarding, but it’s just as much (if not more) fun. Challenge friends to a race down the hill or take a few solo slides. You can find snowtubing adventures at almost all of NEPA’s ski resorts.

A rectangular pan of Sicilian-style pizza from Revello's is shown, with one slice being lifted out by a spatula. The pizza has a thick crust, is topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, and is cut into rectangular slices.

#3 Try Old Forge Pizza

Multiple Locations

Sure, there are probably several dozen towns calling themselves some form of “pizza capital,” but few offer up a truly unique take on one of the world’s most widely recognized treats. It’s different. It’s a tray, not a pie. It’s a cut, not a slice. It’s world-famous Old Forge pizza. And it’s completely NEPA.

A street lined with spectators during the Pittston Tomato Festival parade. Classic cars and a truck carrying large tomato balloons drive down the street, while people of all ages watch from the sidewalks. A banner above the street reads

#4 Pittston Tomato Festival

Pittston, PA

It’s not a NEPA summer without the Pittston Tomato Festival. Fill up on delicious tomato-centric dishes from your favorite vendors and restaurants. When you need a breather, stop and enjoy the annual parade or check out some live music.

Passengers enjoying a sunny autumn day riding rail bikes along a railroad track through a wooded area at Pennsylvania Rail Bike in the Pocono Mountains.

#5 Pennsylvania Rail Bike

Hawley, PA

Hop on a custom-made Pennsylvania Rail Bike for a tour of the incredible natural scenery of the Lackawaxen River and Pocono Mountains. Led by a guide, this laidback excursion makes for both a fun and informational trip.

A red, white and blue stock car with the number 2 on it is parked on the pit road at Pocono Raceway. Other stock cars are visible behind it, and the grandstands can be seen in the background.

#6 Stock Car Racing Experience

Long Pond, PA

Pocono Raceway was designed for the most skilled drivers in the world…and apparently amateur daredevils looking for a 600-horsepower, 150 mph-challenge. Get behind the wheel with the Stock Car Racing Experience at Pocono Raceway and floor it around the track in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A group of six people in life jackets are joyfully navigating whitewater rapids in a large green raft with Whitewater Rafting Adventures. They all have their paddles raised in the air and big smiles on their faces.

#7 Tame a Wild River

Multiple Locations

Gather a trusty team to navigate NEPA’s rolling rivers. From the cool, swift Lehigh and Lackawanna to the mighty Delaware and Susquehanna, you can pack in three seasons of kayaking, canoeing and rafting adventures all over NEPA.

A group of excited riders in a yellow roller coaster car are descending a hill on the Phoenix wooden roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort. The front of the roller coaster car has the word

#8 Knoebels Amusement Resort

Elysburg, PA

This classic NEPA amusement park has been welcoming visitors since 1926 and every year, they add something new. Enjoy Knoebels daring thrill rides, vintage classics, plenty of kid-friendly fun and some of the best theme park food in America.

Three calves nestled together in a straw-filled barn stall at The Lands at Hillside Farms. The calf in the middle is mostly white with brown spots, while the two calves on either side are mostly brown with white spots.

#9 Have Fun at the Farm

Multiple Locations

Whether you’re putting in a long day volunteering, stopping by to check out all the adorable animals, or taking on a giant corn maze, NEPA’s working farms offer hours of family fun.

A large group of runners participate in the Steamtown Marathon, racing down the city street, with spectators lining the road and cheering them on.

#10 Steamtown Marathon

Scranton, PA

It might seem impossible now, but with a few months of training and a bit of determination, no marathon is out of reach. Set your goal, put in the work and, come October, hit the streets of Scranton for the Steamtown Marathon.

An ATV rider wearing a full-face helmet and safety gear splashes through a muddy trail at the Lost Trails ATV Adventure Park.

#11 Go Off Road

Multiple Locations

Experience the great outdoors like never before on a wide range of ATV trails at several NEPA adventure parks. Bring your own ride or rent one and take on miles of muddy trails, sketchy rock crawls and stunning scenic overlooks.

A glass of Yuengling Traditional Lager sits on a table. Brewery patrons can be seen in the background.

#12 Yuengling Brewery

Pottsville, PA

Open since 1829, Yuengling knows what they’re doing when it comes to brewing beer. Take a tour of America’s oldest brewery — from the hand-dug bedrock beer cellar to the massive boil kettles — before sampling a pint or two in the tasting room.

#13 Bury the Hatchet

Multiple Locations

Sometimes you just need to let a few axes fly. Grab some beers and snacks, round up your friends and embrace your inner Viking at these awesome, stress-reducing axe-throwing experiences all over NEPA.

A vendor, standing behind large glass display cases filled with Italian treats, hands a customer a bag of Italian pastries at La Festa Italiana in Scranton, PA.

#14 La Festa Italiana

Scranton, PA

There is no shortage of great Italian food in NEPA. And, every Labor Day Weekend in Downtown Scranton, the area’s best restaurants and vendors set up shop to dish out traditional Italian favorites at NEPA’s beloved La Festa Italiana. Be sure to save room for a cannoli or two…or three.

A man wearing an orange jacket and carrying a camera walks down an earthern path through Thunder Swamp Trail at Delaware State Forest in autumn. The trees are tall and the leaves are vibrant shades of yellow and orange.

#15 Capture that Fall Foliage

Multiple Locations

By mid-October, NEPA’s world-renowned fall foliage has come alive. In a matter of a few weeks, some of the most stunning scenery in Pennsylvania is on display at parks, on long countryside drives and on our many trails. Don’t miss it!

A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path through a lush green forest along the Frost Hollow & Snowflake Trails at Lackawanna State Park. The trail is surrounded by tall trees with fallen logs and branches scattered along the sides.

#16 Hit the Trail(s)

Multiple Locations

Rejuvenate in the fresh, clean mountain air. Go waterfall spotting. Snap those awesome wildlife pics. Or, just kill some time with a leisurely Sunday walk in nature. Whatever the reason, NEPA’s got miles and miles of incredible, accessible hiking trails.

A wooden sign with arrows and the words

#17 Get in Touch with the Past

Multiple Locations

Explore NEPA’s fascinating coal mining heritage with a hands-on tour of a deep, underground coal mine or a real coal town at one of these unique historic sites throughout the region.

An aerial view of Montage Mountain ski resort in Scranton Pennsylvania covered in snow, showcasing multiple ski trails.

#18 Shred It

Multiple Locations

Drop in on steep plunging trails. Shred through some of the coolest terrain parks. Or, hop on a tube and take it easy. Whether you prefer skis or a snowboard (or a tube), NEPA offers some of the best powder-covered mountain runs on the east coast at our local ski resorts.

A woman's hand holding two ice cream cones. The cone on the left has green and white ice cream, while the cone on the right has white ice cream with chocolate chips.

#19 Take the Ultimate Ice Cream Tour

Multiple Locations

Spend the summer finding your new favorite NEPA ice cream spot. Luckily, we have a comprehensive list of over 70 sweet shops and stands. Each location has something totally unique to offer, so be sure to try as many sundaes, shakes and cones as possible.

A group of participants of various ages running into a freezing lake for the annual Paupack Polar Plunge. The edges of the water are lined with thick chunks of ice.

#20 Polar Plunge

Multiple Locations

It takes a certain kind of person to willingly jump into a frozen lake or pond. Leave it to the hearty citizens of Northeastern PA to make it look easy. Break out the bathing suit for icy plunges at Lake Wallenpaupack and Montage Mountain.

A brightly colored hot air balloon, decorated in a patchwork of red, yellow, green, orange and black, floats in a clear blue sky. The balloon is positioned above a lush green forest.

#21 Soar Over NEPA

Multiple Locations

Make it a nice and easy adventure with a laidback float in a hot air balloon. Soar through lush valleys and over the scenic countryside. You can even cap off your voyage with a champagne toast in the sky.

A man in a festive hat holds an Irish flag with a shamrock in the center at the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade.

#22 Be a Little Irish

Multiple Locations

Even if you begin the day without a kilt you might go home wearing one. It’s no secret that St. Patrick’s Day is kind of a big deal around here. Check out festive parades in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Pittston to name a few.

A red Polaris Slingshot rental from Pocono Slingshot Rentals drives down an open road surrounded by lush green trees.

#23 Hit the Open Road

Multiple Locations

Get out there and explore some of NEPA’s most scenic locations in style. Take the wheel of a Polaris Slingshot, a cross between a motorcycle and a sports car, and head out in search of the tightest curves. Check out Pocono Slingshot Adventures in Newfoundland or Pocono Slingshot Rentals in Blakeslee.

A close-up of golden brown pierogies frying in a pan with onions.

#24 Fill Up on NEPA Favorites

Multiple Locations

Enter a world where the humble pierogi reigns supreme at the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival. Or, roam from tent to tent sampling more kielbasa than any human should ever consume at the famous Plymouth Kielbasa Festival.

A tunnel of twinkling Christmas lights in red, blue and green create a rainbow effect at the annual holiday Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course.

#25 Festival of Lights

Tunkhannock, PA

You know it’s the holiday season once Stone Hedge Golf Course lights up for the Festival of Lights in late-November. Each year the lighted displays get bigger and brighter and more cars line up to get a little taste of that feel-good holiday spirit.

A bottle of red wine is being poured into a Maiolatesi Wine Cellars glass on an outdoor patio table.

#26 Sip Some NEPA Wine

Multiple Locations

Sip your way from Schuylkill County to the Poconos to the Endless Mountains and everywhere in between using our comprehensive NEPA Wine Trail. From robust reds and crisp whites to fruit wines and more, our awesome local vineyards and wineries have it all.

The Stourbridge Line train with a black, red and white engine winds through a forest in the fall, surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn leaves.

#27 Experience NEPA by Train

Multiple Locations

There’s no better way to see the quaint towns and majestic mountains of NEPA than by vintage steam train. And in Northeastern PA, trains are kind of our thing. Hop on a classic train car for a scenic experience of a lifetime.

A waterfall cascades over several rocky tiers in a lush green forest, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and fallen tree trunks in Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, PA.

#28 Ricketts Glen State Park

Benton, PA

Some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls are just a short hike into Ricketts Glen State Park. The iconic park features over 26 miles of trails, 22 waterfalls including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, a 245-acre lake and so much more.

Two smiling young men in life jackets are being towed on a blue and black inflatable tube behind a boat on Lake Wallenpaupack. One man is holding a GoPro camera.

#29 Hit the Water

Multiple Locations

Summers in NEPA are all about looking for new and interesting ways to cool off. Whether you’re renting a boat at Lake Wallenpaupack or water skiing your way across Harveys Lake, there’s no shortage of fun watersports throughout the region.

Two women are viewing photographs at The Fine Arts Fiesta in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The photos on display feature landscapes, such as a beach, mountains and forests. The women are standing in front of the booth with their backs to the camera.

#30 Take in the Arts & Culture

Multiple Locations

On any given night in NEPA, you may find yourself enjoying live music, theatrical productions, art festivals and museums. Truly, our amazing arts & culture scene matches that of any major city and we’re not afraid to show it.

Three men, poised with paintball guns and wearing protective headgear, engage in an intense skirmish alongside a stream and lush green forest.

#31 Skirmish Paintball

Albrightsville, PA

Gather your troops and gear up for the paintball battle of a lifetime at Skirmish Paintball in the Pocono Mountains. With special games structured after real, historical battles, you and a bunch of friends can get down and dirty in an attempt to walk away the victors.

A flight of four beer samples in glasses sitting on a wooden plank, with a hand reaching for one of the glasses.

#32 Drink Local Beer

Multiple Locations

Between nearly 50 publicly-accessible breweries stretched across 10 counties, 29 towns and over 400 miles, our NEPA Brewer’s Loop showcases the best places to simply grab a pint, hang with friends or even take a brewhouse tour.

A fly fisherman is gently releasing a brown trout back into a river. The trout has distinctive spots and a golden sheen.

#33 Go Fishing

Multiple Locations

Even if you’ve been holding a pole since you could walk, there’s always something new to learn when it comes to fishing. All over NEPA, we’ve got cool, clear streams, lakes and rivers teeming with bass, trophy trout and more for the avid angler, seasoned fly fisher, or the plucky novice.

A smiling child slides down a bright yellow slide on a brown mat at the Bloomsburg Fair. In the background, other children eagerly wait for their turn.

#34 Bloomsburg Fair

Bloomsburg, PA

The Bloomsburg Fair is filled with sights from animals to midway games to rides and attractions, but the real star of everybody’s favorite September attraction is the unique food creations you find along the way. Where else can you wash down a peanut butter bacon hot dog with a blue birch beer?

A young boy and girl are laughing and splashing in the shallow water of a splash area at Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, with a large octopus statue spraying water on them.

#35 Head to the Waterpark

Multiple Locations

Take on epic water slides, wave pools, surfing simulators and so much more at NEPA’s waterpark resorts. Book a relaxing weekend. Enjoy a variety of dining options, awesome arcades, spa amenities and more. Cold outside? No problem! Make a splash at NEPA’s indoor waterparks.

The barrels of four shotguns rest on a wooden ledge, lying in the grass of an open field.

#36 Become a Crack Shot

Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow — Friendsville, PA

Located on 110 acres of rolling Susquehanna countryside, you can blast some sporting clays in peace. Whether you’re an old pro or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to fire off a few shots at Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow.

A long exposure photograph of the Milky Way galaxy arching over an astronomical observatory at night from The Friedman Observatory at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

#37 The Friedman Observatory

Lehman, PA

Penn State Wilkes-Barre is home to a little secret. Every Friday evening, the university’s Friedman Observatory opens to the public, inviting guests to get a rare look at the cosmos using their high-powered telescope. Just check the forecast beforehand.

A bright green chameleon at the Electric City Aquarium perches on a branch, its eyes gazing directly at the camera.

#38 Electric City Aquarium

Scranton, PA

Spend a day at Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den with fascinating sea-dwelling creatures like sharks and turtles. Explore the reptile den with snakes, alligators and spiders. Enjoy 20,000 square feet of colorful, interactive space at this popular Scranton attraction.

A golf green at Huntsville Golf Club is surrounded by trees in the fall, with red and orange leaves and red berries in the foreground.

#39 Swing Away

Multiple Locations

Golf in NEPA combines spectacular views with tricky terrain to create some of the most challenging, yet rewarding courses in the east. Try your luck on scenic mountainside greens and undulating valley fairways.

Two people in kayaks on a calm lake, surrounded by lush green forest.

#40 Explore a State Park

Multiple Locations

Whether it’s fishing, hiking, boating, camping or swimming. Or if it’s picnicking, hunting, birdwatching, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. Then again, maybe it’s disc golf, kayaking, wildlife spotting, snowmobiling or waterfall seeking. Our point – NEPA’s 18 incredible state parks have it all. Go check em’ out.

Bucket List Highlights

From outdoor thrills to unforgettable attractions, these videos showcase the best of what NEPA has to offer. Get inspired and start planning your DiscoverNEPA Bucket List adventures today!

Bucket List Highlights

From outdoor thrills to unforgettable attractions, these videos showcase the best of what NEPA has to offer. Get inspired and start planning your DiscoverNEPA Bucket List adventures today!

Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

DiscoverNEPA Brewer’s Loop

Three beers from the DiscoverNEPA Brewers Loop.

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights image

Hunting & Fishing

10 Fishing Spots

10 Fishing Spots image

Support a Cause

Volunteer Spotlight: The Lands at Hillside Farms

Volunteer Spotlight: The Lands at Hillside Farms image

10 Hiking Trails

10 Hiking Trails image

Support a Cause

Volunteer Spotlight: Indraloka Animal Sanctuary

Volunteer Spotlight: Indraloka Animal Sanctuary image

Adventure Sports

Lehigh River Rafting with Whitewater Challengers

Lehigh River Rafting with Whitewater Challengers image

Adventure Sports

Stock Car Racing Experience at Pocono Raceway

Stock Car Racing Experience at Pocono Raceway image

Amusement & Waterparks

5 Waterslides at Camelbeach

5 Waterslides at Camelbeach image

Amusement & Waterparks

5 Classic Rides at Knoebels

5 Classic Rides at Knoebels image

Amusement & Waterparks

5 Waterslides at Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark

5 Waterslides at Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark image

5 Activities at Lake Wallenpaupack with Pocono Action Sports

5 Activities at Lake Wallenpaupack with Pocono Action Sports image

NEPA Bucket List

NEPA Bucket List image

Amusement & Waterparks

5 Waterslides at Kalahari Resorts

5 Waterslides at Kalahari Resorts image

Kittatinny Slope at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

Kittatinny Slope at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area image

Roba Family Farms

Roba Family Farms image

Famous Reading Outdoors

Famous Reading Outdoors image

Amusement & Waterparks

Four Season Fun at Camelback Resort

Four Season Fun at Camelback Resort image

10 Fall Foliage Spots

10 Fall Foliage Spots image

9 NEPA State Parks

Two people in kayaks on a calm lake, surrounded by lush green forest.

Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm

Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm image

Adventure Sports

Pennsylvania Rail Bike

Pennsylvania Rail Bike image

Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park image

Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown National Historic Site image

The Lost Trails ATV Adventure Park

An ATV rider wearing a full-face helmet and safety gear splashes through a muddy trail at the Lost Trails ATV Adventure Park.

Eckley Miners’ Village

Eckley Miners’ Village image

Galactic Snowtubing at Camelback Resort

A woman smiling at the camera as she snow tubes down a mountain at Camelback Resort in Tannersville, PA.

Kayaking the Delaware River

Kayaking the Delaware River image

Bike Train image

Fairs & Festivals

Edwardsville Pierogi Festival

Edwardsville Pierogi Festival image

Shadowbrook Resort

Shadowbrook Resort image

Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade

Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade image

Electric City Axe Throwing

Electric City Axe Throwing image

Learn to Ski at Blue Mountain Resort

Skiers and snowboarders racing down the mountain at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, PA.

Farms & Markets

Klingel’s Farm

Klingel’s Farm image

Bloomsburg Fair

Bloomsburg Fair image

Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade

A young girl smiles and holds a green, glittery shamrock while participating in Wilkes-Barre's St. Patrick's Day parade with other children.

La Festa Italiana

La Festa Italiana image

Pittston Tomato Festival

Pittston Tomato Festival image

Plymouth Kielbasa Festival

Plymouth Kielbasa Festival image

Watersports at Harveys Lake

Watersports at Harveys Lake image

Pocono Slingshot Rentals

Pocono Slingshot Rentals image

Adventure Sports

Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons

Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons image

NEPA Golf image

NEPA Ice Cream image

Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals

Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals image

Five Mountain Outfitters Co.

Five Mountain Outfitters Co. image

Farms & Markets

Brown Hill Farms Tulips

Brown Hill Farms Tulips image

Jack Frost Ski Resort

Jack Frost Ski Resort image

Ski Big Bear image

Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 1/28/2019.

Spotlight On

NEPA Bucket List

NEPA Bucket List Image

Brian Johnson

Videographer

Jonathan Davies

Jonathan was born and raised in NEPA. He enjoys writing about local beer, local food, fishing and hiking. He especially keeps an eye out for unique people, places and things throughout the region.

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