Visit Duryea

Duryea is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, located in the northeastern part of the state. The town was incorporated in 1891 and named after Congressman Hiram Duryea.

The town’s early history is tied to the coal mining industry, which was central to the region’s economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Duryea was home to several mines and collieries, and many of the town’s early residents were coal miners and their families.

During the 20th century, Duryea underwent significant changes as the coal industry declined and the town shifted its focus to manufacturing and other industries. Today, Duryea is a small community with a population of around 4,900.

One notable historical event that took place in Duryea was the Knox Mine Disaster of 1959. This mining disaster occurred when the Susquehanna River broke through into a nearby mine, flooding the tunnels and trapping 69 miners underground. Despite a massive rescue effort, 12 miners lost their lives in the disaster, which is still remembered as one of the worst mining accidents in Pennsylvania history.

Duryea also played a role in the region’s transportation history, as it was home to the Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad, which operated a line through the town until the 1980s.

Today, visitors to Duryea can explore the town’s history at the Anthracite Heritage Museum, located just a short drive away in Scranton. The museum offers exhibits and programs about the region’s coal mining heritage, including the Knox Mine Disaster. The nearby Lackawanna River Heritage Trail also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation.

Duryea is a small borough in Pennsylvania that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the things to do when visiting Duryea, PA include:

1. Take a stroll through the historic Duryea Railroad Yard, which was once a major transportation hub for coal.
2. Visit the Duryea VFW Memorial Park, which features a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas.
3. Explore the scenic Susquehanna River on a kayak or canoe rental from Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rental.
4. Attend a performance or event at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, which hosts a variety of shows throughout the year.
5. Learn about the borough’s history at the Duryea Borough Building and Museum, which features exhibits on the town’s coal mining past.
6. Take a day trip to nearby attractions such as Montage Mountain Ski Resort or Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
7. Enjoy a round of golf at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course, which offers 27 holes of challenging play.
8. Visit local restaurants and bars such as the Boathouse Bar and Grill or Sabatini’s Pizza for some delicious food and drinks.
9. Attend a baseball game at the PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
10. Go shopping at the nearby Wyoming Valley Mall or the Shoppes at Montage.
11. Take a scenic drive through the Endless Mountains or explore the local hiking trails in the surrounding area.
12. Attend one of the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as the annual Duryea Day celebration.
13. Visit the Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino and Racetrack for some gambling and horse racing action.
14. Take a guided tour of the Steamtown National Historic Site, which features a museum and exhibits on the history of steam locomotives.
15. Attend a concert or event at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, which hosts a variety of shows and performances throughout the year.