Imagine strolling through the streets of Scranton, Pennsylvania—famous for its role in the hit TV show The Office—at your own pace, with a knowledgeable guide whispering fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories directly to your phone. For just $9.75 per person, this GPS-audio tour offers a flexible way to explore the Electric City, combining local history, humor, and showbiz lore in about one to one and a half hours. It’s a smart choice if you’re a fan of the series, a history buff, or simply looking for a way to see Scranton beyond the usual postcard.
What we really appreciate about this tour is its self-guided nature, which means you can start anytime and move as slowly or quickly as you like. Plus, the audio guide is delivered via an easy-to-use app, making it accessible for most travelers with a smartphone. Two standout features are the iconic Electric City Sign, which kicks off your adventure, and the Steamtown National Historic Site, where the tour wraps up and you can connect the show to real-world sites.
A potential consideration is that since this is a self-guided experience, you won’t have a live guide to answer questions on the spot or customize your experience. It’s a solo or small-group affair, perfect for those comfortable navigating on their own, or with a companion who’s equally excited about Scranton’s TV fame.
This tour suits travelers who are independent explorers, fans of The Office, or those who want a cost-effective way to get a flavor of Scranton’s local charm and history without the pressure of a group tour.
Key Points
- Affordable at just $9.75 per person, offering great value for a self-paced experience.
- Flexible scheduling allows you to start anytime, fitting around your plans.
- The tour includes famous sites like The Office mural, Scranton City Hall, and Steamtown, linking the city’s past to the show.
- Authentic storytelling from a knowledgeable narrator enhances the experience.
- It’s entirely mobile-based, so no need for tickets or guides—just your phone.
- The tour is completely outdoors, and no food, drink, or entrance fees are included.
A Detailed Look at the Scranton ‘The Office’ Self-Guided Tour
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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This walking tour is designed for independent discovery, making it ideal for travelers who prefer to set their own pace and explore at their convenience. The price point of $9.75 is especially attractive, considering it covers a route that highlights both local history and TV fame. It’s a no-hassle approach—no need to book a guide or stick to strict schedules, which means you can linger longer at sites that catch your interest.
The tour’s use of a smartphone app makes accessing the guide straightforward. Once you purchase the ticket, you’ll receive a link to download or access the tour on your device. This means you can start your walk from the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau & Welcome Center—the official kickoff point—or anywhere along the route if you prefer.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Start at the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau & Welcome Center:
Here, you’ll get a quick overview of Scranton’s significance. The guide will introduce you to the city’s character, setting the scene for what’s to come. This spot is perfect for orienting yourself before heading out.
The Office Mural:
This vibrant mural is a photo-worthy highlight. As you stand in front, the audio guide will tell you about the scenes from the show that took place here and the connection between Scranton and Dunder Mifflin. It’s a fun piece of TV nostalgia framed against local street art.
Pulaski Statue:
Next, you’ll see a statue of General Pulaski, a nod to Scranton’s historical roots. This provides a nice contrast to the more pop-culture sites and broadens your understanding of the city’s identity.
Scranton Electric Building & Sign:
The iconic “Electric City” sign is a must-see. The guide explains why Scranton earned its nickname and what the city’s electrical history means today. It’s a quick stop but a memorable photo op.
Scranton City Hall & the Dundie Award:
At City Hall, you’ll learn about the city’s governance, and you can see the largest Dundie award on display—an amusing reminder of the show’s humor and Scranton’s role as a TV star.
The Marketplace at Steamtown & The Welcome Sign:
The tour continues through the bustling mall where the “Welcome to Scranton” sign sits. If the mall is open, this is a great place to snap photos, and you’ll hear about the significance of this spot on the tour.
Walking through Downtown Scranton:
The final stretch takes you through the streets, linking all the previous sites and stories. The narration shares insights about Scranton’s evolution, blending local facts with fun show references.
End at Steamtown National Historic Site:
The tour concludes here, tying together Scranton’s industrial past with its pop-culture fame. It’s a perfect wrap-up, with the historic site providing additional context if you wish to explore further.
What Travelers Say
The lone review available highlights the narrator’s engaging voice and how well the stories tie the city’s history to The Office. The reviewer mentions, “A great narrator voice directing the tour of history with the humor of The Office storyline connected to Scranton, PA,” and adds, “This was a great experience and would do it again!” This suggests that the narration is both informative and enjoyable—key for a self-guided tour.
Practical Considerations
Since there’s no human guide involved, you’ll want to be comfortable navigating on your own. The route is walkable, with most stops requiring only about five minutes each, making it easy to customize your experience. The duration of roughly an hour to an hour and a half makes it manageable even if you’re on a tight schedule. Keep in mind, there’s no included food or drinks, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry after your walk.
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Who Will Love This Tour?
TV fans will relish the chance to see the locations from the show up close, especially the mural, Dundie display, and the welcome sign. History buffs will appreciate the blend of local sites and historical anecdotes. Travelers seeking independent exploration will value the flexible timing and the fact that the tour is completely outdoors, making it suitable for good weather days.
The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?
For a budget-friendly, self-guided adventure that combines TV nostalgia with local history, this Scranton walking tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those who prefer exploring at their own pace and enjoy learning through storytelling rather than large groups or scheduled tours. The audio guide is praised for its knowledgeable narration and the inclusion of fun, show-related stories, making it especially appealing to fans of The Office.
If you’re visiting Scranton for a quick trip or are a dedicated fan eager to see the show’s filming sites firsthand, this tour offers a cost-effective, fun, and informative way to experience the city. It’s an experience that balances entertainment with local authenticity, giving you a deeper appreciation for Scranton’s unique blend of industry, history, and pop culture.
FAQs
Is this a guided tour with a person?
No, it’s a self-guided experience using a smartphone app. You follow the route at your own pace, with narration provided through your phone.
How long does the tour take?
The estimated time is about one to one and a half hours, but you can take longer if you wish.
What sites are included in the tour?
Stops include the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, The Office Mural, Pulaski Statue, Scranton Electric Building, Scranton City Hall, The Marketplace at Steamtown, and the Welcome to Scranton Sign, ending at Steamtown National Historic Site.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is walkable, some stops may involve short walks or outdoor navigation. It’s best for travelers comfortable with walking on city streets.
Are there any additional costs?
No, the tour price covers everything except food, drinks, and additional attractions outside the route. No entrance fees are included unless specified.
Can I start the tour anytime?
Yes, since it’s self-guided and smartphone-based, you can begin whenever it suits you within the open hours.
Is a ticket required for each person?
Yes, each participant needs to purchase a ticket, but the tour is private and only your group will participate.
Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the length of the walk and if younger children will enjoy the outdoor exploration at their own pace.
This self-guided tour strikes a nice balance of entertainment and education, perfect for anyone wanting a personalized and affordable way to discover Scranton’s hidden gems and TV fame. Whether you’re a “The Office” superfan or just curious about Scranton’s past, you’ll find this experience both charming and informative.