Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Located at the edge of the Pocono Mountains and the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County and the Greater Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Pittston areas are rich in scenic vistas and year-round outdoor recreation. Mountains, streams, and lakes easily accessible to NYC (2.5 hrs), and Philadelphia (2 hrs) by Interstates 80, 81, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Resorts abound in this area.  The service industry is enjoying a robust economy. A full range of outdoor enjoyment and cultural presentations are available year-round. Entertainment ranges from the Northeastern PA Philharmonic or Northeastern Pennsylvania Choral Society, concerts, golfing, live harness racing at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Sun, tours of the historic The Lion Brewery Inc. (established in 1905, it survived Prohibition and has been in continuous operation), and tours of real coal mines and trips on steam engine trains.  The Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau lists pages of things to do in this area.

The Luzerne County Historical Society boasts a research library, museum, and an historical homestead setting. Luzerne County is also the home of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society.

Luzerne County's population in 2000 was 319,250. In the heart of Pennsylvania's coal country, Luzerne County was devastated by the problems faced in that industry. Construction of the interstates, including I-309, has been a catalyst for growth and a new economic direction. Butler Township and Hazleton, in particular, have been transformed from rural, farm-based economies to commuting suburbs, and tourism has doubled with the now easy access.

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