Lansford is a former coal mining town looking toward the future
Lansford is a small Carbon County borough in the Panther Creek Valley, about 40 miles northwest of Allentown and 70 miles from Philadelphia. It was founded in 1827 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, and the town grew rapidly as a mining hub. At its peak in 1930, the borough had nearly 10,000 residents. Today, it is home to roughly 4,140 people across approximately 1.5 square miles. Lansford’s history is preserved at the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, which is housed in a former anthracite mine. Despite economic ups and downs, proposed downtown revitalization efforts aim to revive the former mining town. Surrounded by the Pocono Mountains, Lansford also offers a scenic natural environment and rich history.
Lansford community works to enhance downtown district
With several promising projects, Lansford is actively working to revitalize its historic downtown. While much of this work is in progress, initiatives like the Panther Valley Blueprint Community program and the pursuit of state “Main Street” funding reflect a forward-looking vision for the town’s future. Planned improvements include easing business restrictions to attract new shops and services, investments in landmarks like the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum and enhancing tourism through proposed nature trail connections and history-focused attractions. Though these developments are still unfolding, community officials hope to strengthen Lansford’s economy, preserve history and create a more vibrant downtown.
For now, Lansford offers limited shopping and dining options. Residents can grab takeout from Marco’s Pizza or Bobo Garden, a Chinese spot, or groceries from Boyer’s Food Markets. Coal Miners Bar and Grill is a relaxed spot that serves everything from burgers and cheesesteaks to soups and salads and hosts Friday night karaoke. Nearby, The 80s Bar has a funky throwback vibe, with neon lights and live entertainment. There are also a few local shops in Lansford, like a tattoo parlor, a florist, a laundromat and more. In case of emergency, St. Luke's Miners Campus Emergency Room is about 2 miles west in Coaldale.
Historic coal mining museum and nearby outdoor spaces
Within the borough, Lansford offers a few recreational and cultural spaces. Ashton Hill Park has a playground, while John F. Kennedy Memorial Park’s small grassy area is a nice spot to get some fresh air. The nearby No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum traces Lansford’s roots as a coal mining town. The museum is within an old mine, which closed in 1972. It was the world’s longest continuously operating coal mine. The site offers an immersive experience, with visitors boarding a rail car and traveling 1,600 feet into the mountain to explore historic features like the mule-way, elevator shaft, miner’s hospital and “wash shanty,” which showcases tools that miners would have used to wash their equipment and clothing. The museum also hosts the Coal Miner's Heritage Festival in September. The event includes coal-shoveling contests, sack races, folk music and demonstrations that celebrate the region’s mining culture.
Nestled in the mountains, the community is also surrounded by scenic natural areas, from designated state game lands to state parks. To the southwest, Owl Creek Reservoir is a popular place to hike, bike, canoe and fish. Lehigh Gorge State Park, to the southeast, also has hiking trails, as well as a public beach and log cabins that can be booked for family trips or weekend getaways.
Some homes are in need of repair, others move-in-ready
Potential homebuyers can find a house needing major repairs for under $100,000. Move-in-ready homes typically cost between $110,000 and $280,000, depending on their size, age and condition. Common styles include Colonial Revivals, American Foursquares and Colonial-style duplexes. Many properties feature front porches and small backyards.
Students attend Panther Valley School District
The Panther Valley School District serves Lansford and includes three schools: Panther Valley Elementary, Panther Valley Intermediate and Panther Valley Junior Senior High School. All of these schools receive C’s from Niche. The high school offers Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment courses with Lehigh Carbon Community College.
About 40 miles to Allentown, 70 miles to Philadelphia
This community is car-dependent. U.S. Route 209 runs east-west through its center and travels to other small towns in the region. Buses also run along this roadway and can take riders to the nearby communities of Coaldale, Lehighton and Jim Thorpe. Lansford is about 37 miles from Allentown and 72 miles from Philadelphia. For air travel, Lehigh Valley International Airport is about 35 miles southeast.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
