Welcome to Jim Thorpe, the “Switzerland of America”! I was so excited to see this historic town, and it didn’t disappoint me as Over 290,000 visitors came last year to see Jim Thorpe, which makes this place more special. It has a great Pocono Mountains getaway that feels like stepping back in time. The beautiful Victorian architecture, unique local shops, and nice outdoor activities create a memorable trip. This guide covers all the top Jim Thorpe attractions. Now that we know so much about Jim Thorpe, let’s plan your visit to this lovely Pennsylvania town, with a perfect spot for different things to do in Jim Thorpe with kids / family-friendly.
Best Month to Visit
October is a great month to visit for fall colors, one of the top attractions in Jim Thorpe.
| Best Month to Visit (Time Period) | Top 4 Most Popular Seasonal Occasions / Key Events |
| September – November | 1. Pocono Foliage Express 2. The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival 3. The Pocono Food Truck Festival 4. Jim Thorpe Fall Festival |
| June – August | 1. NASCAR Cup 2. Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival 3. Wally Lake Fest 4. Wayne County Fair |
| December – February | 1. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding 2. Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing 3. Santa Christmas Tree Express 4. Hawley Winterfest |
| March – May | 1. End-of-Season Skiing (March) 2. Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival 3. Wally Wine Fest4. Hiking & Biking (in May) |
| Travel Insurance: For peace of mind on your trip, think about getting travel insurance. It can help with unexpected cancellations, delays, and medical needs. |
List Of 11 Things to do in Jim Thorpe
1. Historic District
Walking through downtown feels like a trip to a 19th-century village. The streets are lined with great Victorian architecture, housing, unique shops, and cafes. It is a perfect spot for a nice walk. The narrow sidewalks can get crowded on weekends, so I suggest going early. We enjoyed simply walking around and taking in the historic atmosphere, one of the best free things to do in Jim Thorpe.
- Special Feature: Well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
- Where to Stay: Inn at Jim Thorpe, 24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Shops generally open 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily.
- Hidden Gem: Kemmerer Memorial Park is a quiet spot above the town.
2. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
This is a must-do for any visitor. The 70-minute narrated train ride takes you through Lehigh Gorge State Park on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The views of the river and mountains are really nice, especially during the fall. It’s a great family-friendly activity that gives you a real sense of the area’s natural qualities and history. The open-air car offers the best photo opportunities.
- Special Feature: Great views of the Lehigh River and mountains.
- Where to Stay: The Y on Broadway, 69 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: Sit on the river-facing side for the best photos.
3. Old Jail Museum
This place is full of chilling history, especially the stories of the Molly Maguires. A guided tour takes you through the eerie cell blocks and the warden’s quarters. You can even see the gallows area. The famous mysterious handprint in Cell 17 is a highlight. It’s one of the top indoor activities in Jim Thorpe, perfect for a rainy day, but it might be too spooky for young children.
- Special Feature: A mysterious handprint of a condemned man.
- Where to Stay: The Dolon House, 5 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: Ask your guide about the solitary confinement cells.
4. Asa Packer Mansion Museum
Step into the Gilded Age at this perfectly preserved Italianate villa. The guided tour shows off original furnishings and gas lighting from the 1860s. Gives a deep Learning about railroad magnate Asa Packer’s life gives you a great perspective on the town’s wealthy past. The detailed woodwork and decor are memorable. This is one of the key Jim Thorpe attractions for history lovers.
- Special Feature: Original 19th-century furnishings.
- Where to Stay: Times House Bed & Breakfast, 46 Race St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Open–Close: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (seasonal, closed Tuesdays).
- Hidden Gem: The chandelier was copied for the film Gone with the Wind.
5. Harry Packer Mansion
Perched on a hill overlooking town, this mansion’s Gothic architecture is unforgettable. It can be an inspiration for Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. It’s mainly a bed & breakfast and hosts murder mystery weekends. You can still admire its exterior, which is a great photo spot. It’s a key piece of Jim Thorpe’s rich architectural history and one of the most romantic things to do in Jim Thorpe / for couples.
- Special Feature: Model for Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride.
- Where to Stay: Harry Packer Mansion Inn, 19 Packer Ave, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Open for overnight guests and special events.
- Hidden Gem: Hosts “Libations Lounge” events on select Fridays.
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6. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
This Gothic Revival church is a National Historic Landmark. The interior of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is just as impressive as the stone exterior. It features Tiffany-stained-glass windows and a rare, operating Otis cage elevator. Taking a guided tour reveals the fascinating history funded by Asa Packer and other local millionaires. The architecture is a testament to the town’s prosperous past.
- Special Feature: Two Tiffany stained-glass windows and a historic Otis elevator.
- Where to Stay: The Bella Victoria, 313 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: The altar screen is a copy of one in Windsor Castle.
7. Lehigh Gorge State Park
This park is an outdoor recreation area carved by the Lehigh River. It offers miles of nice trails for hiking and biking. You can see waterfalls and rugged cliffs along the way. The main trail is relatively flat, making it good for most skill levels. It’s a perfect place to appreciate the natural surroundings of Jim Thorpe. Make sure to take a pack of water, as services are limited.
- Special Feature: A deep gorge with great river views.
- Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites White Haven, 57 Route 940, White Haven, PA 18661
- Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: Find Buttermilk Falls near the Rockport access area.
8. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Just outside of town, Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a great family-friendly spot. It features a sandy beach for swimming, boat rentals for the lake, and trails for hiking. The campground is well-maintained, with some sites right on the lake. It’s a fine place to spend a sunny afternoon with the kids, have a picnic, or go for a relaxing paddle on the calm water.
- Special Feature: A 345-acre lake with a sandy swimming beach.
- Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 1619 Interchange Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235
- Hours: Open–Close: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Park). Verify beach hours.
- Hidden Gem: The Shoreline Trail is great for birdwatching.
9. D Trail
This nice gravel path runs right through Jim Thorpe, following the Lehigh River. It’s an ideal area for a bike ride or a leisurely walk. The trail is primarily flat and offers good views of the gorge. You can see remnants of the old canal system. You can even take the scenic railway upriver and bike back to town. It’s a great way to combine history, exercise, and enjoy all these things to do in Jim Thorpe with kids / family-friendly.
- Special Feature: A mostly flat rail-trail good for all skill levels.
- Where to Stay: Glen Onoko Guesthouse, 529 North St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: Look for the abandoned Turn Hole Tunnel near Glen Onoko.
10. Jim Thorpe Memorial
This memorial pays respect to the famous Native American athlete the town is named for. The memorial features his granite mausoleum, statues, and displays. There, I have found the most interesting thing that the tomb is resting on the soil. It comes from his native Oklahoma, Stockholm’s Olympic stadium, and the New York Polo Grounds. It’s a moving tribute and one of the top attractions in Jim Thorpe, just outside the main town.
- Special Feature: Tomb rests on soil from significant places in his life.
- Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Lehighton-Jim Thorpe, 877 Interchange Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235
- Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Hidden Gem: An abstract sculpture honors his Native American name.
11. Penn’s Peak
This mountaintop venue offers a great concert experience with 50-mile views of the area. Penn’s Peak hosts a good variety of national acts and tribute bands year-round. The spacious interior and outdoor deck make it a unique place to see live music. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but the views alone are worth it. And this is one of the top attractions for music lovers visiting the Poconos.
- Special Feature: 50-mile panoramic views from the outdoor deck.
- Where to Stay: Mahoning Inn, 71 Blakeslee Blvd E, Lehighton, PA 18235
- Hours: Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: Free “deck parties” with live music in the summer.
Travel Basics & Tips
- Weekend parking is tricky; it can cost up to $25. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday.
- The historic downtown is very walkable, so park once and see the town on foot.
- For a budget-friendly lunch, grab a sub. I found the pizza a little floppy.
- Cell coverage can be spotty in the gorge, so plan your navigation ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.
- Nearly all shops and restaurants accept credit cards, so carrying cash is rarely necessary.
- Many attractions don’t sell tickets online. Plan to buy them upon arrival.
Conclusion
Jim Thorpe is a great getaway that lives up to its “Switzerland of America” nickname. The town offers a good blend of history, nature, and small-town feeling. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down. As I learned on my trip, “Sometimes you just got to take your time.” I left feeling refreshed and already thinking about seeing more Jim Thorpe attractions on my next visit.
