Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA

  • Published 2022/03/20

One of the most romantic vacation destinations, Jim Thorpe is all beauty and serenity.

Nestled in the lap of the Pocono Mountains, it is a perfect getaway if there ever was one.

Standing synonymous with the name of a great athlete, the city is worth exploring.

Jim Thorpe is a Victorian-styled town—one that has done well to preserve its eventful history—with romanticism blooming all over.

The overall vibe is calm and soothing, and the city is also known for its impeccable hospitality and relaxing retreats.

If you are looking for a relaxing spot, Jim Thorpe bags the top position.

What makes it different from any other destination?

Read about the things to do in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and find out for yourself!

Revitalize at the Glen Onoko Falls

 Glen Onoko Creek Cascade

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A waterfall is the most appropriate point to unwind.

The Glen Onoko Falls is located at a higher hike; it can be challenging to climb up to the falls because the road is steep.

But if you are up for the challenge, you will be in for a treat.

View of the Glen Onoko Falls

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The trail is surrounded by trees and lush green bushes that enhance the effect.

The view from up there is impressive, to say the least.

The falls are a gorgeous place to start exploring Jim Thorpe.

Make sure you visit it early in the morning so that you can even watch the beautiful sunrise.

Rushing waters of Glen Onoko Falls

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Tour the Asa Packer Mansion

Asa Packer Mansion

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It is always fun to explore the history of the place you are visiting.

It will help you gain a deeper perspective of the town.

The Asa Packer Mansion is a Victorian wonder in the city of Jim Thorpe.

The mansion is converted into a museum and is a historical landmark.

Exterior of Asa Packer Mansion

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This museum will take you back in time with its vintage aura.

It would help if you opted for a tour guide, as they will tell you the untold stories of the place.

It is well-structured, and you must visit it to understand the rich history and ethos of the town.

It will just take an hour to see the mansion in its totality.

Closer view of Asa Packer Mansion's exterior

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Board the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Lehigh Gorge scenic railway

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The vintage 1900s train is on-trend even today.

A ride along the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful rail rides you will ever experience.

The train traverses through stunning scenery and is a visual treat for everyone on board.

This service is accessible to the public throughout the year.

Ticket station of Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

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The interiors are majestic and offer a regal experience.

The ride lasts for approximately 45 minutes, but the memories will stay in your mind for much longer.

It is recommended for families and couples equally.

You will enjoy the ride and get to view Jim Thorpe from a different perspective.

Red and yellow train in Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

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Catch a Glimpse of the Old Jail Museum

Old Jail Museum

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A jail converted into a museum is an intriguing place to visit.

History always gets you astonished, and this place will certainly do that for you.

The Old Jail Museum is the oldest tower in the city.

It was a jail in older times and is now a historical monument.

You will learn a lot from here; the guided tour is simple but informative.

Side exterior of Old Jail Museum

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Even today, the jail is in good shape, having withstood the test of time.

They also display small clips of prisoners that are gut-wrenching to watch.

But it is a great place nonetheless.

Visit the site in the afternoon when it’s relatively less crowded.

It may appear daunting from the inside, but it is a friendly and safe place.

Attend a Show at Mauch Chunk

Mauch Chunk Opera House

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Mauch Chunk Opera House achieved recognition when featured in the National Geographic Traveller.

The place is known for its excellent acoustics.

It displays shows from every genre—jazz, classical, folk or rock.

It is a haven for theater and music enthusiasts and an excellent venue for concerts and performances.

Exterior of Mauch Chunk

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Locals do not miss the weekend shows at any cost.

So, whenever you visit you should catch a show, too.

It is located in the heart of the town, so it is easily accessible.

The music is top-notch, and you will get to experience a crazy and energetic time here.

You should at least watch one show during your trip.

Go Biking Around the Poconos

Biking is a favorite activity of almost everyone in town.

It is an excellent form of exercise and a fun activity to do.

One of the most significant advantages of riding a bike is exploring the untrodden paths, and that’s exactly what you should be doing around the picturesque city.

You can take up different trails to ride through distinct areas.

The scenery is so stunning that you will not get tired of riding for hours altogether.

All in all, it will be an excellent adventure for you.

Rent a bike early in the morning so that the atmosphere is pleasant, too.

It is suitable for every age group.

So put on your helmets and get going!

Witness Beautiful Creatures in the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary

The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is home to exquisite butterfly species.

A must-see attraction in Jim Thorpe, the butterfly sanctuary is absolutely stunning.

It is a warm and welcoming place.

You will get to explore different species of butterflies here as it boasts of housing several other species.

It almost appears as if one is in a fairy tale!

Visit the place in the evening as the creatures are most active then.

It is an offbeat place but is worth visiting.

You will enjoy it to the fullest and will want to stay a bit longer.

Pay a Visit to the Jim Thorpe Memorial

Jim Thorpe Memorial

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You should not miss out on the Jim Thorpe Memorial.

The city is named after Jim Thorpe himself, after all.

The property is an excellent tribute to him.

There are exhibits documenting his life, and the memorial is the perfect place to learn more about him.

Grave of jim thorpe in Jim Thorpe Memorial

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The Memorial will help you understand the significance of the place.

You will need around half an hour to visit the property.

It is a small but remarkable place in terms of learning.

Soak tranquility and moments of stillness here.

Jim thorpe's monument in Jim Thorpe Memorial

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Sample Exquisite Wine at Big Creek Vineyard

Big Creek Vineyard

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Wines taste different when in different regions.

Jim Thorpe is said to stir some of the best wines in the United States.

Their wines are delectable and smooth.

Big Creek Vineyard offers several different flavors to entice your taste buds.

They have curated an exemplary menu that is customizable, and you can mix and match different flavors.

We are sure that you will end up taking a few bottles home to enjoy them with your family.

It is located amid the city and is usually filled with visitors.

Admire Art at Studio YNW

Every art form has its aesthetic quality, and do you know what happens when they all come together?

A magical world is built.

Studio YNW is a gallery located in the heart of Jim Thorpe.

The art pieces showcased here are one of a kind and an absolute treat to the eye.

The ambiance is more of an art studio and less of a gallery.

The paintings were created by the in-house artist, Yvonne Wright.

Her pieces are composed of Surrealism and Fantasy.

You can buy some items too if you love her art.

Take Jim Thorpe’s Infamous Sidecar Tourz

Sidecars were in trend in the ’80s and ’90s.

It was a style statement and a sign of aristocracy.

They are not usually available nowadays, but what if we tell you that you can ride them even today?

Yes, you can find them even now on the roads of Jim Thorpe.

You can rent one from the tour operator and go around the city.

They come at very affordable rentals and make for a good ride; you will feel like you’re in an ’80s movie.

Travelers make it a point to ride them when they get a chance.

You can tour the whole city on the sidecar if you’d like, but they do ask for a license as a precautionary step.

Raft Through the Pocono Whitewater

The Pocono Whitewater is a top tourist attraction in Jim Thorpe.

To get your adrenaline boosted, you must try whitewater rafting here.

It is a daunting activity but is also a lot of fun.

The guides accompany you in the waters, so you’ll have an instructor throughout.

The water is not steady, and the tides are high—and that’s where the adrenaline kicks in!

And if you are looking to strike an adventure off your bucket list, do not give it a second thought and go.

Gain a Mysterious Perspective at Harry Packer Mansion

Harry Packer Museum in Jim Thrope

Frederikto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Harry Packer Museum is a luxurious Inn reserved for tourists.

It also inspired the design of the mansion featured in Disney’s Haunted Mansion.

Don’t be scared, though; it is an unusual but attractive place.

You will get to dive into the various mysteries and stories associated with the house, some of which might stay with you for long.

Exterior of Harry Packer Mansion

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It is a literal game wherein you play the characters and solve a mystery.

You can spend a weekend here and solve them all.

The rooms are comfortable and spacious.

Also, do not forget to have their special Pumpkin Martin—you will remember its taste for years.

Top view of the Harry Packer Mansion

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Say Yes to Pizza at Antonios Pizzeria

Who says no to pizza anyway, right?

Antonios Pizzeria in Jim Thorpe serves delicious pizza.

With a menu that is tailor-made to accommodate varied tastes and offers customized pizza options, this is a place for everyone!

You can head over here for dinner and hog on thin-crust cheese pizzas.

They serve salads and pasta, too.

Explore the Town’s Mining History at the Mauch Chunk Museum

Front entrance of Mauch Chunk Museum

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Coal mining town Mauch Chunk, which predates Jim Thorpe, is the subject of this museum’s exhibits.

Its knowledgeable tour guides will discuss museum artifacts and lead visitors through time, beginning with prehistoric times and culminating with the events that led to the establishment of present-day Jim Thorpe.

On display are the Lenape Indians, the discovery of coal in eastern Pennsylvania, industrialization of Mauch Chunk.

The museum also features the railroad called Switchback Gravity and the metamorphosis of Mauch Chunk into modern-day Jim Thrope.

Museum displays also touch on geological history as an essential subject.

You may rent the ballroom on the second level of the Mauch Chunk museum for special occasions like weddings and celebrations.

Gaze at Unique Artworks at The Stabin Museum

The work of Victor Stabin is a universe unto itself that cannot be described.

He pays tribute to the arc of art history in his work, from the impact of centuries-old Japanese watercolor print painters to contemporary graphic arts.

The Stabin Museum is based on many aspects of his life, his family, his interest in the relationship between man and environment, water, and the water’s edge.

His primary sources of inspiration are his family, particularly his wife and two girls, as well as the dictionary.

At the foot of the mountain, an exposed rock wall, an underground aqueduct, and red brick and stone facades all contribute to the museum’s particular architectural atmosphere.

When Victor began the renovation in 2003, he converted 16,000 square feet of the area into his studio.

Renovations over the years have changed the interior into a mind-blowing collection of art galleries showcasing Stabin’s work spanning decades, from his first drawings to his most recent Turtle Series paintings.

Have a Picnic at Mauch Chunk Lake Park

When the waters of Mauch Chunk Creek, which flows beneath Jim Thorpe, repeatedly flooded the town, a flood control project known as Mauch Chunk Lake began in 1978.

Because of how well everything worked out and how it was well-received, town officials decided to create a park around it.

The park now attracts more than 150,000 people each year, making it a popular location for families.

A campsite and cottages, hiking paths, a swimming beach, and excellent boating are just some of the attractions that draw visitors from around the state and beyond.

You may fish from the fishing pier and the coastline from the two boat launches.

Dine and Enjoy Irish Beer at Molly Maguire’s Pub & Steakhouse

Jim Thorpe residents and visitors alike love Molly Maguire’s Pub & Steakhouse.

The oldest remaining structure on Hazard Square houses this pub.

The Behan family, who hails from the Ireland City of Dublin, has owned and run the pub for over 25 years.

It has family-friendly indoor and outdoor dining options.

Even though it’s called an “Irish bar,” the cuisine isn’t limited to traditional pub fare.

Seared Ahi Tuna, various salads, wraps, burgers, steaks, and delectable grilled salmon are popular selections.

Its vintage bar, which is loaded to the brim, is a treat to watch.

Final Thoughts

Visitors to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania find many exciting things to do, whether exploring the great outdoors, exploring the town’s history, or shopping and dining downtown.

No matter what time of year it is, you’ll enjoy what Jim Thorpe has to offer, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

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