Traveling to Jim Thorpe

Traveling to Jim Thorpe

Arriving early always makes parking easier. Ride the train, wander the town, experience the unique history, shops, restaurants, and pubs! We can’t wait to see you! See parking options

Jim Thorpe, PA

Offering both the charms of a European village and the thrills of a mountain sports destination, this historic town nestled in Lehigh Gorge in Carbon County is one of the great gems of the Poconos.

Founded in 1818 and originally known as Mauch Chunk, Jim Thorpe is now named after the greatest athlete of all time, and there's plenty of rich history to discover. The elegant Victorian mansions which were once home to turn-of-the-century industrialist millionaires have been revitalized, and today house unique shops, dining, bed & breakfasts, museums, galleries and popular entertainment venues. Keep reading to learn more about parking and things to do in and around Jim Thorpe!

Wondering where to park when visiting Jim Thorpe? Find information on parking fees and locations.

About the Town:

Once the second most popular tourist destination in the country right behind Niagara Falls, the town of Jim Thorpe is no stranger to hospitality. Visitors from all over the world come to wander the inviting old world streets and to discover exhilarating outdoor adventure right on the town's doorstep in Lehigh Gorge State Park. Find things to do and see as you explore the town of Jim Thorpe in the Poconos: don't forget to stop by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Center in Jim Thorpe located on Route 209 inside the train station.

Sweet memories are made in historic Jim Thorpe, and adventurers both young and old are welcome. The town’s seasonal festivals like Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival and Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas bring family-friendly entertainment to the streets and sidewalks, and abundant local attractions ensure there’s fun to be had in any weather at all times of year.

Museums are great for family day trips, and there are many local historic sites to explore. Experience the Asa Packer Mansion, Harry Packer Mansion and Old Jail Museum tours to discover what life was like in the past. For lovers of fine art, The Stabin Museum is a must-visit.

Live Camera:

Take in an in-the-moment view over the town of Jim Thorpe. Check out more live cameras in the Poconos.

 


History:

The roots of Jim Thorpe stretch back to the early nineteenth century when Josiah White, the founder of the town, discovered how to effectively use Anthracite coal as an energy source. The Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company was created and began mining operations in the surrounding hills at locations like the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum. Innovative techniques were used to transport the coal, including dams, locks and canals along the Lehigh River as well as a Switchback Gravity Railroad which is known as one of the oldest roller coasters in the world. After its days of mining use were over, it became a popular thrill ride for Victorian tourists, who came to the area to enjoy the great outdoors and admire the incredible mansions of wealthy industrialists like Asa Packer. Jim Thorpe's Broadway Street was then known as "Millionaire's Row."

The town took on the name it holds today in 1954, when it became the final resting place for Olympian and famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. His legacy is honored every year during the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration in May, and his mausoleum and memorial can be found along Route 903.

Listen & Learn: Jim Thorpe: Death of an All-American


  

Pocono Perspectives

John Thorpe

Jim Hamill sits down with John Thorpe, grandson of legendary athlete Jim Thorpe.

Asa Packer Mansion

Chris Barrett talks with Ronald Sheehan about Asa Packer and his impact on our area.

Rep. Doyle Heffley

Brianna Strunk talks with Rep. Doyle Heffley about the town of Jim Thorpe.


Jim Thorpe FAQ

  • Plan ahead and arrive early to secure a parking spot for your day in Jim Thorpe! There are parking pay kiosks located throughout Jim Thorpe, but each applies to a particular parking zone. Before you pay at a kiosk, double check that it is the appropriate kiosk for the zone that you parked in. View our Jim Thorpe parking page for maps and more information!

  • Originally called Mauch Chunk, the town was renamed in 1954 when it became the final resting place of Olympian and famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe.

  • The town was founded in 1818 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and initially called Mauch Chunk which means "Bear Place" or "Bear Mountain" in the language of the Native Lenape people.

  • Check out seasonal festivities, see a show, ride the train and so much more: click here to check out events happening in Jim Thorpe and Carbon County this weekend.

  • The town of Jim Thorpe, PA is well worth visiting at any time of year! Snap photos along the beautiful old world streets, browse eclectic shops and restaurants, attend local festivals and shows, find one-of-a-kind, welcoming places to stay, dive into the area's rich history at local museums, or explore the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding Lehigh Gorge area with outdoor recreation like a whitewater rafting trip, a hiking or biking expedition, or a scenic train ride.

Making Memories in Jim Thorpe

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