Explore the Town of Jim Thorpe: Road Trips to the Poconos

Day One: Explore Historic Downtown

Morning: See the Town Sights

The town of Jim Thorpe dates back to the early 1800s, and there's a lot of rich local history, arts and culture to discover! See how industrial millionaires lived at the Asa Packer Mansion, visit the eerie cells of the Molly Maguires at the Old Jail Museum, or learn more about the town's evolution at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center.

Take a tour with Jim Thorpe Walking Tours to learn about the photo-worthy buildings and landmarks like St Mark's and St John's Episcopal Church that you'll pass as you stroll along the mountain streets. Sign up for the free mobile Pocono History & Art Trail to listen to audio tours and track your progress through the Poconos past.

While downtown, you'll want to plan for time for shopping! From Broadway to Historic Stone Row, there are lots of quaint shops and trendy boutiques to browse like Local Fair, specializing in handmade gifts.

Bring home something to remind you of your trip! Get ready for the holidays and choose a new ornament for your tree at Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe or bring home some unique flavors to incorporate into your cooking from Jim Thorpe Olive Oil Co.

Afternoon: Unique Train Tours

Don't stop after the morning's museum visits: take a deeper dive into the past with more great Jim Thorpe attractions! Take in the beauty of the region as you hop aboard an old-fashioned form of transportation with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Visitors to the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in nearby Lansford can descend 1,600 feet into the mountainside along an original mine shaft.

Evening: Historic Lodgings

Ever wanted to stay the night in a Victorian townhouse? An overnight stay in Jim Thorpe is the perfect opportunity! Historic places to stay in Jim Thorpe like Hotel Switzerland, The Inn at Jim Thorpe, and The Y on Broadway offer old-world charm alongside modern-day amenities plus allow you to stay in the middle of the action, just steps from downtown attractions.

If you're planning a romantic getaway, find the perfect couples retreat at The Harry Packer Mansion Inn which hosts mystery weekends throughout the year.

Head just across the Lehigh River to stay at nearby quaint country inns like Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed & Breakfast and The Bella Victoria Bed and Breakfast.

Day Two: Discover Outdoor Thrills in Lehigh Gorge

Morning: Hike, Bike, or Raft

Jim Thorpe is located just a stone's throw away from great outdoor adventure spots including Lehigh Gorge State Park and the The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

Just across the Mansion House Bridge, visitors will find hiking, biking, waterfalls, and more. Help us keep the Poconos pristine for future generations of visitors: remember to take litter with you and leave no trace as you enjoy the peaceful paths along the Lehigh River. The crushed gravel path is great for cycle trips: rent some wheels from Pocono Biking or Bronson Ebikes & Trikes to fly along the D&L Trail on two wheels.

Get out on the water and brave the rapids while whitewater rafting in Jim Thorpe with outfitters like Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Pocono Whitewater Adventures, Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures.

Afternoon: Paintball and Ziplines

Why not kick the adrenaline up a notch? Get geared up for a game of paintball! Local outfitters like Skirmish Paintball and Pocono Mountain Paintball are great for friendly competition.

Get a bird's-eye view of the area! Try the zipline and soar over Red Rock Cliff at Whitewater Rafting Adventures.

Evening: Campgrounds and Secluded Retreats

Outdoor lovers have no need to leave the scenery behind when it's time to turn in for the night. Find a campsite under the stars and pitch your tent at Don Laine Campground, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, or RoundStone Camping Resort.

Enjoy the comforts of home while staying close to Mother Nature: Mauch Chunk Lake Park and Pocono Camp and Glamp offer charming cottages and cabins.

Get cozy at a rustic bed and breakfast like The Inn at Birch Wilds or book a beautiful retreat in the woods like the The Flagstaff Lodge.

Day Three: Scenic Stops Before Leaving

Morning: Trolley Trip

It's your vacation: don't leave relaxation out of the schedule! Let someone else take the wheel as you take a nostalgic sightseeing tour with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company. Take a look at their calendar to book special seasonal tours like the Wine and Suds Tasting, Ghosts and Graveyards Tour, or the Molly Maguire & No. 9 Coal Mine Experience.

Afternoon: Art Galleries

Get out on the town to see a show or enjoy Jim Thorpe's arts, culture and entertainment. Art lovers won't want to miss a visit to the Anita Schapolsky Art Foundation or The Stabin Museum.

Evening: Concerts and Shows

Big-name musical acts are staples on the concert and events calendar at Penn's Peak while Mauch Chunk Opera House regularly hosts bands and events like the annual Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival.

Why not spend one last night in town? Find all the comforts of home at a vacation home or guesthouse lodging in Jim Thorpe! Glen Onoko Guesthouse offers spacious rentals with fully-stocked kitchens in a former soda fountain shop built in 1874. Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging is located in the historic district just off of Opera House Square, with a private guest suite that can accommodate two adults.

Guests at the High Street Guesthouse can choose a charming apartment or even a cabin in the trees.

Best Fall Activities in Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe fall escapes are especially popular as they give visitors the chance to see the colorful leaves covering the surrounding mountains during the Fall Foliage Festival Jim Thorpe. There are plenty of Jim Thorpe things to do in fall: enjoy the autumnal hues from the tracks during a train trip with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, on the river during a whitewater rafting trip, or along the cobblestones in the historic downtown.

Fall Events in Jim Thorpe

Every year, the hugely popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival comes to town select weekends in October, with vendors, free live music, food specials, and more - but it's not the only great fall event in Carbon County! Make a plan to go pumpkin picking during Fall Fest at Yenser's Tree Farm, take the kids to The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction - World's Largest General Store, break out your best lederhosen and dirndl for Oktoberfest at Blue Mountain, or enjoy the car show and vendors at Lansford Fall Fest.

Where to Eat & Drink

Downtown Restaurants

Ready to eat? You have plenty of choice when it comes to dining in Jim Thorpe! Downtown is full of hip eateries like the Marion Hose Bar, located in a renovated firehouse, or MYST Restaurant, a gastropub with a menu full of sushi and Asian cuisine.

For authentic ambience and delicious food the whole family will love, sit down to a meal at Broadway Grille or Molly Maguire's Irish Pub, both located steps from the train station in the heart of Jim Thorpe's downtown.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Looking for a quick refreshing drink and bite to eat? Try bubble tea and desserts at Ma's Crepes & Cakes or get a latte or a scoop at Curiosities Coffee & Ice House.

Bars and Beverage Trail Stops

Kick back with a journey along the Carbon County branch of the Pocono Beverage Trail! Don't miss the chance to sample locally-made wine and spirits at Jim Thorpe tasting rooms. Nomad Distillery Co. serves up cocktails, bourbons and moonshine on Race Street, while Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. offers fresh vintages and bites on Broadway.

Just across the river, stop by Bright Path Brewing to see what's on tap or visit Radical Wine Company or Wine & More on 1st in nearby Lehighton to try a wine slushy! Don't forget to download the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport to earn points and access discounts at wineries, breweries and distilleries throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Throw it back with a drink and live music at The 80's Bar & Grill in nearby Lansford or find late-night bites and cocktails right in downtown Jim Thorpe at Ouros.

Local Favorites

For Italian fine dining, get your fill of pasta and more at close by spots like Macaluso's Restaurant. Enjoy a panoramic view of the hills you've been exploring at Roadies Restaurant and Bar.

Discover gems like the The Gorge Eatery in Weissport or Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill in Lehighton. Both Lehighton and Weissport can be accessed via the D&L Trail, about a four-and-a-half mile hike or bike ride from Jim Thorpe. If you're looking to avoid parking in downtown Jim Thorpe and are up for the trek, parking in Weissport or Lehighton can be a great option!

Parking & Transportation Tips

Due to its mountain location, Jim Thorpe has limited parking lots, so you'll want to plan your transportation ahead of time to avoid delays. Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot in the main Carbon County Parking Lot near the train station and consult our parking page to learn about seasonal shuttles.

Jim Thorpe Weekend Getaway

Jim Thorpe is a small town that attracts visitors from all over the world, but if you live in the Northeastern US, it's right in your backyard! Hop in the car and take that road trip to explore all the great attractions, shopping, dining, events and accommodations in the region. For even more ideas of things to do in the area, download the Visit Jim Thorpe PA app or stop by our Visitors Center, located downtown in the train station.

Why not keep the road trip going? Discover even more Pocono Places and small towns to love like Stroudsburg, Milford and Honesdale. See you in the Poconos!

Making Memories in Jim Thorpe

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