Day trip from Jersey · Jim Thorpe
Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA: The Gorge Train, Mansions and Mountain Trails
Things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA: the Lehigh Gorge train ride, the Asa Packer Mansion, the Old Jail, Broadway museums, gorge trails and Lehigh rafting.
By Tessa Moretti, our virtual host
Researched and edited by the Chefbouyon team
Updated · 10 min read
Quick picks
- For the train rideLehigh Gorge Scenic RailwayNarrated vintage-coach trips along the Lehigh River into Lehigh Gorge State Park.Directions
- For Gilded Age interiorsAsa Packer Mansion MuseumAn 18-room 1861 mansion willed to the town with its contents in 1912.Directions
- For history with a shiverThe Old Jail MuseumGuided tours of the 1870 county jail, its dungeon and the handprint in Cell 17.Directions
- For a night outMauch Chunk Opera HouseAn 1881 vaudeville-era theatre that hosts live music and comedy most weekends.Directions
- For an easy bike rideLehigh Gorge State Park (Glen Onoko Access Area)More than 20 miles of the car-free D&L Trail along a former railroad grade.Directions
Jim Thorpe, PA looks like somebody tucked a Victorian city into a mountain crease and forgot to tell the rest of the world. Brick row houses stack up the hillside, church spires poke through the trees, and the Lehigh River and its railroad run along the bottom of the valley. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau calls it "Little Switzerland," and once you've seen those steep streets, you'll understand why. If you're searching for things to do in Jim Thorpe, the short answer is: ride the train, climb Packer Hill, and walk Broadway slowly.
It's a manageable trip from New Jersey. From the north, most drivers take I-80 west across the Delaware Water Gap, and from central Jersey, I-78 west toward Allentown. Either way, you finish on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension, where the state names Exit 74 as the nearest interchange, then follow US 209 south into town. The tourism bureau only says it's "just a few hours' drive" from New York and Philadelphia, so pack snacks and a good playlist.
This guide is for a fall foliage Saturday, a history-nerd weekend, or a couple who want one outdoorsy morning and one cozy evening. Jim Thorpe is in Carbon County, and it's often sold as part of the Poconos. For the wider region, see my Poconos guide.
How I picked these
These picks come from research, not visits: each place's own website, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Carbon County and local news. Every place was confirmed open in 2025–2026. I chose the train first, because so many people come for it, then a mix of mansions, museums, music and the outdoors, most within walking distance of the station.
The Jim Thorpe train ride
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Known for Narrated vintage-coach round trips along the Lehigh River into Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Jim Thorpe Station, 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Dog-friendly
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
If you've searched for a "Jim Thorpe train ride," this is the one you mean. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs narrated round trips in vintage coaches, some built as early as 1917, normally from the Jim Thorpe Station at 1 Susquehanna Street. It's operated by the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, and trains are diesel-powered unless the railway says otherwise.
The route is the point. The train follows the Lehigh River over bridges, passes Glen Onoko and runs into Lehigh Gorge State Park, turning back at Old Penn Haven. The railway promises high cliffs, mountain scenery and the chance of wildlife. Its regular trips run about 70 minutes round trip.
The seasons shape the calendar. In 2026, the Autumn Leaf trains run from September 26 through November 15, as shorter trips timed for foliage. After that, the regular schedule returns briefly, and then the Santa Claus Specials take over on select days from late November through Christmas Eve. There are Bike Trains, too, which carry riders and bikes upriver so you can pedal back down the gorge. The railway says the November 14, 2026 Bike Train is affected by a rock slide, pending repairs.
One important note: departures don't always leave from Jim Thorpe. For November 2–8, 2026, the railway lists trains from the Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station, and the tourism bureau says Jim Thorpe tickets are honored at 1 Iron Horse Way in Nesquehoning while a rock slide on the line is repaired. Check the operator's site for fares, times and the current station before you go.
Good to know, per the railway: the station is wheelchair accessible, there are restrooms in the station and on the trains, and well-behaved dogs ride free. It suggests arriving at least an hour early, and parking is run by Carbon County, not the railway. Who'll love it: train-loving kids, leaf-peepers and anyone who wants the gorge without the hiking boots.
Up Packer Hill: the mansions
Jim Thorpe's money came from coal and railroads, and a lot of it ended up on one hillside above the station.
Asa Packer Mansion Museum
Known for Railroad magnate Asa Packer's 1861 mansion, willed to the town with its contents in 1912.
Packer Hill Ave, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Asa Packer Mansion Museum was the home of Asa Packer, railroad magnate, philanthropist and founder of Lehigh University. Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan built it in 1861, over two years. It has three stories, 18 rooms and about 11,000 square feet of living space, and the National Park Service recognized its national significance in 1985.
The story of how it survived is the best part. In 1912, Packer's daughter, Mary Packer Cummings, willed the house and its contents to the Borough of Mauch Chunk as a memorial to her father. It stayed closed until 1956 and has been open to the public since Memorial Day that year. The Lions Club served as trustee for seven decades, and since 2024 the Borough of Jim Thorpe has overseen the site.
The museum lists new things for 2026: extended third-floor tours, a seasonal exhibit on an America 250 theme, a membership program and a video tour in development for visitors who can't manage stairs. During the Fall Foliage Festival, it says weekend tours are shortened to 30 minutes because of crowds. Check its tour page before you go.
Just along Packer Hill stands the Harry Packer Mansion, which Asa built in 1874 for his youngest son. The tourism bureau notes that it's now an adults-only inn that hosts murder mystery events, and that it inspired Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. Even from the sidewalk, the two houses together are quite a sight.
History, art and a little mischief on Broadway
Broadway runs uphill from the station, and the tourism bureau notes it was once known as "Millionaire's Row." Today it's a street of shops, galleries and restored buildings, best explored on foot.
The Old Jail Museum
Known for Guided tours of the 1870 Carbon County jail, linked to the Molly Maguires, and its Cell 17 handprint.
128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Old Jail Museum, at 128 West Broadway, is the former Carbon County jail. It was built in 1869–1870 under architect Edward Haviland and held prisoners until 1995. It's best known for its link to the Molly Maguires, Irish coal miners whose 1870s activities and trials are still debated. Four men were hanged here on June 21, 1877, and three more in 1878 and 1879.
Then there's the handprint. In Cell 17, the story goes, a condemned man pressed his hand to the wall and said it would remain as proof of his innocence. The museum says it has survived attempts to remove it. It's believed to belong to Thomas Fisher, though some research points to Alexander Campbell.
Tours are guided only and last about half an hour, covering the cell block, the basement dungeon and Cell 17. The museum says weekend tickets are sold in person and can sell out, especially on Saturdays. It also notes limited accessibility, with stairs to the second floor and dungeon, and no ghost-hunting equipment. Who'll love it: true-crime fans and teenagers who claim they're bored.
Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
Known for Local history and art of Carbon County and the anthracite coal region, plus the Firefly Planetarium Experience.
41 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, at 41 West Broadway, tells the story of Carbon County and the anthracite coal region, from the industrial age to modern Jim Thorpe. It offers guided and self-guided tours of its artifacts, Victorian-era pieces and archives, and its ballroom is a restored former Victorian church sanctuary.
The museum is in a lively new chapter. Its founder, John Drury, died in 2025, and the board named Ibi Alao and Kaila Buck Alao to lead it. Their 2026 centerpiece is the Firefly Planetarium Experience, a light and storytelling show built around a painting made at the museum.
The holiday season is a highlight. The museum lists its Winter Wonderland, a Christmas village of lights, trees and train displays, on December 2–23 and 26–31, 2026, and January 2–10, 2027. Who'll love it: families, and anyone who wants the coal-town backstory before riding the train.
Stabin Museum
Known for 10,000 square feet of galleries of Victor Stabin's art, with Vic's Jazz Loft and Café Arielle.
268 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Stabin Museum, at 268 West Broadway, is something you don't expect in a coal town. It holds 10,000 square feet of galleries showing artist Victor Stabin's paintings, drawings, animations, books, furniture and more. Under the same roof are Vic's Jazz Loft, an intimate in-the-round venue for live jazz, and Café Arielle, a French-inspired restaurant.
The museum quotes The Washington Post describing the building as feeling "urban enough to be in New York or London." That contrast is the charm: a contemporary art space up the hill from a Victorian jail. Who'll love it: art lovers, jazz fans and couples who want dinner and a set without moving the car. It's a natural pick for a date night after a day outdoors. Check its site for current hours and shows.
Mauch Chunk Opera House
Known for An 1881 vaudeville-era theatre hosting live music, comedy and dance most weekends.
14 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
The Mauch Chunk Opera House, at 14 West Broadway, was built in 1881 and describes itself as one of the oldest vaudeville theatres in America that still operates. Today it's an intimate concert venue with live music, comedy, dance and more, usually most weekends.
The lineup mixes tribute bands with touring musicians. Upcoming shows include the AC/DC tribute Back in Black on November 7 and a Last Waltz Celebration on November 14, 2026, plus a holiday drag variety show on December 11. Who'll love it: anyone who wants their mountain weekend to end with a live show. Book ahead on big weekends, then walk back down Broadway under the lamps.
The man behind the name
Jim Thorpe Memorial
Known for The mausoleum and memorial of Olympian Jim Thorpe, for whom the town was renamed in 1954.
Route 903 (North St), Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Here's the twist in the town's story. It was founded in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, a coal and railroad hub. In 1954, Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged and took the name of Jim Thorpe, the Olympic champion and football star. His widow, Patricia, had been looking for a resting place and a memorial for him, and the struggling towns offered both.
Thorpe's mausoleum and memorial stand along Route 903 on the east side of the river. The tourism bureau notes that the town honors him each May with a Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration.
It's a short, quiet stop, and a moving one. Who'll love it: sports fans, history lovers and anyone who wants to understand why a Pennsylvania mountain town carries the name of an Oklahoma-born athlete. Pair it with the drive to Glen Onoko, which uses the same road.
Into the gorge and onto the trails
Lehigh Gorge State Park (Glen Onoko Access Area)
Known for A 6,107-acre river gorge park with more than 20 miles of the car-free D&L Trail.
Glen Onoko Access Area, off PA 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Lehigh Gorge State Park is 6,107 acres following the Lehigh River from the Francis E. Walter Dam down to Jim Thorpe. Its Lehigh Gorge Trail covers more than 20 miles of the D&L Trail, part of the 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, on a former railroad grade closed to motor vehicles. That makes it a gentle, scenic ride for bikes and a long, easy walk for everyone else. The state also lists whitewater boating and kayaking as popular.
Glen Onoko is the park's southern access area, with parking. From Jim Thorpe, DCNR's directions take you onto PA 903 north across the river, then left at the park entrance.
Now the honest part about the falls. The Glen Onoko Falls trail, a steep half-mile climb, has been closed since May 1, 2019, for safety reasons. In May 2026, DCNR announced that Outdoor Corps crews had begun a multi-year rebuild and that the falls trail and its connector will remain closed to visitors in 2026. A land transfer will eventually add the falls tract to the state park. Please don't hike the closed trail; enjoy the river and the D&L instead. For more trail ideas closer to home, see my hikes in New Jersey.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Known for Carbon County's lake park with a beach, boating, camping and the Switchback Trail.
625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Mauch Chunk Lake Park, run by Carbon County at 625 Lentz Trail, is the town's lake for summer days. The county lists a swimming beach, boating and fishing with launches and boat rentals, camping, picnicking, and trails for biking and hiking.
Its most popular trail is the Switchback Trail, which follows the route of the old Switchback Gravity Railroad. The county says it's shaded, runs alongside Mauch Chunk Creek and is designated for hiking and biking. Mountain bikers can ride it up to Mount Pisgah, which has an overlook of Lehigh Gorge State Park. The park's other trails connect to it.
Who'll love it: families who want a beach afternoon and walkers who want history underfoot. Check the county's site for fees and seasonal notices.
Pocono Whitewater
Known for Lehigh River rafting from dam-release whitewater to family trips, plus biking and paintball combos.
1519 PA-903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Checked against official sources Nov 2026
Pocono Whitewater, at 1519 PA-903 north of town, runs rafting trips on the Lehigh River. Its menu ranges from dam-release whitewater to calmer family-style trips, a one-hour rafting trip, moonlight rafting and private outings, plus a raft-and-kayak overnight. It also offers multisport days that pair rafting with paintball or biking, and rail-trail biking through its partner, Pocono Biking.
Dam-release weekends bring the bigger water, and the outfitter posts its calendar online. Who'll love it: friend groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties and families who want an adventure story to tell at dinner.
If you'd rather book elsewhere, Jim Thorpe River Adventures operates from Lehighton, just down the river, with rafting, inflatable kayaks and bike trips through the gorge.
Getting there and parking
By car: Head west from New Jersey on I-80 or I-78, then pick up the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476). DCNR names Exit 74 as the nearest interchange for the gorge, and US 209 runs south into town.
Parking: The tourism bureau says pay kiosks are spread around town and each one serves a specific zone, so check you're paying for the right one. It adds extra parking on October weekends. The railway notes that parking near the station is controlled by Carbon County.
On foot: Once you've parked, walk. The station, Broadway, the Opera House, the museums and Packer Hill are all close together, though the streets are steep. Wear real shoes.
When to go
Fall is the headliner. The Autumn Leaf trains run late September to mid-November, and the Fall Foliage Festival fills October weekends, so arrive early. In late November and December, the Santa trains, the Mauch Chunk Museum's Winter Wonderland and Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas make it a cozy holiday trip. The tourism bureau posts festival dates each year. Spring and summer belong to rafting, biking and the lake beach.
Jim Thorpe pairs well with a Jersey road trip. For more slow-weekend ideas, see my weekend getaways in New Jersey, and for another river town with history to spare, my Lambertville guide.
Every place in this guide, on the map
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic RailwayJim Thorpe Station, 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Asa Packer Mansion MuseumPacker Hill Ave, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- The Old Jail Museum128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center41 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Stabin Museum268 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Mauch Chunk Opera House14 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Jim Thorpe MemorialRoute 903 (North St), Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Lehigh Gorge State Park (Glen Onoko Access Area)Glen Onoko Access Area, off PA 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
- Pocono Whitewater1519 PA-903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Questions people ask
Where does the Jim Thorpe train ride leave from?
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway normally departs from the Jim Thorpe Station at 1 Susquehanna Street, right in the middle of town. At times trains run from the Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station at 1 Iron Horse Way instead, including early November 2026, and the tourism bureau says Jim Thorpe tickets are honored there. Always check the railway's website for the current departure point before you drive out.
Is Jim Thorpe in the Poconos?
Yes. Jim Thorpe is in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau markets it as part of the Poconos, calling it one of the region's great gems. It sits at the southern end of Lehigh Gorge State Park, a little west of the Pocono resort towns, and it is often nicknamed Little Switzerland for its steep, European-feeling streets.
Is Glen Onoko Falls open?
No. The Glen Onoko Falls trail near Jim Thorpe has been closed since May 1, 2019, for safety reasons, and the state says it will remain closed to visitors in 2026 while Outdoor Corps crews rebuild it over several years. Hikers on the closed trail risk fines. The Glen Onoko access area of Lehigh Gorge State Park, with its parking, river access and the D&L Trail, is a separate thing.
Why is the town called Jim Thorpe?
The town was founded as Mauch Chunk. In 1954, Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged and took the name of Jim Thorpe, the Olympic champion and football star, after his widow arranged for his burial there in exchange for a memorial. His mausoleum and memorial stand along Route 903, and the town still celebrates his birthday each May.
When is the best time to visit Jim Thorpe?
Fall is the classic choice. The railway runs its Autumn Leaf trains from late September to mid-November, and the town hosts its Fall Foliage Festival in October, when extra parking is added. Spring and summer bring rafting, biking and lake swimming, and late November through Christmas Eve brings Santa trains and the Olde Time Christmas celebration.
Spot something out of date, or know a place we should add? Tell us. Corrections are read first.
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