The historic town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania is a popular place to visit in the Pocono Mountains. The town is home to historic attractions, unique inns, shops, and restaurants. Visit the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, the Old Jail Museum and the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary. Here are the best things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA.


Asa Packer Mansion Museum

Asa Packer Mansion Museum

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This Asa Packer Mansion Museum is located in the home of Asa Packer, a philanthropist, railroad businessman, and founder of Lehigh University. Architect Samuel Sloan built the three-story, 18-bedroom mansion in 1861. The mansion has been open to the public for tours since the Bear Mountain Lions purchased it in 1956. The inside of the mansion appears almost exactly as it did when the Packer family occupied the home in the late 1800s. Visitors can tour the mansion from Memorial Day to Halloween. After that time period, tour availability varies depending on the season.

PO Box 108, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229, 570-325-3229


Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

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Guests can get a taste of historic train travel by visiting the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. A 70-minute narrated tour on a diesel engine train leads visitors over span bridges and through the Lehigh Gorge State Park during which they can admire tranquil mountain scenery, dramatic cliffs, and a variety of wildlife while traveling along the historic railway. All of the trains are family-friendly, pet friendly, and wheelchair accessible. Special train rides through the Lehigh Gorge for holidays and festivals are also available.

1 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 610-562-2102


Old Jail Museum, Jim Thorpe

Old Jail Museum, Jim Thorpe

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The Old Jail Museum is a two-story stone structure that was built in the late 1800s. True to its name, the museum served as a jail for Jim Thorpe and surrounding communities through 1980. There are 27 cells inside of the jail, as well as rooms in the basement for solitary confinement. The jail is best known for the Molly Maguire trials, which ended with seven Irish coal miners being hanged from gallows. Today guests can tour the Old Jail Museum and see where one of the condemned Irishman placed his hand on the jail wall as a proclamation of his innocence.

128 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-5259


Harry Packer Mansion

Harry Packer Mansion

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The Harry Packer Mansion is a bed and breakfast that sits on Packer Hill, an area overlooking Jim Thorpe. The mansion may look familiar to Disneyworld visitors since the home was the inspiration for the theme park's Haunted Mansion attraction.

With 15-foot ceilings, marble fireplaces, and luxurious furniture, this mansion is a popular spot for self-guided tours. The Libations Lounge, a built-in bar, is the perfect spot to have a drink while enjoying views of the town below. The Jim Thorpe community holds regular events at the mansion, including murder mystery dinners and wine tastings. The mansion is available to rent for private events as well. More info

19 Packer Avenue, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-8566


Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary

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The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is a prime spot for family outings and field trips. In addition to butterflies, the sanctuary is home to a variety of frogs and fish. The sanctuary has an education center and art room for children, along with a nature gift shop. In the Flutterarium, visitors can observe butterflies and learn how to hand-feed them. The sanctuary is also available as a space for birthday parties, and the establishment offers an entire birthday package that includes balloons, crafts, goody bags, and butterfly hatching kits. Next read: water parks in PA

18 Church Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-4848


The Mauch Chunk Opera House

The Mauch Chunk Opera House

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A trip to the Mauch Chunk Opera House gives visitors and locals a taste of Jim Thorpe's unique culture. This lively arts center constantly hosts performances and exhibits for people of all ages. Local artists and musicians from nearby communities put on the majority of shows at the opera house. Guests can also take tours of the Mauch Chunk Opera House during which they will learn about the history of the spacious performance hall. A historical exhibit and an art gallery featuring works by Jim Thorpe artists are also part of the tour.

14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-0249


Mauch Chunk Museum, Jim Thorpe, PA

Mauch Chunk Museum, Jim Thorpe, PA

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This museum tells the story of Mauch Chunk, the coal-mining town that preceded Jim Thorpe.

The main exhibit focuses on the Lenape Indians, the discovery of coal in the Jim Thrope area, the industrialization of Mauch Chunk, the Switchback Gravity Railroad, and Mauch Chunk's transformation into modern-day Jim Thorpe.

Geological history is another topic that is covered through the museum's exhibits. The second floor of the Mauch Chunk museum has a ballroom that is available for special events, including weddings, parties, and corporate get-togethers.

41 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-9190


Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

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Mauch Chunk Lake was built as a flood control project to prevent recurrent flooding of the town of Jim Thorp, caused by the waters of the Mauch Chunk Creek which runs under the city. The project was so successful that it was decided to build a park around the lake which would provide a welcome recreation area. Today the park welcomes vacationers from all over the state and beyond, who come to get back to nature and enjoy amenities like a campground and cottages, hiking trails, a swimming beach and great boating. There are 2 boat launches and fishing is permitting along much of the shoreline and from the fishing pier.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park, 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-3669


Pocono Whitewater

Pocono Whitewater

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Pocono Whitewater is an adventure company that organizes exciting river rafting trips for the whole family. The company offers two whitewater rafting trips on the Lehigh River Gorge. The first trip, Dam Release Whitewater, is a 12-mile-long rafting adventure that includes sections of Class III rapids. The other trip, Family Style Whitewater, is a shorter expedition through smaller rapids. Moonlight rafting and pirate rafting are also favorites among Pocono Whitewater customers. In addition to rafting, the company offers biking and paintball adventures, and Pocono Whitewater also has tour packages for all-inclusive trips to Belize.

1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-3655


Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz

Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz

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Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz gives people an opportunity to whiz through the Pocono Mountains on a vintage BMW sidecar. Barb Timberz and Ed Fink, two locals who know the best spots to visit in Jim Thorpe and the Poconos, lead the tours. Gorgeous mountain views are the main benefit of these exciting rides. Guests can choose between a 1.5-hour tour or a 4 hour tour. Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz provides riders with eye gear and a helmet to keep riders as safe as possible. Once the tour ends, riders can pick up unique merchandise from the Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz shop.

Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz, 570-249-1570


Jim Thorpe River Adventures

Jim Thorpe River Adventures

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Jim Thorpe River Adventures runs whitewater-rafting trips on the Lehigh River Gorge for people of all ages and skill levels. Intro to Whitewater Rafting and Easywater Rafting are their basic trips for beginners. Both of these trips are 3-4 hours long and include several sections of class I and II rapids. Adventurous rafters can join the Big Time Whitewater Rafting trip, which includes stretches of canyon paddling and class II and III rapids. Aside from its rafting trips, Jim Thorpe River Adventures rents out inflatable kayaks and mountain bikes.

1 Adventure Lane, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-2570


Broadway Grill and Pub

Broadway Grill and Pub

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The Broadway Grill is bursting at the seams with character; it occupies part of the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe and boasts many attractive Victorian features including tin ceilings, wrought-iron balconies and gas fireplaces. However, there is nothing old fashioned about the food and drinks on offer. The pub serves a fine selection of craft beers, creative cocktails and wines from all corners. The food is Modern American style and everything is produced using the freshest possible local produce. The venue offers a full calendar of live music events on most weekends. The grill serves a daily breakfast and lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday.

Broadway Grill and Pub, 24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-732-4343


Things to Do in Jim Thorpe: Skirmish Paint Ball

Things to Do in Jim Thorpe: Skirmish Paint Ball

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Ideally located in the Pocono Mountains, Skirmish Paint Ball boasts 750 acres of land and is proud to offer 50 different themed paintball fields which will challenge and surprise you. The various maps cover a range of outdoor environments including dense forests, wide open fields, creeks, bridges, swamps and more. You will have to contend with obstacles like cargo containers, tanks, forts and castles. There is even a proper village to navigate through. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun, regardless of your skill level and helpful staff members are on hand to make sure you have everything you need for hours of fun.

Skirmish Paint Ball, 1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-3699


Things to Do Near Me: Cafe Arielle

Things to Do Near Me: Cafe Arielle

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Set in a carefully restored former fireworks factory and silk mill, Café Arielle is a must on your Jim Thorpe dining list. Although the setting dates back many years, the restaurant is beautifully contemporary and boasts many innovative touches. The dining tables have been constructed from the old silk cutting tables and have legs made from the pipes of the old heating system. You can choose to dine inside the stone-walled dining room or outside on the patio. Café Arielle serves a simple but delicious menu of café favorites including charcuterie boards, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and mouth-watering entrees. You can also enjoy the full bar, a children’s play area and all the riveting artworks in the Stabin Museum.

Café Arielle, 268 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-5588


Molly Maguire’s Pub and Steakhouse

Molly Maguire’s Pub and Steakhouse

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Located in the oldest surviving building on the historic Hazard Square, Molly Maguire’s Pub and Steakhouse is a firm favorite with locals and visitors to Jim Thorpe. The pub has been owned and operated by the Behan family (from Dublin, Ireland) for more than 25 years and offers both indoor and outdoor dining areas which are family-friendly. The food is always freshly prepared using prime ingredients and is not confined to Irish pub grub. Some popular menu choices include Seared Ahi Tuna, a selection of salads and wraps, burgers, steaks and delicious Grilled Salmon. The fully-stocked antique bar is a sight to behold. Molly Maguire’s Pub and Steakhouse, 5 Hazard Square, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, 570-325-4563


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