Location: Jim Thorpe
Top Things to do in Jim Thorpe
- 1. Asa Packer Mansion
- 2. Old Jail Museum
- 3. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
- 4. Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John
- 5. Jim Thorpe Memorial
- 6. Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
- 7. Glen Onoko Falls Trail
- 8. Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
- 9. Big Creek Vineyard
- 10. Victor Stabin Fine Art & Prints
The 10 Best Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, United States
Jim Thorpe is a borough and the county seat of Carbon County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 4,781 at the 2010 census. The town has been called the "Switzerland of America" due to the picturesque scenery, mountainous location, and architecture; as well as the "Gateway to the Poconos." It is in eastern Pennsylvania about 80 miles (130 km) north of Philadelphia and 100 miles (160 km) west of New York City. This town is also historically known as the burial site for the body of Native American sports legend Jim Thorpe.
Restaurants in Jim Thorpe
1. Asa Packer Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By shadrack28 - Atlantic City, New Jersey
If your in Jim Thorpe this is a must do.This place is amazing and shows what money can do.Take a step back in time. The tour guide was wonderful I could have talked to her the rest of the day,a great experience.
2. Old Jail Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By RobertaGriff - Scranton, Pennsylvania
On the beautiful hike up West Broadway Street toward the jail, I saw some folks coming back down the hill and asked their thoughts. Mixed reviews. They said the line was long but wasn't moving much. My wait was around 40 minutes but on such a beautiful night (10/28/17) I didn't mind. The tour guides were mostly kids and it was apparent they worked very hard on getting the information to the group in a time friendly, amusing, and informative manner. I would have liked a little more time in the main block to explore the cells, but I believe this can be done on a regular daytime tour.
On the way out through the gift shop, I purchased a book "Ghosts of the Molly Maguires?" and the woman checking me out asked if I wanted it autographed. I said of course, but by who? She responded with my mom! I had no idea the owner of the jail and author of the book was standing right behind me. What a treat! This struck up a conversation with Betty Lou McBride of how she and her husband came to be owners of the Old Jail Museum and several buildings in Jim Thorpe. What a treasure and memory I will hold dear.
3. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 628 reviews
The 1-hour, 16-mile round-trip follows the Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko, into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. High-rising cliffs and mountain scenery surround the train along the route to Old Penn Haven. You will see hikers, rafters, mountain bikers, and wildlife along the railroad. You will learn about railroad lore, wildlife, the history of the anthracite coal region, and the people who launched America into the Industrial Age. Seasonal days and hours apply throughout the year. Call for more information or visit our website for current schedules.
Reviewed By Sixshoots - Long Island, New York
While visiting Jim Thorpe, we happened upon the WinterFest and the train was running and tickets were available! $14 per adult. Typical old fashioned train seating, i suggest sitting on right side, facing away from town as this affords the best views. Nice way to spend an hour and the price was right!
4. Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Alicia L
We had not planned to visit the church but our family was walking up Race Street, saw the open door and decided to step inside. We were greeted by very friendly and knowledgeable individuals happy to share the stories of the church's history and beautiful architecture and windows. The first floor was the chapel and in it's own was beautiful. We thought that was it but took a ride up the old fashioned elevator to the second level and saw the actual church. The floors were unique and first thing that stood out. Then you take in the alter, pews and beautiful windows. We learned a lot about the Packer family and their ties to the church. So glad we decided to step inside otherwise we would have missed this gem.
5. Jim Thorpe Memorial
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By dinerms - Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
I saw on TCM that Jim Thorpe's relatives want to move his remains to Oklahoma where his family native American tribe originates so I wanted to see his memorial again. It's so well done and cared for. Very limited parking but some wonderful sculptures and statues plus information boards. Getting thru town on the fall festival weekend was a challenge and took about 1/2 hour. The town is so quaint and pretty but really a tourist trap with many signs of $10 to park!
6. Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Closed until May 27, 2017 Please see the Bear Mountain Butterfly Website for information on dates and events for 2017.
Reviewed By shot75 - Pocono Mountains Region, Pennsylvania
We had a blast!!! Very educational! I ended up learning a lot myself. They kept it very fun and entertaining.Great. Please visit again, the beautiful Florida butterflies are just starting to pop from their chrysalids and we will be flying really cool butterflies for the rest of the summer.
7. Glen Onoko Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Sixshoots - Long Island, New York
Visited here on 2/19/2018 in the early afternoon. No one else on the trail. It is not as challenging as some other reviewers have mentioned. Visited with children and adults, and even with snow and ice covered parts of the path, we had no problem. No fee to park, and when you go down the stairs, you can go either to the left to the river or to the right and up to the falls. Spent about an hour, taking photos and just sitting on some rocks enjoying the views.
8. Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By PennDale - Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
Interesting place if you want to know more about the history of Jim Thorpe. There's a lot in there and the movie helped us to understand what we were seeing. It is old and probably hasn't been updated in the last decade, but it's inexpensive to see and very convenient to both the Jail and the Opera house.
9. Big Creek Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
We are the official storefront for Big Creek Vineyard & Winery, located just 16 miles away from downtown historic Jim Thorpe. We offer tastings at this location, and sell wine by the glass and bottle. We also have a local artist gallery on site! Take a break from your adventures traversing Jim Thorpe and enjoy our beautiful tasting room, located on the 1st floor of the Historic Hooven Mercantile Building, found right next to the train station and visitors center.
Reviewed By Karen L - Manassas, Virginia
Pennsylvania isn't known as a wine-producing state (I'm from Virginia, which is). This in-town tasting room was a pleasant surprise. Its spacious interior evokes the good old days when it was a shop or mill or something. I tasted 5 wines for 5 dollars (you can pick any 5 off their list, or have a second helping of something if you only pick 4). Each wine was very respectable, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. I would have bought some bottles, but we were traveling for several days and I didn't want them to spoil in the hot car.
10. Victor Stabin Fine Art & Prints
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Samantha M - Durham, North Carolina
Our daughter is eleven and loves art. We spent a couple hours learning about Stabin's artwork and the inspiration behind it, enjoying dinner at the attached restaurant, and purchasing a unique book of his artwork. (Fabulous studio "hotel room" upstairs if you're looking for a unique place to stay!)
Our visit here was a highlight of our trip!
TAGS
