America is home to countless incredible small towns from coast to coast, but as someone who currently calls the East Coast home, I can tell you that there is something special about the towns in the Northeast. The towns found in this region of the country are quaint, historic, and full of beauty – both natural and man-made. Today, we’re sharing with you a charming small town that has a little bit of everything: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. From shopping and scenic train rides to dining and delving into the past, there are so many wonderful things to do in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. If you’re searching for a picture-perfect weekend getaway option, look no further.

From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.

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History Of Jim Thorpe

Formerly known as East and West Mauch Chunk until 1954, Jim Thorpe was named for the famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe (1888 - 1953), whose remains were brought from Oklahoma and interred in a nearby mausoleum, the Jim Thorpe Memorial.

The town’s history goes back much further, though – after the local discovery of anthracite coal in 1791, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company built the first industrial railroad in the United States here. The gravity switchback line hauled coal to the Lehigh Canal, and coal baron Asa Packer founded the Lehigh Valley Railroad to replace the canal in 1855. Throughout the decades, mining gave way to tourism as the borough’s main industry, and today, the town of Jim Thorpe (population: 4,500) is a thriving tourist destination.

Is Jim Thorpe Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes. While Jim Thorpe wasn’t on my radar when I moved to Maryland in 2021, the Pocono Mountains were. It took us a few years to get here, but I was so glad we made it – and that we discovered Jim Thorpe before we went! Surrounded by the Pocono Mountains and chock-full of delicious restaurants, charming shops, and history, Jim Thorpe is a quintessential mountain town that belongs on everyone’s Pennsylvania bucket list.

Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly, and despite being a small town, Jim Thorpe was incredibly welcoming and inclusive as well, with LGBTQIA+ rainbow stickers in almost every storefront we entered.

How To Get To Jim Thorpe

Located 82 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 120 miles west of New York City in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is easy to access, no matter where you live. We drove into town from the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, approximately 3.5 hours away. No matter where you live in the American Northeast, Jim Thorpe is a must-visit destination for a weekend getaway.

Getting Around Jim Thorpe

Once you’re in Jim Thorpe, we find it easiest to park the car and explore on foot. The downtown area is quite condensed, and the walk from the Old Jail Museum to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway train station along West Broadway is only a half-mile. During our two-night stay in Jim Thorpe, we walked this stretch of road at least three times – each time was more delightful than the last.

Best Time To Visit Jim Thorpe

There’s no bad time of year to visit Jim Thorpe, but we were partial to our Memorial Day weekend trip – the weather was absolutely perfect, and while it was busy, the crowds were manageable. If you’re hoping to celebrate the season, plan a visit during the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival in October, Olde Time Christmas in December, or Jim Thorpe Winterfest in February. An abundance of family-friendly activities and local attractions ensures there is fun to be had at any time of the year, no matter the weather.

Where To Stay In Jim Thorpe

Hotel Pick: The Y On Broadway

This gorgeous historic building – originally opened in 1894 as the YMCA of Mauch Chunk – has been meticulously preserved as a charming boutique hotel. This is one of the most charming hotels I’ve ever stayed in, with classical revival elements, pedimented windows and doorways, and an iconic columned balcony.

The room we stayed in was charming and rustic, and you could tell every single detail was curated thoughtfully. The staff was friendly and helpful, and we loved seeing the historic photos of the area on display throughout the hotel. You also can’t beat the location – The Y On Broadway is located in the heart of Jim Thorpe, and once we arrived, we didn’t use our car again until check-out.

Airbnb Pick: Victorian Townhouse

If you prefer a little more space or have more family members to accommodate, this magnificent Victorian townhouse in Jim Thorpe is just steps from Mauch Chunk Opera House. Built in the 1870s and lovingly and authentically restored to feature modern amenities, this five-bedroom townhouse sleeps up to eight people and will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.

Jim Thorpe Sights & Landmarks

There are countless landmarks and sights to discover in Jim Thorpe – each more fascinating than the last.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House

Formerly known as the Capitol Theater, the Mauch Chunk Opera House was built in 1881 by architect Addison Hutton on “Millionaire Row” in what is now Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The theatre was a whistlestop for vaudeville stars and a popular gathering place for merchants, politicians, and dignitaries. Today, the opera house is one of the region’s most intimate concert venues, seating 380 people and hosting various unique concerts and events.

The Old Jail Museum

Built in 1871, this two-story rusticated stone fortress features thick walls, arched windows, and a square, one-story guard turret above the main entrance. The building is well-known as the jail where a number of suspected Molly Maguires – an Irish secret society that was known for its activism among Irish-American and Irish immigrant coal miners in Pennsylvania – were imprisoned while awaiting trial and subsequently hanged in the mid-1870s after being convicted of murder and other crimes after a series of violent conflicts.

The jail was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and the last prisoners were transferred from the jail in 1995. Today, the facility serves as a museum offering seasonal tours.

The Asa Packer Mansion

Located on Packer Road, The Asa Packer Manion is a historic house museum built in 1861. The home of coal and railroad magnate and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer, a red-ribbon tin roof and a central cupola, or belvedere top the three-story, 18-room mansion. The 11,000-square-foot mansion was willed to the borough of Mauch Chunk by Mary Packer Cumming, Asa Packer’s daughter, in 1912, and it was opened as a museum in 1956.

Other notable sights and landmarks include The Stabin Museum and St. Mark Episcopal Church.

Jim Thorpe Activities & Attractions

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

The highlight of our trip to Jim Thorpe was a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Our daughter loves trains, and this ride did not disappoint. Featuring sweeping views of the Lehigh River and the surrounding Pocono Mountains, the 70-minute round-trip ride was a leisurely way to experience the scenery. The railroad also offers Bike Trains, where you can rent a bicycle from Pocono Biking, take the one-way trip to White Haven by rain, then enjoy a gentle downhill ride back to Jim Thorpe along the Lehigh River through the state park.

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary

Just 15 minutes outside downtown, the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is an incredible spot to visit – especially if you have children. In addition to the butterfly room, where hundreds of beautiful butterflies fly free, the sanctuary is home to axolotls and frogs – plus several kid-friendly activities and a robust gift shop. You can tell how much the staff cares about the animals, and we learned a ton during our visit.

Jim Thorpe Trolley Company

The Jim Thorpe Trolley Company offers several unique town tours, from a 70-minute historic trolley tour where you can see and learn about Jim Thorpe to a five-hour Wine & Shine Tasting Tour that stops at three area wineries. They even offer a seasonal Ghosts & Graveyards tour. We didn’t experience a ride with the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company ourselves, but it looked like an excellent way to experience the town.

Shops & Boutiques In Jim Thorpe

If you like shopping, you’re going to love Jim Thorpe. West Broadway has unique shops and boutiques ready to explore – from the jam-packed Sellers Books and the adult stationary store, Somersault Letterpress, to The Emporium of Curious Goods, Local Fair, and Artisanal Gifts.

We also snagged goodies from Light & Sudsy, a place that sells handmade candles, soaps, and light-up bath bombs; Mauch Chunk Ink, a shop specializing in themed t-shirts; and Down The Rabbit Hole, where we bought some heavenly-smelling Vanilla Bourbon coffee beans. If you’re planning to visit Jim Thorpe, make sure you set aside a shopping budget for your trip – you’re sure to love shopping and supporting local businesses in this small town as much as we did!

There are also several galleries throughout town, though we didn’t visit many as our toddler makes enjoying galleries a bit too anxiety-inducing for my liking. Recommended galleries include Studio YNW, Black Diamond Gallery, and Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation & Gallery.

Restaurants In Jim Thorpe

There is no shortage of scrumptious restaurants in Jim Thorpe, though we only tried a few fan favorites while in town.

Marion Hose Bar

Located next to the Mauch Chunk Opera House, Marion Hose Bar was an absolute delight. The ambiance – both inside and outside on the covered patio – was immaculate: cozy, welcoming, and superb. Even though the restaurant was busy, we were seated inside right away, and the service was prompt and friendly. We ordered one of their specials – mozzeluna, or moon-shaped mozzarella sticks – as well as a scrumptious mac-and-cheese loaded burger and a chicken bacon ranch sandwich. The Marion Hose Bar does not take reservations, so be sure to arrive before you are hungry – especially on popular summer travel weekends!

Myst

If you love sushi, Myst is sure to impress. This casual sushi bar offered a variety of tasty hibachi dishes, nigiri, sushi rolls, and more. Now, I know what I’m about to say is blasphemy, but I am not a seafood fan. I am, however, a fan of vegetarian sushi and tuna.

In addition to orders of gyoza and green onion pancakes for our toddler to enjoy, my spouse and I shared three sushi rolls: a sweet potato roll, a Philadelphia roll, and a spicy tuna roll. Everything was delicious and satisfying, and while the restaurant was busy, we could have spent all day on their outdoor patio.

Broadway Grill

There aren’t many traditional breakfast options in Jim Thorpe, so on our second day in town, we wandered over to the Broadway Grill, located within the Inn At Jim Thorpe. This Victorian building is a work of art, and the restaurant itself is perfectly cozy. The breakfast options were classic but delicious – eggs benedict and french toast, with coffee on the side, of course.

Other highly recommended restaurants include Notch Eight Craft House, Cafe Arielle, and Moya.

Coffee, Wine, And Dessert In Jim Thorpe

As a coffee fanatic and occasional wine drinker with a massive sweet tooth, I love trying out new coffee shops, wineries, and desserts while exploring a new location.

Donerds Donuts

We love starting our day with a good cup of coffee – and a donut is the perfect complement. Recommended to us by the sweetest elderly man while walking through Jim Thorpe, the donuts from Donerds Donuts are an absolute work of art – and quite tasty, too! Their coffees are scrumptious, and the outdoor patio (pictured) is the perfect place to relax.

For a mid-day coffee and ice cream break the entire family will appreciate, Curiosities Coffee & Ice House was perfect. My spouse and I each ordered an affogato – a shot of espresso poured over ice cream, typically vanilla – and our daughter had a scoop of rainbow sherbert. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co.

While in town, we decided to do a little wine tasting, starting with a wine slushie from Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. The slushie was the perfect way to cool off on a warm day and was positively scrumptious!

Big Creek Winery

Our second winery stop before dinner was Big Creek Winery. Located next to Josiah White Park and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway train station, Big Creek Winery offers a variety of tasty local wines and some scrumptious small bites. Our server even made a custom mocktail of sparkling water and juice for our four-year-old daughter to enjoy – at no additional cost!

Nature In And Around Jim Thorpe

The Pocono Mountains surrounding Jim Thorpe are truly spectacular, and there is so much nature to explore in and around Jim Thorpe.

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park was our favorite state park in the immediate Jim Thorpe area. In addition to a beautiful beach area, the state park is home to one of the best waterfall trails we’ve experienced in the Northeast: Hawk Falls.

This 1.2-mile trail gains just 140 feet in elevation and meanders along the stream through the muddy forest to a captivating cascade. Measuring in at just 25 feet, Hawk Falls is a picturesque escape from reality I can’t recommend enough.

Lehigh Gorge State Park

Measuring in at a sprawling 6,000 square feet, Lehigh Gorge State Park is a nature lovers’ paradise. Home to everything from waterfalls and hiking trails to trout fishing and whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone here in Lehigh Gorge State Park. We didn’t explore Lehigh Gorge State Park on foot, but we saw it from the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and were impressed, to say the least.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Ready to make a splash or do a bit of camping near Jim Thorpe? Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a picturesque park that offers a variety of seasonal activities – including fall hayrides and boating. It is also a stunning spot for a picnic or a simple afternoon spent in nature!

Are you ready to take a Small Town Getaway to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania? This charming small town nestled in the Pocono Mountains is one of my family's new favorite destinations – and we are so excited that we could share the town with you!