Jim Thorpe
Established in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, it was later named Jim Thorpe after the legendary Native American athlete. Here entrepreneurs led by Josiah White formed the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company in the 1820s and shipped countless tons of anthracite coal and other goods to market via the Lehigh and Delaware Canals. The town grew in importance when it was named Carbon County’s seat in 1843.
Its steep hillsides, narrow streets, and terraced gardens earned the town its nickname “The Switzerland of America.” The beauty of this region has beckoned people for almost two centuries. Today, the restored Old Mauch Chunk Railroad Station serves at the hub of the town offering visitor services and train rides into Lehigh Gorge. The Mauch Chunk Opera House presents live theater and music. Visit the home of Asa Packer, founder of Lehigh University. Tour the Old Carbon County Jail, once occupied by the Molly Maguires - the alleged Irish mining organization seeking better working conditions.
Things to see and do in Jim Thorpe
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A Queen Anne Victorian home located in the heart of historic Jim Thorpe and within convenient walking distance of shops, galleries, museums and restaurants.
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The Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation's Exhibition Center in Jim Thorpe is located in a former Presbyterian Church which dates back to the late 1800s.
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Angel of the Morning Bed & Breakfast is the perfect choice for an intimate, romantic getaway or an adventurous weekend.
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Built in the Victorian Italianate architectural style in 1861, this beautiful home was the residence of Asa Packer. Today, you will see his mansion just as it stood during Packer's lifetime.
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The Chorale was founded in 1984 and dedicated to performing the works of Bach, Handel and other masters.
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Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
A Butterfly Sanctuary with live indoor aviary and nature-based gift shop.Enjoy the ultimate butterfly experience!
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Specializing in your recreational needs. Bike, boat, kayak, ski, snowboard, snowshoe trips, rentals, repairs and camping necessities. Shuttles available to several trails as well as local ski areas.
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Originally named Mauch Chunk, in 1827 it became the terminus of America's longest railroad. In 1870, this line changed from coal-hauling to passenger excursion service to become a part of the extremely popular Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad. Mauch Chunk was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954.
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This charming turn of the century guesthouse, located in historic Jim Thorpe, is the perfect setting for small groups, reunions and corporate retreats as well as couples and families.
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Built in 1893, it is woven into the historic tapestry of the Molly Maguires. This site is a Victorian lover's dream, refurbished in 1993 but with many original Victorian furnishings.
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Carbon County Cultural Project
Art galleries, artists’ studios, and organic dining in a 10,000 sq. ft. historic wire mill.
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This cottage style, cross-gabled library designed by T. Rooney Williamson first opened its doors on October 1, 1890.
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The Jim Thorpe Earth Day Festival provides an enlightened community forum encouraging the stewardship of our natural resources.
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Episcopal Parish of St. Mark & St. John
Designed by Richard Upjohn and constructed in 1867 -1869, this Church is a National Historic Landmark.
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A celebration of the Fall season in and around Asa Packer Park with train rides, food and craft vendors, entertainment and more.
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Ghost Walks in Old Mauch Chunk
Join costumed Ghost Guides as they share ghoulish tales along Broadway in Jim Thorpe PA.
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Gently restored historic home open year-round and within walking distance to attractions, shopping, and restaurants.
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During the turn of the century, Mauch Chunk and Glen Onoko Falls were a tourist mecca second only to Niagara Falls. More than100 years ago, vacationers would visit the Hotel Wahnetah, an impressive Victorian structure built seven stories high with seven stories of terraced gardens along the side of the mountain.
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Built in 1876, as a wedding gift from Harry Packer's father, it is the epitome of Victorian architecture and design.
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Hill Home Forge Bed & Breakfast
Hill Home Forge offers a relaxing getaway deep in the Pennsylvania Mountains 1.5 miles from historic downtown Jim Thorpe.
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Hillcrest is an 1906 Queen Anne home, featured on ABC Television, with unique views of the Lehigh River Gorge. Service and meals are delightfully English.
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Asa Packer built these 16 row house for engineers and foremen of the Lehigh Valley Railroad.
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Self-guided tour of the Jim Thorpe historic district that dates back to 1816.
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A celebration sure to beat the winter blues! An ice-carving demonstration and ice sculpture display take place in Josiah White Park.
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Jim Thorpe’s Birthday Celebration
On the third weekend in May we honor the accomplishments of the great athlete, Jim Thorpe. Celebrate the birthday of our town's namesake and the Athlete of the 20th Century.
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Festivals abound in this park where you can enjoy the views of historic Jim Thorpe!
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Ride the rails from historic Jim Thorpe into Lehigh Gorge State Park. This view along this magnificent route changes with the seasons.
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Marianne Monteleone Design Gallery showcases the Designer's original signature jackets, Limited Editions, Travel Collection, and the perfect black top! Custom garment sizing, handmade jewelry and accessories by local artists complete the collection.
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Marion Hose Co - Exhibition Space
Built in 1885, this was the home of the first volunteer Fire Company in Carbon County.
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Located in beautiful downtown Jim Thorpe near historic attractions, shopping, dining, hiking, biking, rafting, and more.
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Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a great place to visit. Not only is it an excellent camping spot but it is also close to some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a county park and operated by the county's Parks and Recreation Department.
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The museum contains Switchback Railroad and canal lock models as well as a museum of the history of Mauch Chunk and a display of Jim Thorpe.
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Live performance and cultural events delight music and theater lovers in an intimate space with excellent acoustics.
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Were the Molly Maguires victims or villains? You decide as you visit the sites where the organized labor movement began and relive the events that lead to the death of over a dozen men in Schuylkill County's Coal Country.
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This year’s celebration on June 5 has special significance for Carbon County and Jim Thorpe: the D&L Trail between the community and adjoining Lehigh Gorge State Park is officially being opened to the public.
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Nic East Design Art Glass Studio
Art glass studio specializing in stained glass, fused glass, exquisite glass beads imbedded with precious metals, diachronic sparkles, and amazing designs.
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Wander the Old Jail's cold hallways, past Cell 17 with its mysterious handprint on the wall, under the gallows on which seven of the accused Molly Maguires were put to death, and down into the eerie dungeon.
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Old Mauch Chunk - National Historic District
The Old Mauch Chunk Historic District features many historic buildings and sites. Self-guided tours are available.
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This tour highlights 1800s Victorian life and architecture, the Industrial Revolution, the barons of industry, the Molly Maguires and efforts to preserve Jim Thorpe heritage.
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Old Mauch Chunk Landing (Jim Thorpe Visitor Center)
The Landing is Carbon County's hub for special events, exhibits and rail excursions, and an orientation center of the Delaware & Lehigh National and State Heritage Corridor. Explore the rich industrial heritage through themed exhibits.
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Old Time Christmas Celebration
Enjoy the holiday season in the decorated downtown, with special events, shopping deals and more. Train rides with Santa, too!
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Panther Valley Anthracite Auto Tour
Experience the communities which were once filled to overflowing with new immigrants and growing families. These communities sent carloads of anthracite coal down the mountains by gravity on tracks that led to the Lehigh River.
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This venue, seating up to 1,800 concert-goers, provides the best in entertainment and dinner shows.
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There's something fun here at Pocono Whitewater for every level of adventurer!
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Located in the heart of historic Jim Thorpe, this 1827 Italianate Victorian Home is within walking distance to museums, shops and fine restaurants.
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Treasure maker Marjorie Reppert, a self proclaimed packrat uses new and old once-loved goods and transforms them into shrines, icons and altered art along with funky to traditional memory boxes called Remembrances™.
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Jim Thorpe has a long tradition as a cultural center. The galleries, which line the narrow and twisting streets of this picturesque town, are open for visitors and hold special gallery exhibits during extended hours.
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Here at Skirmish, we have over 50 playing fields on 700+ acres of award-winning Paintball Gamelands.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Jim Thorpe
St. Patrick's Day Parade (Downtown Jim Thorpe). Starts at 1:00PM.
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Victor Stabin is a representational painter whose narrative paintings capture intersections of natural and human history.
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Located in the heart of the historic district above Marianne Monteleone Design Gallery, this 19th century brick Victorian building invites a sense of yesterday.
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Built in the early 1800s, this monumental system of gently sloping pathways was designed to haul coal from the massive anthracite mine on Summit Hill down to the Lehigh Canal.
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This is a fine recreation trail, linking Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill to the overlook on Mount Pisgah. Some incredible views of the Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe are from Mount Pisgah.
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Affordable, old, restored art deco railroad photos and contemporary Jim Thorpe, PA photography are specialties. In-studio portraits and railroad gifts are also available.
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The Inn at Jim Thorpe is one of our town’s landmark treasures. Built in 1849 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn combines old world charm with modern conveniences.
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The Jim Thorpe eXperience (JTX)
Guided Historic Adventure Tours - hike, bike, kayak or walk through historic Jim Thorpe and its beautiful surroundings, while enjoying historic and ecological discussion with local guides.
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The Minnie Victoria Bed & Breakfast
A romantically restored little Victorian Bed & Breakfast with many amenities that make it the perfect getaway.
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A quiet getaway or a base for outdoor adventure within walking distance of restaurants, shops, museums and art galleries.
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The Victoriann Bed & Breakfast
This enchanting Victorian Townhouse in the heart of Jim Thorpe was built in 1860 by Nathan Cartwright and is part of historic "Millionaire's Row".
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Constructed in 1822, Whitehurst is a newly renovated guest house that was originally home to the town’s founder, Josiah White.
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Whitewater Rafting Adventures has been the premier rafting and adventure outfitter on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains for over 25 years.
