jail tour jim thorpe pa

Old Jail Museum

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Old Jail Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 mi) Upscale King Suite with Purple Mattress and reserved off-street parking
• (0.02 mi) Directly across from the Old Jail, historical & surreal, ground floor 2 bedroom
• (0.02 mi) Large private apartment with view of the Old Jail Museum in historic Jim Thorpe.
• (0.02 mi) Upscale organic modern with whirl pool
• (0.15 mi) The Dolon House
• (0.18 mi) Antonio's Pizzeria
• (0.17 mi) Ma's Crepes and Cakes
• (0.34 mi) Stone Row Pub & Eatery
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Old Jail Museum

Welcome to jim thorpe, pa.

Our beautiful town of Jim Thorpe, PA is nestled between the mountains & Lehigh River.

You will think you stepped back in time as you stroll our quaint streets lined with Victorian Architecture.  Our beautifully restored buildings are filled with about 40 specialized shops, anitque stores, & delicious eateries... all within walking distance... all small family owned businesses!

Jim Thorpe, PA (formally named Mauch Chunk) is filled with coal mining and rail-road history.  Mauch Chunk, PA was the place that fueled the Industrial Revolution!  And, Mauch Chunk was the location of the first roller coaster in the United States!

We are located 5 walkable blocks from the Train Station (located off Rt. 209)

* Be sure to stop in our other family business - four blocks from the Jail:

The Treasure Shop ~ 44 Broadway  -  www.PeggysTreasureShop.com

Our store is filled with unique finds made in Ireland and the USA!

Where are we?

We're located in historic downtown Jim Thorpe, PA.

You may either park at a meter or park in the County Lot & walk to to the jail.  

We are 5 blocks from the Train Station & Court House (with the clock).  

There is a County Parking Lot behind the train station (off Rt 209)  5 walkable blocks away.

Note: If you approach the County Parking lot from Rt 903, on weekends you will not be able to turn left into the lot.  Make the first right then turn left at the light to get to the lot.  

We do have a SMALL parking lot reserved for Handicapped / Disabled plates or tag holders. 

Our small lot is located up the driveway of the jail. Do NOT park in our neighbor's lower lot or you will be ticketed & towed!

Our lot will not accommodate extra large vehicles, campers, extended pick-ups, or vehicles with trailers / large bike racks.

Sorry, no parking on the street as this is by permit only & you will get a $50 ticket.  The lot on the street level is NOT for jail use. It is home-owner parking only & you will be towed if you park there. If you do not have a handicapped tag, but cannot walk to the jail due to a physical condition, please park in our lot & advise staff as soon as you arrive.  Please move your vehicle out of our lot immediately after your tour.  (Violators. will be towed at vehicle owner's expense)

Here's a map, but if you get lost,

              just give us a call and we'll tell you how to get to jail. 

If you are looking for other things to do while in our area... Attractions:

Asa Packer Mansion, Mauch Chunk Museum, & St. Mark's Church

~ all within walking distance of the jail ~ 

No. 9 Coal Mine  - 9 Dock St., Lansford, PA, 18232

~ about a 20 minute drive ~  Eckley Miners' Village  -  2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255

Accommodations (within Walking Distance to the Jail):

Inn at Jim Thorpe - Hotel

The Y on Broadway - Hotel

Rosemary's Remembrances II - B&B

Times House - B&B

Guilded Cupid - B&B

The Parsonage - B&B

The Dolan House - B&B

The Old Jail Museum

128 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-1933 Phone: 570-325-5259 Region: Pocono Mountains

In 1877, seven members of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of Irish coal miners, were imprisoned and executed at Jim Thorpe’s Old Jail Museum. Wander to cell 17 in the preserved building, where a Molly Maguire left a dirty handprint before his hanging as a declaration of innocence (mysteriously visible after the wall was washed, painted, and plastered).

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The most comprehensive and authoritative history site on the Internet.

Jim Thorpe and the old Jail Museum – Sidebar: April ’00 American History

By the 1950s, the coal industry had declined, bringing the neighboring communities of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk down with it. Desperate to recapture their nineteenth-century prosperity, the two towns decided to merge, change their names, and look for a way to attract visitors. It took the death of a famous American athlete with absolutely no connection to the area to give them a new lease on life.

When Jim Thorpe died in 1953, his home state of Oklahoma lacked the funds to erect a fitting tribute for him. His widow, hearing about the Mauch Chunks’ impending name change during a visit to Philadelphia, approached town officials with a proposal. If they would organize an appropriate burial spot and memorial to her husband in their community, they could name their new town after him. In 1954 they did just that, and in the years since, Jim Thorpe has become a popular tourist spot that overflows with crafts and antiques shops, art galleries, and boutiques. A 20-ton granite memorial situated in a small park on the east side of town marks the burial place of the famous athlete.

The jail’s main area is flanked by the 8-by-13-foot cells, each secured by two doors, an outer oak padlocked door and an inner door made of iron bands and locked by a bar and padlock. The cells, cold and damp, remain just as they were when prisoners occupied them less than five years ago. The main area is lit by a skylight, but the meager daylight that reaches each cell does so through a high, narrow, six-inch-wide window that is secured by bars.

The jail tour’s main attraction is cell number 17, which contains a faint handprint on the wall. According to legend, just before his execution, one of the Molly Maguires–either Campbell or Fisher–placed his hand on the wall and declared that his handprint would remain there forever as a sign of his innocence. McBride said that the wall has been cleaned and painted many times in the years since, but the handprint always returns.

Like the handprint, memories of the Molly Maguires refuse to fade from Jim Thorpe. During the local St. Patrick’s Day parade each year, members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (an Irish fraternal organization) place a large, green-tinted chrysanthemum wreath bound with a black ribbon outside the main door of the Old Jail Museum to commemorate the men who were hanged there.

The Mollies are remembered elsewhere in the region. The Historical Society of Schuylkill County in Pottsville displays portions of the ropes used to hang the men, trial transcripts, and a revolver used by an adversary of the Mollies; and what was once the headquarters of alleged Molly boss Jack Kehoe in Girardville is now a bar run by Kehoe’s great-grandson. To get a sense of the conditions the Mollies and their fellow miners experienced, visitors can stop by the No. 9 Mine “Wash Shanty” Anthracite Coal Mining Museum in Lansford and see a collection of mining memorabilia, while the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland offers tours of an anthracite mine.

Christine Techky

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Old Jail Museum

Once known in its past as the Carbon County Jail, the Old Jail Museum is now operating as a fully functional museum and ghost-hunt tourist spot. Resembling a fortress standing guard over the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, the historic Old Jail Museum is a beautiful two-story stone structure. Containing about 72 rooms in total, the building is home to 27 old jail cells, as well as a few cells in the basement, or the ‘dungeon’ used for solitary confinement of the inmates who resided here while the jail was in operation.

Real Life Jail Turned Tourist Attraction

It contains women’s cells, an apartment for the jail warden, which comes equipped with a large living room, dining room, two bedrooms, as well as a kitchen that was shared with the prisoners. For many years, the warden’s wife did the cooking not only for her family but also for the inmates in the jail. It was added to The National Register of Historic Places on November 8th, 1974. The building itself was constructed in 1869 and resembles a fortress, its thick stone walls and massive guard turret towering above all who enter it.

The Molly Maguires

The building is best known as the site of the hangings of seven Irish coal miners, known as Molly Maguires, in the 1800s. The Molly Maguires were an Irish 19th-century secret society that was active in Ireland, Liverpool, and parts of the Eastern United States. They were best known for their activism among Irish-American and Irish immigrant coal miners in Pennsylvania. The group was active in land disputes, where they had their own set of rules on how they should conduct themselves when settling arguments over properties. Some of their rules included not paying rent without harvest, no overpayment for rental land, and don’t hold grudges. The Molly Maguires were dead-set (no pun intended) on receiving fair treatment for their work and held a number of labor strikes to try and accomplish their mission. Their reputation was not a good one, as law enforcement of the time saw them as a menace to society. Franklin Gowen, the president of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal & Iron Company, deluged local newspapers with stories of murder and arson committed by the Mollies. They were threatening his way of life, his estate, his money. He was not going to stop until the Mollies were brought to justice in his eyes.

Not everyone saw the Mollies as a threat, and the governor of Pennsylvania in 1979, Milton Shapp, even granted a posthumous pardon to them and said that they were ‘martyrs to labor, heroes in the struggle to establish a union and fair treatment for workers.’ It seems like the Molly Maguires just wanted to keep peace and fairness, but the group did not always peacefully protest. In the late 1800s, twenty of the Molly Maguires were involved in a series of violent conflicts, and soon after were convicted of murder and were set to be executed by hanging in 1877 and 1878 at the Carbon County Jail and one other. After an intense and uphill battle at trial, six men were hanged at a prison in Pottsville, and four were brought to the Carbon County Jail to be executed. A scaffold was erected outside of the jail, and state militia with their bayonets fixed surrounded the prison and the gallows. Miners arrived with their wives and children from the surrounding areas, some even traveling through the night to come and honor the Mollies. By nine that morning, the crowd was stretched as far as the eye could see. Families fell silent, and they paid tribute to those who were about to take their final walk, their final draw of breath, and their final moments here on earth. One of the accused, Thomas Munley’s aging father walked ten miles from Gilberton to assure his son that he believed in his innocence. Munley’s wife arrived a few minutes later but was not allowed to enter, and she said her grief-stricken goodbyes from the gate. The four were hung on June 21st, 1877, for the murders of mine bosses and their constituents.

Alexander Campbell, one of the Molly Maguires set to be hanged at Carbon County, left his mark on the jail. Just before his execution, he allegedly slapped a large muddy handprint on his cell wall, stating, ‘there is proof of my words, that mark of mine will never be wiped out, it is proof of my innocent, it will remain forever to shame the county for hanging an innocent man.” This eerie story leads us to our next section…

The Legend of The Unwashable Print

Even these days, with the Old Jail Museum in operation, Campbells’ handprint is said to remain. Over the years, there have been numerous attempts at removal, replastering, painting, sanding, even the construction of a brand new wall and the handprint remains. All of the men proclaimed their innocence, and today historians believe that many of the condemned were falsely accused of murder and innocently hung. The print stands as a testament to the fact that while the American justice system does its best, sometimes it fails those who are innocent, and history cannot wash that away. It is said that the spirits of the coal miners who were hanged here remain, and visitors to the Old Jail Museum corroborate that belief.

Hauntings at The Old Jail Museum

Spectral handprints aside, the jail itself is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Not only did it house some of Pennsylvania’s most dangerous criminals, but it was also the final destination for self-proclaimed innocent inmates. The terror felt by them and their families as they stepped up to the gallows is palpable, and the energies coursing through the museum are felt by all of those who step foot onto the property. Visitors come away from the museum with reports of apparitions and strange shadow figures, loud bangs from the darkness of the solitary confinement cells down below, and even shoving when the spirits feel as though they’ve overstayed their welcome. Legends say that these are the inmates’ spirits and even the ghost of the old warden himself ‘checking in’ on his prison and the inmates he was responsible for. In the warden’s apartment area of the museum, objects will move around the kitchen area, and visitors can hear pots and pans clanging. Could this be the warden’s wife, still hard at work to provide meals for those who resided here?

Regardless of who is up in the kitchen whipping up some ghostly meals, the Old Jail Museum is one of the creepiest spots in Jim Thorpe, A scenic hour-and-a-half drive from Philadelphia. It is also with no doubt one of the spookiest places in all of Pennsylvania. Jails and prisons hold a special kind of energy, especially if that energy believes it was wrongly accused and deserves justice. There’s nothing that will create more of a haunting than unfinished business, and if the track record of the Molly Maguires says anything, then the spirits here are going to keep fighting until they receive the justice they are seeking. If you’re interested in visiting the Old Jail Museum, there are a few beautiful hotels within walking distance of the museum and the rest of the quaint town of Jim Thorpe, PA, including the Times House and the Inn at Jim Thorpe. To check out another haunted location on your trip down to the museum, why not stop by the ever-so-haunted Hex House ?

Sources Cited:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_County_Jail

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Maguires

http://www.theoldjailmuseum.com/history.html

https://www.pahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/old-jail-museum.html

https://www.trytoscare.me/legend/old-jail-museum-jim-thorpe-pa/

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Jim Thorpe Adventure

Enjoy a day full of history and beautiful scenery!

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Pick-up Points

Arrive in Jim Thorpe for a day full of history and beautiful scenery! Take a narrated trolley tour, listening to the history of Jim Thorpe. Then be guided through the Old Jail Museum, which resembles a fortress standing guard over the town. Explore the Mauch Chunk Museum, learning about topics such as the Lenape Indians, the discovery and mining of “black diamonds” (coal), the settlement of early Mauch Chunk, the scramble to build waterways and railroads to transport coal to eastern seaboard cities, and the unique Switchback Railroad. A delicious luncheon is included at The Broadway Grille & Pub, located the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe. After lunch it’s all aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway! Depart on a 16-mile, 70 minute, roundtrip scenic train ride. Relax and ride comfortably in the vintage coaches built as early as 1917, pulled by diesel engines. The narrated tour follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko, and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. High-rising cliffs, mountain scenery, and wildlife surround the train along the forested route to “Old Penn Haven.” Make a stop for a sweet treat at the Chantilly Goods Ice Cream en route home.

Trip Includes: Transportation, Trolley Tour, Old Jail Museum, Mauch Chunk Museum, Luncheon, Train Excursion, Sweet Treat, Meal Gratuities, and Taxes.

Driver gratuity is not included.

6:45 AM Depart from Penn Harris, Camp Hill 7:15 AM Depart from Weis Markets Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg 9:15 AM Arrive in Jim Thorpe for a day full of history and beautiful scenery! 4:15 PM Depart Jim Thorpe 6:45 PM Approximate return to Weis Markets Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg 7:15 PM Approximate return to Penn Harris, Camp Hill

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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The 21 Best Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA

I’ve visited hundreds of amazing small towns in Pennsylvania , but few are as charming as Jim Thorpe, PA.

Jim Thorpe, PA is located in Carbon County in the Poconos region of the state . It was originally known as Mauch Chunk and was one of the first coal boom towns in the United States. However, in 1954, the town changed its name to Jim Thorpe to honor the great athlete of the same name who is now buried on the edge of town.

Today, there are many fantastic things to do in Jim Thrope, PA  ranging from peaceful shopping to historical sights and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Without a doubt, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy in the town known as the “Switzerland of Pennsylvania”.

When to Visit Jim Thorpe, PA

Jim Thorpe is a beautiful small town, but it is also one of the most popular destinations in PA. Because of this, it’s worth giving some thought to when you visit.

Weekends in Jim Thorpe can often feel more like a trip to Disney World than a stroll through a quaint small town. However, because there are so many great things to do in Jim Thorpe, you are unlikely to have trouble finding something to do even if it is crowded.

Parking, on the other hand, can be difficult to come by, especially on weekends in October (when it’s a great spot to see fall foliage in PA ) and during the holiday season. (The large municipal parking lot on Route 209 is your best parking option.) Because of this, I definitely recommend visiting on a weekday if you can.

Regardless, if you stay the night in town, things calm down significantly in the evening and early morning, meaning you can really experience the quaintness of the town quite easily. The bottom of this article has a few suggestions for places to stay the night.

Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA

Lehigh gorge scenic railway.

There might be no attraction in Jim Thorpe that’s more popular than the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway .

This train leaves from the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey train station at the northeastern end of town near the Lehigh River. While there are a variety of excursions you can take, the most popular options are their daily sightseeing tours, which are either 45 minutes or 70 minutes in length depending on the season.

The train ride offers a great way to explore the banks of the Lehigh River upstream of town.

Old Jail Museum

Located on the opposite end of town from the train station, you’ll find another popular spot in Jim Thorpe: the Old Jail Museum .

Long known as the Carbon County Jail, it served the community from 1870 until 1995. Within the walls, several of the famous Molly Maguires were hung, and some say that the handprint of one can still be seen on a cell wall.

Tours take you through the solitary confinement area, the main cell block, the warden’s quarters, and more. In the fall, they also run popular ghost tours after dark.

Jim Thorpe’s Grave

While world-renowned athlete Jim Thorpe spent much of his childhood at Carlisle, PA’s Indian Industrial School, he is never known to have visited Carbon County. Still, in an attempt to revive the area’s tourism, the community reached an agreement with Thrope’s wife to bury him in town if it was renamed after him.

Today, Jim Thorpe’s grave can still be found on the outskirts of town about two miles from the main downtown area. The grave is quite well done and features several statues of Thorpe. The signs around the grave offer good information about Thorpe’s life, though they could use some refurbishment as they are getting a bit hard to read.

Asa Packer Mansion

The Asa Packer Mansion sits on a hillside on the edge of town and is one of the top things to do in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

This was the home of Asa Packer, owner of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the founder of Lehigh University, and was constructed in 1861. Since 1956, this Italianate villa home has been open for tours, with most of its original furnishings and decor intact.

The home’s main chandelier was copied exactly for use in the film “Gone with the Wind” due to its incredible design.

Downtown Shops and Restaurants

No visit to Jim Thorpe is complete without taking the time to explore the downtown area and the many great shops and restaurants along Broadway and Race Street.

The shops here feature great art, antiques, and much more, and you are sure to find at least a few shops that will interest you.

Jim Thorpe is also known for its many great restaurants, and while getting a table on a busy weekend can sometimes be an issue, you won’t regret sitting down for a meal here. I’ve enjoyed great food from Stone Row Pub and Eatery , Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub , Woods Ice Cream , and Donerds Donuts , but there are many more great options spread throughout town.

Mauch Chunk Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of Jim Thorpe/Mauch Chunk, the best spot to visit is the Mauch Chunk Museum .

This museum is located within a historic church and offers a wealth of information about the region from its Native American past through the present day. The working models of the early dams on the Lehigh River and the Switchback Railroad are very detailed and do a great job showcasing the area’s history.

There are also displays related to the area’s great hiking, famous mansions, and Jim Thrope (the man). And make sure to not miss the museum’s excellent film.

Turn Hole Tunnel

Located a few miles upstream on the Lehigh River, you’ll find the amazing Turn Hole Tunnel .

This abandoned railroad tunnel was built by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and was in use from 1866 until 1956. Today, visitors can carefully walk through this 400-foot tunnel until it ends at a fence overlooking the bridge piers and the Lehigh River.

While the interior of the tunnel is now closed to visitors, you can still see it from both ends, and it’s worth a quick stop while you’re in the area.

Bright Path Brewing

While there are many great breweries in the Poconos, Bright Path Brewing is Jim Thorpe’s only craft brewery. Located outside of the main downtown area near Jim Thorpe’s grave, this spot is worth the short drive from town to check out.

Bright Path Brewing features a beautiful and airy taproom, and, during my visit, had 10 beers on draft, including a larger variety of lagers than many other breweries in PA that I’ve visited.

Interestingly, I think this might be the only brewery I’ve visited in the state that offers their beers in liters instead of ounces. If you are feeling thirsty (and not driving), get a full liter of your favorite beer.

Switchback Railroad Trail

The Switchback Railroad has had a lot of iterations: first as a way to move coal from the mountains, then as one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country (and the first roller coaster), and today, as a great hiking trail.

The Switchback Railroad Trail extends for 18 miles from Jim Thorpe to Summit Hill, where the original coal mines were located. The railroad tracks are long gone, though you can still see some remnants from its past along the trail.

If you are looking for a hike in the Jim Thorpe area, this is definitely a great choice.

White Water Rafting

The Lehigh River in Carbon County is one of the most popular spots to go white water rafting in Pennsylvania, and on a busy weekend, you’ll see many people rafting down the river, especially if you head into Lehigh Gorge State Park.

There are several outfitters that offer rafting on the river with Jim Thorpe River Adventures being accessible from in town.

River trips last several hours, and depending on the route taken and the river conditions can range from Class 1-3 rapids. Some trips are even tame enough that younger kids can take the trip as well.

Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum

Jim Thorpe owes its existence to the coal mines in the mountains west of town, and the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum is a great spot to visit if you want to learn about the area’s rich history with anthracite coal.

This mine was the longest-running anthracite coal mine in the world operating from 1855 until 1972. There are miles of tunnels here, some of which extend as far as 800 feet below the earth’s surface.

Visitors can ride a historic car into the mine and learn more about what it was like to work underground, and the impact of anthracite coal on this region, the country, and the world.

For over 100 years, Glen Onoko has been drawing visitors to its majestic waterfalls just upriver of Jim Thorpe. Sadly, most of the gorge was closed to visitors a few years ago (Don’t get me started…), but the uppermost of the three waterfalls, Cave Falls, can still be reached via a different trail that remains open to the public.

This waterfall is at the top of the mountain and can be reached via a two-mile loop trail that also passes by a couple of vistas.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Located west of downtown Jim Thorpe, you’ll find Mauch Chunk Lake Park .

The park is centered around a beautiful lake that is home to a popular beach during the summertime. There are also several miles of hiking and biking trails, including the aforementioned Switchback Railroad Trail.

Those with watercraft can also put them in on the lake and enjoy the sights of this beautiful spot.

Muggle’s Mug

Muggle’s Mug is definitely one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve visited in PA because this is a Harry Potter-themed coffee shop.

Stepping in, it definitely feels as if you’ve entered a wizarding world thanks to some great decoration within the space. Many details are set up to make you feel comfy, and you can even curl up and watch a Harry Potter film on the constantly running movie screen.

Both the drinks and food here are quite tasty, and you can order drinks like Butterbeer, Mandrake Maple Draught, and Pop-Up Potion.

D&L Rail Trail

The D&L Rail Trail is a fantastic walking and biking path that follows the Lehigh River along an old train bed through Jim Thorpe.

Eventually, this trail will be 165 miles from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, PA, but today, a large portion of the completed trail extends from either direction centered on Jim Thorpe.

The most popular route is to bike upriver through Lehigh Gorge State Park , with more than 20 miles of uninterrupted trail allowing you to bike to near White Haven, PA. On select days, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs biking excursions that allow you to take the train upriver, and then bike back down the trail.

Stabin Museum

The Stabin Museum is located on the outskirts of town, but it’s worth the distance to check out one of my favorite things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA.

This museum features 10,000 square feet of gallery space highlighting the work of artist Victor Stabin. Even if you, like me, haven’t heard of Stabin, if you appreciate fantastic art, you are sure to love this spot.

The walls of the museum are lined with Stabin’s unique and varied art, as well as a lot of signage that tells the story of these amazing pieces of work. There is also a jazz bar and restaurant on site for visitors to enjoy.

Beltzville State Park

Beltzville State Park is located a short drive from Jim Thorpe and is one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations.

This nearly 3,000-acre park features a large lake with a fantastic swimming area. There are also several miles of hiking trails, including one that goes to the popular Wild Creek Falls , as well as one of the two covered bridges in Carbon County .

Harry Packer Mansion

The Harry Packer Mansion is located next to the Asa Packer Mansion (Harry was Asa’s son) and is just as grandiose as the latter. And, if this mansion looks familiar, that’s because it was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion at Disney World.

While the mansion isn’t open for tours, it is a great bed and breakfast if you are looking for somewhere to spend the night. You can also visit on select Friday evenings for the Libations Lounge for a chance to peek inside.

Even if you are unable to go inside, it’s also worth walking over just to check out the home’s beautiful exterior.

Flagstaff Mountain Overlook

Flagstaff Mountain Overlook offers a phenomenal view over both the town of Jim Thorpe and the surrounding forested hillsides. In fact, from the vista, you see little other than the town and trees.

This overlook is quite historic, having been the site of a popular dance hall and park during the town’s heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it’s a much quieter spot, but the views are still phenomenal.

Hickory Run State Park

There are a lot of great parks in the Poconos, but there might be none better than Hickory Run State Park , which is only about 30 minutes from Jim Thorpe, PA.

Hickory Run is nearly 16,000 acres in size and features some incredible hikes, a beautiful waterfall, vistas, and much more. Highlights for me include the fantastic boulder field , the Shades of Death Trail , the historic chapel, and Hawk Falls .

Mauch Chunk Opera House

If you want to see a show, the Mauch Chunk Opera House is a great choice.

This historic theater was completed in 1882 and was one of the first vaudeville theaters in the country, hosting acts like John Philip Sousa, Al Jolson, and Mae West. After being used as a warehouse and left abandoned for many years, it is now open once again and hosts acts from throughout the country.

Where to Stay in Jim Thorpe

There are many spots to stay in Jim Thorpe, but all the properties in town are either small hotels or bed and breakfasts.

Probably the most well-known spot is the Inn and Jim Thorpe , which is located right on Broadway and is a historic 19th-century hotel. The rooms here are completely modern, however, and this is a great central location to stay the night.

Another great option is the aforementioned Henry Packer Mansion , which is a bed and breakfast that is historic and an architectural wonder.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for a basic place to stay, Hotel Switzerland is located right in town above the Molly Maguires Irish Pub. The rooms here are basic but clean and in a great location. Just note that not all rooms have private bathrooms.

There are also many other bed and breakfasts, as well as some nearby chain hotels that can be found on sites like Booking.com .

What are your favorite things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the best waterfalls in the Poconos , the top things to do in Allentown , and Bake Oven Knob .

Great places to stay nearby

• The Inn at Jim Thrope - A 19th-century inn is located in the heart of Jim Thorpe
• Hill Crest Bed & Breakfast - A cozy bed and breakfast with mountain views
• The Parsonage Bed & Breakfast - Rated the best B&B in Jim Thorpe on Trip Advisor.
• Mountain View Suites - Each room comes with a balcony with mountain views
• Find more great places to stay on Airbnb!

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More nearby places worth exploring

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Find more things to do in the poconos.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

17 thoughts on “The 21 Best Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA”

I’ve been to Jim Thorpe and it’s nice for a visit with some interesting things to do. No way, however, that I’d ever call it the “Switzerland” of PA or any other place. If you think that, you’ve never been to Switzerland.

I didn’t make up the nickname. However, while it does pale in comparison, I can understand the name if you are solely comparing it to the idea of small Swiss towns with a strong bent toward what PA looks like.

“Many great restaurant?” I don’t think so. I find it extremely difficult to get a decent meal in Jim Thorpe!

I’ve quite enjoyed everywhere I’ve eaten and heard good reports from others. In my opinion, the only real issue is finding a table on a busy day.

There are tons of great restaurants. I am floored you wrote that.

I grew up in Jim Thorpe and have always appreciated its splendid architecture and potential. I am so glad to see that it has reached its talos and is now taking its place as one of the most popular spots in Pa.

I lived in the Jim Thorpe area for 23 years. Beautiful small town. I actually lived in the Harry Packer Mansion from 93 – 96. It used to be privately owned by Bob & Patty Handwerk. Bob restored that place pretty much on his own. I would watch the place during the week when the owners were at their other home in Marco Island ,Florida

I used to live 10 minutes up the mountain from Jim Thorpe so I visited often. My favorite place to visit is the Muggles Mug! Jim Thorpe is gorgeous year round and a must visit town in Pennsylvania!!!

Great job pointing out Jim Thorpe attractions. My wife and I are visiting the first weekend in March. Hoping that the crowds in town will be less than normal given the off season visit. Got tix for a show at Mauch and will be taking the train ride on Sunday. We’re staying two nights at the Belle Victoria B&B.

Please note that the falls are no longer accessible. They have closed them due too many rescues they have had. They do patrol it and fine people for going on the trail.

Some of the waterfalls were closed due to gross mismanagement by the state agencies that control the land, but the waterfalls mentioned in this article are all still accessible to the public.

Don’t forget to visit the Dimmick Memorial Library. Architectural beauty, historically one of the first public libraries in the state and the best Director and Staff in the state.

I am surprised you mentioned Mauch Chunk Lake Park but did not mention the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Maybe you need to do an entire feature on the place. It’s one of the best places for children in Carbon County!

Thanks Jim for all of your interesting and informative articles on small town Pa. I enjoy reading them so much that I will be visiting Jim Thorpe next week on a trip to the area that I otherwise wouldn’t have. Please ignore the snarky comments from people. It’s unfortunately the world we now live in. Happy and safe travels.

Recently purchased tickets for our first visit via a train ride. Since then I have talked to people that have been there and was told it is very hilly. My wife has bad knees and has trouble walking up hills. Did I make a mistake or is there areas where we can walk around while awaiting our train ride home?

The area right around the train station isn’t hilly, and there are some fun shops and restaurants in the flat part of town. However, you won’t be able to explore the whole town without doing some hills. Hope that helps.

Hi Jim, Jim Thorpe is a great place to spend a day or two, or three. You covered a lot of things to do there. The ‘Town Tour’ is also a great way to check out the Town. While you are there, one might wish to also check out the Molly McGuires Restaurant. Also, not too far away, and worth the trip, is the Eckley Coal Miners Village, which is where the Movie, “The Molly McGuires”, with Sean Connery, was filmed.

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Attraction:

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania : Old Jail Museum

Lots of ghosts. See gallows, nooses, and the cell with the hand print of the hanged man that cannot be removed! "Executions" Historical marker out front.

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It starts with a video, followed by a guided tour, and ends with an a opportunity to walk around on your own. We saw lots of interesting things: jail cells, spooky basement dungeon, gallows, women's cells, kitchen, wardens quarters, etc. It was a good tour. The town, Jim Thorpe, is a cool little town but is very busy, and it is difficult to find parking.

Crowded little tourist town of Jim Thorpe, but absolutely beautiful.

After touring the Old Jail Museum you'll be glad that today's prisons are better (I hope!). You can't take photos or see the handprint up close anymore -- apparently it's becoming too faded. The tour was fine, but too many people made it a tight fit. I recommend maybe going on the last one of the day...? We had about 20 on their opening hour. Reservations not needed. About 40 minutes and $10 pp. Free parking up behind the jail itself.

Don't miss the kitchen, warden quarters, women cells, and the gift shop. It is amazing to hear the history and that the jail was operating well into the 1980s. There are many photo opps, including the chance for your family to be photographed behind bars! The dungeon is especially fascinating. You can walk into most of the cells and see the furniture and props.

The hanging area is a little rattling for some. My kids ages 8, 11, and 12 found it interesting, and were not scared. Bring a flash camera to capture "orbs."

My wife and I were traveling through eastern PA when we happened to find ourselves in Jim Thorpe, PA. Instantly falling in love with the town, we were lucky to find a vacancy right in a B&B right on the main street. What to do on a Saturday night over the Halloween weekend in a strange town? Why, visit the ghost tour of the Old County Jail, of course!

They conduct a kitschy and low impact tour of the grounds guided by high school kids (most likely from the high school drama department), telling scary stories and lots and lots of waiting for the group before you move on. This waiting gives the more inquisitive visitor time to explore the rooms. They have almost all the lights off, so having a tiny key chain flashlight really helped out. as we peeked in closets and drawers. You can also really annoy the "believers" by making jokes about ghosts and making odd sounds. Hey, when the one guy said he was a "professional skeptic" I just HAD to ask where you get a degree in skepticism!

Overall it's an interesting journey and the amateur tour (which is not too bad) aside, from looking at how men and women where imprisoned here, is really something. The basement dungeon is especially poignant. To see where people were kept alone in tiny cells is touching. Oh, and while the guides are talking be sure to slip into one of the darker ones. Then, when people begin to poke around after the speeches just wait for someone to peek in. Then? bwahahahahahaha!

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Fall In Love With Jim Thorpe, PA

Allow Wolf's Bus Lines to give you a break from the hustle of your everyday life, journeying you through history, with a tour of Jim Thorpe old jail, a trolley tour of Jim Thorpe, Lehigh George Scenic Train Ride, and dinner at the Mansion House of Summitt Hill.

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Tour of Old Jail, Trolley Tour of Jim Thorpe, Lehigh George Scenic Train Ride, Dinner at Mansion House of Summitt Hill, and Transportation

                                      *** ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Allow Wolf's Bus Lines to give you a break from the hustle of your everyday life, while taking you to Jim Thorpe, a historically beautiful land, for a day full of history and memories. The town, formerly known as Mauch Chunk, a Lenai Lenape Indian name which means "Bear Mountain", is a mixture of Victorian architecture and unique businesses... a graceful blend of yesterday and today. The scenery of Jim Thorpe is breathtaking as the mountains present a new face every season. The steep hillsides, narrow streets, and terraced gardens earned Mauch Chunk the nickname, "The Switzerland of America." The first journey of your day will be a "howling" one, bring your listening ears and your observant eyes - you do not know what might visit! You will be welcomed by a tour of the Old Jail, wandering the cold hallways. Peek in cell 17 to get a glimpse of a mysterious handprint on the wall, stand under the gallows, on which seven of the accused Molly Maguires, an Irish secret society thought responsible for a string of violent attacks in the Pennsylvania coal fields, were put to death. Following your spine-chilling tour, you will have time for lunch on your own. After you grab a bite to eat, your next journey will take you on a historic trolley tour of Jim Thorpe town. The mesmerizing historic tour goes from the visitor center through the Jim Thorpe Memorial, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, up Broadway past all the shops, restaurants, and museums, to the Mauch Chunk Lake. The trolley tour offers a great way to see most of the town's beautiful natural scenery. Following the breathtaking trolley tour, you will then depart for a 16-mile, narrated, round trip, Lehigh Gorge Scenic train ride, on the Reading and Northern mainline. On the way to Old Penn Haven, you will pass Glen Onoko, which is the southern gateway to the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Enjoy the beautiful, breathtaking scenery as you chug through the winding Lehigh River. After your train ride ends, you will depart for your last excursion of the day, dinner at the Mansion House of Summitt Hill. The mansion is known as a former beer and whiskey bottling business that was rumored to be a speakeasy during the Prohibition era. You will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner included, with a savory serve of Italian dishes and warm hospitality. Following dinner, you will board the motorcoach and depart for home.

**ALL WOLF'S TOURS - Time and Itinerary are subject to change.**

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200 Old US Rt. 15

York Springs, PA 17372

Haunted Trolley Tour

• Duration: 75 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Jim Thorpe, PA
• Product code: PDCMK0

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Jim Thorpe Trolley Historic Tours

Jim Thorpe Trolley Co.

Welcome to the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, your gateway to a journey through history and scenic beauty in the charming town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. We are proud to offer Live Narrated Historic Tours from April 1st to October 31st, providing you with an unforgettable experience that brings the past to life.

Live Narrated Historic Tours | Wine and Shine Tasting Tour | Haunted Trolley Tour

Wine and shine tasting tour.

Enjoy a scenic tour on an old -fashion style Trackless Trolley! Saturday and Sunday afternoons by reservation and subject to availability. Tastings included with your ticket price at each of our 3 stops! See below for specific details.

• Duration:  5 Hours (approx.)

Historic Trolley Tour

**2 Susquehanna St** Our 1 hour 10 minute historic trolley tour of Jim Thorpe is the best way to see and learn about our amazing town! Tickets can also be purchased at our booth in front of the visitor center, no on-line purchase same day!

• Duration:  70 Minutes (approx.)

Trolley Pub Tour

Enjoy your favorite food and beverages! Our trolleys can accommodate groups of up to 28 and tickets can be purchased here until the day before the tour.  We do offer group charters based on availability and destination. Please call to inquire: 570-732-8698

Leaving from the visitor center in downtown Jim Thorpe at 6:30pm 3 different stops,  Pick up and drop off downtown Jim Thorpe **Destinations subject to change without notice and based on availability

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• Rundgren, Todd
• April 27, 2024 Setlist

Todd Rundgren Setlist at Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA, USA

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• Song played from tape How About a Little Fanfare? Play Video
• I Think You Know Play Video
• Secret Society ( Utopia  song) Play Video
• Weakness Play Video
• Stood Up Play Video
• Lost Horizon Play Video
• Buffalo Grass Play Video
• Beloved Infidel Play Video
• Hit Me Like a Train Play Video
• Sweet Play Video
• Kindness Play Video
• Woman's World Play Video
• Afterlife Play Video
• Wouldn't You Like to Know Play Video
• Down With the Ship Play Video
• Honest Work ( (a cappella with Kasim Sulton & Bruce McDaniel) ) Play Video
• Rock Love ( Utopia  song) Play Video
• God Said Play Video
• Fascist Christ Play Video
• Hawking Play Video
• Worldwide Epiphany Play Video
• I Saw the Light / Can We Still Be Friends / Hello It's Me Play Video
• The Last Ride Play Video
• A Dream Goes on Forever Play Video

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3 activities (last edit by mcguinness , 28 Apr 2024, 17:37 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• A Dream Goes on Forever
• I Think You Know
• The Last Ride
• Honest Work
• Lost Horizon
• Fascist Christ
• Worldwide Epiphany
• Buffalo Grass
• Hit Me Like a Train
• Beloved Infidel
• Woman's World
• Rock Love by Utopia
• Secret Society by Utopia
• Down With the Ship
• Wouldn't You Like to Know
• I Saw the Light / Can We Still Be Friends / Hello It's Me

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Todd Rundgren Gig Timeline

• Apr 24 2024 The Andrew J. Brady Music Center Cincinnati, OH, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
• Apr 26 2024 Goodyear Theater Akron, OH, USA Add time Add time
• Apr 27 2024 Penn's Peak This Setlist Jim Thorpe, PA, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
• Apr 29 2024 Roxian Theatre McKees Rocks, PA, USA  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time
• Apr 30 2024 Riviera Theatre North Tonawanda, NY, USA Add time Add time

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