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Entering the borough of Jim Thorpe via US-209 N.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — The Switzerland of America
Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains lies the charming borough of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — often called “The Switzerland of America.” This Victorian town, framed by the Lehigh Gorge and vibrant mountain scenery, has long been one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept treasures. Whether you’re biking along the historic Delaware & Lehigh Trail, exploring colorful downtown streets, or taking a nostalgic train ride through the mountains, Jim Thorpe offers a little bit of everything that makes the Keystone State so special.
Watch the full tour of Jim Thorpe and explore the culture, history, and outdoors of this charming town.
why you should visit jim thorpe
Jim Thorpe’s charm lies in its ability to transport you through time while offering endless modern adventures. It’s a town where history, nature, and art coexist beautifully.
You can start your morning exploring Victorian architecture and end your day kayaking down the Lehigh River. Its streets are lined with independent shops, boutique inns, and family-owned restaurants that give it a nostalgic warmth. Every corner tells a story — from the cobblestones of Broadway to the murals that capture its industrial roots.
Whether you’re a history lover, outdoor adventurer, or weekend wanderer, Jim Thorpe embodies what makes the Pocono Mountains so unforgettable.
Jim Thorpe’s Colorful Historic Houses
the history of jim thorpe
Scenic Ride at the Mauch Chunk Station
Before it became the beloved mountain escape we know today, Jim Thorpe was two separate towns — Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk — nestled between the coal-rich ridges of the Lehigh Valley. “Mauch Chunk” comes from the Lenape word for “Bear Place,” a fitting name for a town cradled in the shadow of Bear Mountain.
In the early 1800s, the region thrived as one of the most important coal transportation hubs in Pennsylvania’s Industrial Age. The construction of the Lehigh Canal and later the Lehigh Valley Railroad made it possible to ship anthracite coal from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia and beyond, fueling the factories and steel mills that built America.
At the heart of this development was Asa Packer, a visionary railroad entrepreneur who founded the Lehigh Valley Railroad in 1853. His company connected the coal fields of northeastern Pennsylvania to markets as far away as Buffalo and New York City. Packer’s legacy remains deeply tied to the town — his grand Italianate mansion, perched high above the streets, stands as a reminder of the wealth and innovation that defined the era.
Enjoying the View from the Asa Packer Museum Mansion
Jim Thorpe’s story isn’t all about prosperity. The town was also the setting for one of the darkest chapters in Pennsylvania’s labor history — the Molly Maguire trials. The Molly Maguires were a secret Irish-American labor group accused of violent resistance against the harsh conditions in the coal mines. In 1877, twenty men were executed at what is now the Old Jail Museum, in what became known as “Black Thursday.” Today, the museum welcomes visitors to explore the preserved cells and learn about this haunting yet vital piece of history.
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper/1877
In 1954, long after its coal boom had faded, the twin towns of East Mauch Chunk and Mauch Chunk merged to honor one of America’s greatest athletes: Jim Thorpe — an Olympic gold medalist, football legend, and symbol of Native American pride. His remains were brought to the town, and the newly unified borough took his name in tribute. The story of Jim Thorpe the man — his triumphs and trials — mirrors the town itself: resilient, inspiring, and proudly American.
Jim Thorpe at the Summer Olympics. Gallica/1912
Jim Thorpe at NY’s Polo Grounds. George Grantham Bain/Library of Congress
travel guide
Unlike many resort towns that come and go with the seasons, Jim Thorpe thrives year-round. It offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and artistic energy. A place where Pennsylvania’s industrial roots meet the beauty of its natural landscape.
Jim Thorpe is also deeply connected to the people who live and create here — musicians, filmmakers, writers, and designers who’ve turned the town into a living gallery. That’s why it’s more than just a destination; it’s an experience that keeps evolving while honoring its past.
Jim Thorpe Trolley Ride Along the D&L Trail
Top 10 Things to Do in Jim Thorpe
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – Experience a classic train ride through dramatic mountain scenery along the rushing Lehigh River.
The D&L Trail – Bike or walk part of this historic 140-mile path connecting Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia.
Asa Packer Mansion Museum – Tour the grand estate of the railroad magnate who built much of the town’s legacy.
Old Jail Museum – Explore the chilling story of the Molly Maguires and the famous handprint left on a prison wall.
Mauch Chunk Opera House – Catch a live show at one of America’s oldest vaudeville theaters, now restored for modern performances.
Glen Onoko Falls Trail – A scenic (and challenging) hike leading to cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.
Lehigh Gorge State Park – Hike, fish, or kayak amid Pennsylvania’s untouched mountain beauty.
Downtown Jim Thorpe – Wander through colorful buildings filled with art galleries, antique shops, and cafés.
Pocono Whitewater Adventures – Raft through Class II–III rapids on the Lehigh River — a must for thrill seekers.
Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center – Learn how this coal town helped fuel America’s industrial revolution.
How to Get to Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe sits about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City, making it an ideal Pocono weekend destination.
By Car: Take I-476 (the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) to Exit 74 and follow Route 209 into town.
By Bus: Martz Trailways and other regional bus lines run routes from Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, and Philadelphia.
By Train: While the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is for tourism, discussions continue about reviving passenger rail service — a fitting nod to the town’s railroad heritage.
Once you arrive, park at the visitor center and explore on foot or by bike. The entire downtown area is walkable and full of surprises around every turn.
explore local cuisine
A Romantic Brunch at Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery
Best Foods & Restaurants to Try
Jim Thorpe’s culinary scene is small but full of flavor. You’ll find everything from fine dining to cozy cafés that feel like home.
Moya – Intimate, upscale dining featuring local ingredients and global inspiration.
Broadway Grille & Pub – A lively spot inside the Inn at Jim Thorpe with pub-style fare and great drinks.
Stone Row Pub & Eatery – A relaxed venue known for creative, locally sourced dishes.
Muggles Mug – A great stop for coffee, baked goods, and people-watching downtown.
For wine lovers, the region is home to some of Pennsylvania’s best wineries:
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery (Saylorsburg) – Stunning mountain views and a broad range of reds and whites.
Big Creek Vineyard (Kunkletown) – Family-owned, known for dry wines and rustic charm.
Franklin Hill Vineyards (Bangor) – One of the state’s oldest wineries, offering tastings and seasonal events.
Surrounded by the Grape Vines at Blue Ridge Estate's Vineyard & Winery
mountain weather
Experiencing Jim Thorpe Through the Seasons
Each season in Jim Thorpe brings its own atmosphere and set of adventures:
Spring – The Lehigh River swells for rafting season, and the D&L Trail bursts with greenery.
Summer – Perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor concerts downtown.
Autumn – The town’s most iconic time of year. The Fall Foliage Festival fills the streets with music, food, and golden mountain views.
Winter – The Olde Time Christmas Festival turns the town into a Victorian postcard with carolers, twinkling lights, and cozy shops.
Experiencing the Rapids of the Leigh River
My Favorite Season to Experience Jim Thorpe
If I could choose just one season to experience Jim Thorpe, it would be autumn. The mountains surrounding the borough explode in color, the air feels crisp, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway glides through a corridor of gold and red. It’s the perfect time to appreciate how nature and history intertwine — and to see firsthand why Jim Thorpe is truly the Switzerland of America.
Final Thoughts
Jim Thorpe is a story written across mountains, rivers, and rails — a story of resilience, innovation, and timeless beauty. From the legacy of coal and the rise of the railroads to the vibrant art and culture scene that thrives today, this small borough captures the heart of Pennsylvania like few other places can.
Whether you come for the history, the adventure, or the charm of its streets, you’ll leave knowing exactly why this town remains one of the most treasured destinations in the Pocono Mountains.
Capturing the Charm of this Beautiful Pennsylvania Destination