We all know that Jim Thorpe is famous for its campgrounds but do you know that this place holds a lot of historical significance? Formerly known as Mauch Chunk, this Victorian style quaint town is loaded with historical places which tell a lot about the story, culture and evolution of the place throughout the generations.
I explored this gorgeous place when I was camping on the weekend with my family. Apart from the picturesque views and mesmerizing valleys, this quaint town is home to some of the mind boggling historical sites. Let’s uncover some of these beautiful sites in this blog.
Explore the Historical Side of Jim Thorpe
Are you making an itinerary of all the recreational activities you wanna do during your Jim Thorpe visit? Have you included historical tours in it? I know that history isn’t which allures every soul but giving it a try is always worth it.
I’m also not a history buff and was more inclined towards camping, but the curiosity of what the crowd is doing inside pulled me into it. I will share some of the places which one shouldn’t miss visiting during their staycation in Jim Thorpe.
Asa Packer Mansion
Abode to Asa Packer, a philanthropist, this mansion was built by Samuel Sloan in 1861. One can witness the best unblemished Victorian-style Italianate architecture with stunning facades in this mansion. Explore the ancient luxuries and let the beauty unfold itself in Packer mansion museum, an architectural marvel.
| Address | Packer Hill Road (Elm Street), Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | 11 AM to 3.30 PM |
| Guide Tour Duration | 45 minutes (depending on the size of the group) |
| Ticket Pricing | $12 for general admission (19-54 years old) $10 for seniors (55 & + years old)
$9 for Students (6- 18 years old) $6 for Children (5 & below years old) |
Old Jail Museum
Are you a fan of wild history? Then the old prison museum is a must-visit historical site in Jim Thorpe. The old jail museum tours allure people of every age verticals. Get a glimpse of life of prisoners of medieval times. The intriguing stories of Molly MaGuires, mysterious Handprints on the walls, spooky cells, and dungeons will definitely keep you hooked. You can also go through the book named Ghosts of Molly MaGuires, to know about the strange events in this jail.
| Address | 128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | 12–4:30 PM (only weekends) |
| Guide Tour Duration | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Pricing | $12 for general admission$10 for US Veterans with ID
$10 for Teenagers (13- 17) $7 for Children (6-12) $1 for Children (2-4) Infants under 2 are free (no strollers allowed) Active US military personnel (ID required) are free |
Mauch Chunk Opera House
Wondering what Mauch Chunk Opera is? It’s a 19th century magnificent entertainment venue in Jim Thorpe. This historic theater, built by architect Addison Hutton, will capture your breath with its beauty and unique charming characters. Mauch Chunk theater, with a capacity of 400 still holds various live concerts, offering best views from the balcony to its customers.
| Address | 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | 6 PM onwards (Depending on events scheduled) |
| Guide Tour Duration | 2.5 hours (Depending on events scheduled) |
| Ticket Pricing | N/A |
Jim Thorpe Memorial Park
Do spend some time in this spectacular memorial park, built in honor of the most celebrated American Olympians of the first half of the 20th century “James Francis Thorpe”. Explore the park and the statues & plates dedicated to this footballer. Learn the history of a great sportsman while taking a stroll at this peaceful park.
| Address | 101 East 10th St. Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | Open 24 hours |
| Guide Tour Duration | N/A |
| Ticket Pricing | Free |
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Experience the phenomenal winters of Poconos via Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Although built in 1917, the vintage coaches of these trains are updated with modern needs. Explore the astonishing wilderness and mountains of Poconos while feeling the cool breeze in your face. Arrive 30 minutes before the departure at the station so that you have enough time to shop for this great journey.
| Address | One Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | 11 AM- 3 PM (Everyday) |
| Guide Tour Duration | 70 minutes |
| Private Caboose Ticket Price | $180 (for entire coach, holds up to 6 passengers) |
Pricing and Tickets:
| Ticket Pricing | Open Air Car | Standard Coach Seating | Crown-Class Seating | Vista Class Dome Car Seating | First Class Dome Car Seating |
| Adults | $24 | $22 | $24 | $30 | $49 |
| Children (3-12) | $10 | $9 | $10 | $19 | $40 |
| Child 2 & Below | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
St. Mark’s & St. John’s Episcopal Church
Built in 1869 by Richard Upjohn, this exemplary Gothic architecture has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. The splendid interiors, tile floors, stained glass windows, sparkling marble works, and brilliant sculpture work behind the main altar will for sure leave you impressed. Don’t forget to capture this beautiful church silhouetted against the mesmerizing greens of Pocono Mountain.
| Address | 21 Race St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States |
| Timings | 12PM- 4PM (Thursday to Saturday)1 PM – 5PM (Sunday) |
| Guide Tour Duration | 30 minutes (Church Tour) |
Pricing and Tickets:
| Pricing | Church Tour | Walking Tours | Cemetery Tours | Donut Tours |
| Adults | $10 | $15 | $15 | $30 |
| Children (10 and above) | $5 | $5 (Child above 6) | $5(Child above 6) | $30 |
| Children (10 and below) | Free | Free(Child of 5 & below) | Free(Child of 5 & below) | $30 |
Best Time to Visit Jim Thorpe
If you are planning to pay a visit to this vibrant town, then plan your vacation during the autumn or fall season of the year. The foliage adds more color to this vibrant quaint town. Explore the historical aspect of this town or hike the adventurous trails of Jim Thorpe from September to November. The beauty of nature will leave you spellbound.
Epilogue
Explore the gorgeous town dedicated to the sportsman of the 19th century while luxuriating in the premium vacation rentals in Jim Thorpe by HolidayKeepers. Rejuvenate your tired soul while experiencing the tranquility in the leisure activities offered by Jim Thorpe. Book the coziest rental to return to after a long tiring day.
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