Jim Thorpe is a cute and charming town in eastern Pennsylvania that’s also known as the “Switzerland of America.” It makes a perfect day or weekend trip to explore. It’s filled with historic attractions, unique inns, cool shops, and great restaurants. I visited Jim Thorpe for the day at the end of October and it was a beautiful day with peak fall foliage colors. Here are the best things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA in one day!
Best Things to do in Jim Thorpe
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
One of the best things to do in Jim Thorpe PA is ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The Lehigh Gorge trains are operated by the Reading and Northern Railroad from downtown Jim Thorpe into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. You can take in the beautiful fall foliage scenery as you travel over rivers, bridges, and through a tunnel.
The train ride is 70 minutes long, except in October they are only 45 minutes. Tickets are sold at the station and on their website. They offer a variety of seating options like open air car, standard coach, crown-class seating, and vista-class dome car seating.
I recommend getting tickets to their open air car seating. The open air car features large open windows that are completely open for unobstructed beautiful views. Benches are lined down the center of the cars facing out toward the window so you don’t have to worry about which side of the train to sit on (the right side is the best!). You are free to get up and walk around and you have the option to get the best photos. Tickets for the open air car are $23.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
If you want to explore the outdoors, I recommend checking out Lehigh Gorge State Park. You will find beautiful waterfalls and great hiking and bike trails. In the summer, you can even go rafting and kayaking.
Old Jail Museum
The Old Jail Museum is located in downtown Jim Thorpe. You are able to take a tour of the building and learn all about its history. The tour starts off with a presentation about the 7 Molly Maguires and history of the jail. A guide will then walk you through the dungeon, cell blocks, and the warden’s living quarters. Tours are 30 minutes long and tickets are $11. They are open from June through October.
Shopping
Jim Thorpe is filled with so many cute and unique shops to explore. Most of the boutiques are on Broadway and you can find a few on Race Street.
Donerds Donuts
Satisfy your sweet tooth and grab a donut at Donerds Donuts! They serve a variety of yummy flavors and seasonal ones. They also have macaroons.
Muggles Mug
Check out this cool Harry Potter themed coffee shop. You can order specialty lattes like Butterbrew, The Hallows, and Pop-Up Potion.
Hope you enjoyed my post on the best things to do in Jim Thorpe PA! The fall is a beautiful time to visit Jim Thorpe, but I also would love to visit again in the summer time!
Looking to visit another cute and charming town in Pennsylvania?
Check out my Day Trip to New Hope!
