The Best Small Town In Pennsylvania For A 3-Day Weekend
Pennsylvania is a scenic, wooded state that offers year-round recreation for all ages, with landscapes that change noticeably through the seasons and remain appealing throughout the year. With its European influence and wide range of mountain activities, the Carbon County village of Jim Thorpe, known as the “Switzerland of America,” is a fitting small town in Pennsylvania for a three-day weekend.
Historic Landmarks and Museums
Jim Thorpe's historic district is filled with Victorian architecture, museums, landmarks, eateries, and cultural venues. The Asa Packer Mansion Museum in downtown Jim Thorpe is a National Historic Landmark and a worthwhile stop during a three-day weekend. With three stories and 18 rooms covering 11,000 square feet, the layout showcases how the house was organized during the Packer family's time of residence. Once the home of railroad magnate and philanthropist Asa Packer, this mansion, built in 1861, has a red ribbed tin roof and cupola, with three stories and 18 rooms covering 11,000 square feet. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., except for Tuesdays, through October 31, and on select dates in November and December. The last tour of the day departs at 3:30 p.m..
Visitors who want to learn more about Jim Thorpe, the Native American athlete for whom the town is named, can visit the Jim Thorpe Memorial, which includes his grave and statues at a single site on North Street just north of town. Although the Olympian never visited, the account of how he came to be buried here, and his connection to the town, is notable. According to legend, after his death, Jim Thorpe's body was taken by rail to Pennsylvania because his third wife arranged for his burial in the state after Oklahoma plans collapsed.
Natural Landmarks
Being part of Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe has notable natural scenery that reflects the broader landscapes found across the state, including wooded areas and river valleys common throughout Pennsylvania. One of the most recognized natural attractions in the area is Lehigh Gorge State Park. Its 6,107 acres follow the Lehigh River in Luzerne and Carbon Counties. Hikers and bicyclists can use the Lehigh Gorge Trail within the park, which follows 20 miles of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, hunting, and geocaching are also common activities. The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset and is accessible from the White Haven Northern Access Area off I-80 and the White Haven South Access Area off PA 940.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park, also in Jim Thorpe, includes the 330-acre Mauch Chunk Lake, which allows fishing and boating. The park has four trails for hiking and biking, along with areas for swimming, picnicking, and camping. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to sunset from April through October, and picnic and beach areas are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Beach admission fees apply during peak summer months. It is accessible from Lentz Trail off US 209 S.
Accommodation Options
A variety of hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are found throughout Jim Thorpe. One of the most noted bed and breakfasts is Angel of Jim Thorpe on North Street in the heart of downtown. It has three suites with private baths, and two include jacuzzi tubs. A full gourmet breakfast is served daily between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
For those who want a historic place to stay, Hotel Switzerland is the oldest operating commercial building in town. Dating to 1830, it is on Hazard Square across from the old train station and has nine rooms. Molly Maguires Irish Pub is also on the property and serves lunch, dinner, and beverages. The pub does not take reservations and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Downtown Businesses
Jim Thorpe's downtown area is a mixture of history, charm, culture, and intrigue. Local Fair on Broadway is a boutique shop selling arts and crafts from local artisans. Items for sale range from chestnut bowls to a hand-forged coffee scoop. Wonderland on Broadway provides an immersive “Alice in Wonderland” escape room experience that is open daily, although reservations are required. When the day of shopping and activities ends in Jim Thorpe, visitors can go to Broadway Inn & Grille, also on Broadway. Open daily, this pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as craft beer and cocktails.
Journey to Jim Thorpe
Although Jim Thorpe is home to just over 4,500 residents, this small town in Pennsylvania has activities for all ages and enough to fill a three-day weekend. It is within easy driving distance of New York City, about two and a half hours away, and Philadelphia, about one and a half hours away. When planning a long weekend trip, travelers can consider visiting the mountain town of Jim Thorpe.
