This Is Pennsylvania's Quirkiest Little Town
Once considered one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, second only to Niagara Falls, Jim Thorpe is filled with fascinating landmarks and stories. Originally founded in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, the town was renamed in 1954 in honor of famed Native American Olympian and athlete Jim Thorpe, who is buried there. Today, visitors can experience the town’s quirky side through its historic railroad, haunted trolley tours, and widely attended cultural festivals. Landmarks like the Mauch Chunk Opera House, meanwhile, preserve the town’s live performance scene. For travelers looking to add a few surprises to their itinerary this year, this quirky Pennsylvania town is the perfect travel destination.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
If you are looking for a memorable way to explore Jim Thorpe, consider a ride on the railroad! The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a wonderful way to see the countryside, featuring 16-mile round-trip rides that go from Jim Thorpe to Lehigh Gorge State Park. Some of the vintage train cars date back as far as 1917, and each ride is narrated, allowing you to appreciate its history.
Before the train departs, passengers can choose between several types of cars. Open-air cars let passengers face outward and enjoy unobstructed views from the open sides. Standard coach cars, many dating back to 1932, feature large windows, comfortable seating, and restrooms. The first-class lounge is also occasionally open to the public, offering luxury armchairs, booth seating, air conditioning, and a fully stocked snack bar. For the best scenic views, consider a ride in one of the vista-class dome cars, which feature panoramic windows that stretch from the ceiling down to the seats.
Jim Thorpe Trolley Company
After exploring the surrounding countryside, head back to town and hop aboard one of Jim Thorpe’s historic trolleys, run by the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company. One of the most popular ways to learn about the town’s history is aboard the Historic Trolley Tour, a 70-minute ride that highlights some of its most impressive historic landmarks.
If you are looking for an even quirkier way to explore the town, consider signing up for a Ghosts and Graveyards Tour. During this experience, an entertaining tour guide will share stories of the town’s most well-known hauntings, making stops at the old jail, historic mansions, haunted houses, and graveyards said to be home to lingering spirits. To sample some of the area’s local wine, you also might enjoy the Wine and Suds Tasting Tour, which stops at two local vineyards and has another stop at a tasting room, all included in your ticket price.
Annual Festivals
Throughout the year, Jim Thorpe throws several signature festivals that contribute to its quirky reputation. Each spring, the town hosts the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival, a four-day event held in the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Around 90 films are screened, covering a wide range of genres, including experimental works, traditional narratives, dramas, horror, comedy, sci-fi, LGBTQ+ subjects, and more. Additionally, the festival features works from across Pennsylvania, the United States, and around the world, giving it an impressively broad reach.
Fast-forwarding to October, travelers can celebrate the coming of fall with the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival. This festival, which takes place across the first three weekends of October, features all kinds of fall-themed events, including scenic foliage train rides, delicious food, handmade arts and crafts, live music, family-friendly activities, and seasonal specials from some of the town’s local restaurants, galleries, and shops.
As winter rolls around, travelers will want to spend a few days in Jim Thorpe during its annual Olde Time Christmas. Over the course of three weekends in December, the town decks itself out in Victorian-style decor, holding special activities like holiday train rides, Christmas shopping, strolling carolers and musicians, a gingerbread house contest, and horse and carriage rides. A tree lighting ceremony on the first weekend kicks off the holiday spirit, accompanied by live band music and an arrival from Santa.
Mauch Chunk Opera House
As one of the country’s oldest vaudeville theaters, Mauch Chunk Opera House is a truly unique historic and cultural landmark in Jim Thorpe. The story of this opera house dates back to 1881, when it was constructed as a concert hall for emerging vaudeville stars. At that time, it also served as a meeting point for politicians, merchants, and dignitaries. Today, the opera house is one of the Northeast’s most intimate concert venues, seating an audience of roughly 450, meaning that every seat is close to the show.
All kinds of performances take place here, ranging from jazz and bluegrass to folk and rock shows. Theater performances and other special events are also occasionally held in the venue. The list of iconic stars who have performed in the opera house is endless, including John Oates, Roger McGuinn, Richie Havens, and John Abercrombie, just to name a few. The opera house has performances going on throughout the entire summer, so make sure to check out its schedule online!
There are many beautiful towns in Pennsylvania, but few offer such an eccentric list of attractions as Jim Thorpe. Between its historic trolley and railway, there is always a unique way to explore the town. The town’s film festival, fall festival, and Christmas festival make its character even more interesting, attracting countless visitors each year. So get ready to experience the quirkiness of Jim Thorpe; you are bound to uncover something unexpected!
