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Tucked into the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is one of the prettiest small towns in Pennsylvania.
With its historic streets, Victorian architecture and dramatic mountain setting, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination.
There are so many things you can do in Jim Thorpe!
You could easily spend a whole weekend here (especially if you love the outdoors), but if you’ve only got one day, this Jim Thorpe 1-day itinerary will be perfect for you.
Here’s exactly how I’d spend one perfect day in Jim Thorpe.
🚗 Parking: Parking is the trickiest part of visiting Jim Thorpe, and the main lot by the visitor center fills up fast.
My advice is to arrive early, take the very first spot you find (nowhere is far to walk), and check for spaces along Susquehanna Street too.
Please bear in mind that you can’t park for free in Jim Thorpe so no matter what you’ll have to bite the bullet.
I know it’s annoying but just wanted to spare you spending ages trying to find a free spot for nothing.
🚂 Morning: Scenic Train & Exploring Downtown
Stop 1: Go on a scenic ride with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Start your day with the most popular thing to do in Jim Thorpe: a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
The train leaves right from the historic downtown and runs north into the beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park, following the river the whole way, with narration as you go.
The regular ride is around 70 minutes round trip.
Because it’s so popular, book your tickets in advance online or as soon as you arrive for same-day tickets.
If you can, opt for the open-air car or the caboose for the best views.
When I went, I was given the choice between a standard ticket and the Crown premium. I thought the Crown ticket would be better because it was a premium ticket but I regretted that choice.
The beauty of that kind of heritage railway is to be in a traditional carriage so I would opt for the open-air, caboose or standard carriage.
Stop 2: Explore the historic downtown and Broadway
Once you’re back, spend the late morning exploring Jim Thorpe’s gorgeous historic downtown.
This is one of the cutest downtown I got to explore in the US and there are truly plenty of things to do!
Wander along Broadway and the surrounding streets, which are packed with independent shops, art galleries and cafes set in beautiful Victorian buildings.
It genuinely feels like a little European town.
Make sure to grab a coffee from Muggles Mug (try the butterbrew latte!) and check out the unique boutiques and emporium. This is the kind of place where you find things you never knew you needed.
Once you’re done with your shopping, it will be the perfect time to grab some lunch at one of the downtown restaurants before your afternoon activities.
🏛️ Afternoon: Museum & Trolley Tour
Stop 3: Visit the Old Jail Museum
The Old Jail Museum opens at midday which I know is a bit of an odd time but I would recommend going as soon as you can.
You can’t book ahead, tickets are first come, first served on the day, so it’s worth arriving promptly.
It’s one of the most fascinating (and slightly chilling) spots in town so it’s well worth your time.
The jail operated from 1871 to 1995 and is famous for holding several of the Molly Maguires. On the guided tour you’ll see the cells, including the infamous Cell 17 with its mysterious handprint.
If you like history, this is definitely the spot for you!
Stop 4: Learn about the town on the Trolley Tour
Next, hop on the narrated trolley tour for a relaxed way to see the rest of the town.
It loops around Jim Thorpe with live commentary, taking you past the main sights and up the hill (saving you the climb) for some lovely views.
It lasts about 70 minutes and is a great way to hear the stories behind the buildings.
You can book online or at the till by the visitor center, but do check the times, as the trolley finishes in the late afternoon.
Alternatively, you can pick up a map from the visitor information center and do the self guided tour or just enjoy some relaxing time in Jim Thorpe.
👻 Evening: Ghost Tour
There’s no better way to end your day in Jim Thorpe than with a ghost tour.
With its old jail, grand mansions and dramatic coal-mining past, the town has quite the reputation for being haunted.
An evening ghost tour is a fun, atmospheric way to explore the streets after dark and hear the town’s eeriest stories and legends.
It’s especially spooky (and popular) around Halloween so make sure to book in advance.
🗺️ Map of this Jim Thorpe 1-Day Itinerary
💡 A few practical tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and in fall, to get parking and beat the crowds.
- Book your train in advance in peak season, as they sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as some of the streets are steep and you’ll do some walking.
- Double-check attraction opening times, as several keep short hours and finish in the afternoon.
❓ Is one day in Jim Thorpe enough?
One day is enough to enjoy the highlights of Jim Thorpe, the train, the downtown, the history and a ghost tour.
But if you love the outdoors, it’s well worth staying longer to add white water rafting, biking the gorge, or hiking to the top of Mount Pisgah.
Either way, this little mountain town will win you over.
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