Visit Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania: The Switzerland of America

A vacation in the Pocono Mountains would not be complete without a visit to Jim Thorpe, PA. This historic town is a charming blend of the past and present with its Victorian architecture and eclectic collection of businesses. Formerly called Mauch Chunk but renamed after the Native American athlete and Olympic champion, Jim Thorpe thrived as a coal transportation center at one time, but now it is known for its rich history, architecture and natural beauty. It comes as no surprise that this town was nicknamed the "Switzerland of America," those who visit will see just how much it has to offer.

While there is a lot to do in Jim Thorpe, the following are some key attractions that you won't want to miss.

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Couples and families can appreciate this particular activity. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a 1920s style train ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the area from the comfort of the train. The tour begins a the Passenger Station of the former Central RR of New Jersey and continues through the countryside lasting about an hour.

The Asa Packer Mansion
This mansion overlooks Jim Thorpe's historic district, and is a designated National Historic Landmark itself. The mansion was constructed in 1861 as the home of Asa Packer, self-made millionaire who founded the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University. The mansion remained his home until his death, and his daughter Mary Packer Cummings lived there until her passing in 1912 when she left the house to the Borough of Mauch Chunk. The Asa Packer Mansion is open to the public for tours. Visitors can appreciate the house as it was furnished when the family lived in it with the original carpeting and woodcarvings for which Packer brought artisans from Europe to complete. The mansion is not a restoration but has been carefully preserved.

The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center
Housed in the former St. Paul's Methodist Church building, this non-profit institution aims to portray Jim Thorpe's cultural and industrial history. Visitors are started off with a 15 minute video on the history of Jim Thorpe, and afterward, are free to browse the museum's various exhibits. These exhibits include images, artifacts, and models of historical figures and places during different eras of the town's history. The eras range from prehistory to the Lenape Indians, from the industrialization of Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe as it is today. You will also find related books, postcards, CDs and other items available for purchase.

The Old Jail Museum and Heritage Center
From 1871 to 1995, the Old Jail served as the Carbon County Prison and was bought by Tom and Betty Lou McBride to preserve the heritage and history of the jail as well as make it available to the public. The prison gained notoriety for the hanging of the alleged Molly Maguires in the late 1870s. Six coal miners were accused of murder and alleged to be Molly Maguires, believed to be a secret society of miners who opposed the exploitation of mine workers by the mine owners. All six were hung between 1877 and 1879, and many believe the Old Jail is haunted by those who were unjustly executed. The most well-known reason for this belief is the hand print on the wall in Cell 17. One of the miners placed his hand on the wall before being led away for execution. Declaring his innocence, he promised the hand print would remain as a reminder of his unjust hanging. Many attempts have been made to remove the hand print, and the wall has even been replastered, but the hand print always returns. Since its opening in 1995, many visitors have reported strange experiences within the jail, like hands on shoulders when no one was around, shortness of breath or chills for no reason, sightings of men in cells that were empty, etc. The list goes on. Is the Old Jail haunted by the spirits of the Molly Maguires? Why don't you find out for yourself?

Shopping and Dining
Jim Thorpe will also appeal to those looking to shop. The town has a wide array of different types of shops with a variety of different themes. Some stores of interest include Treasure Shop (Irish imports gift shop), Natural Impressions (decorative pieces created from dried flowers and other plants), Emporium of Curious Goods (New Age books and gifts), Gem Shop (jewelery), Horizons (gift shop) and many more. If you are interested in antiques, you'll find a few shops that cater to that interest in Jim Thorpe as well. Also, if you want to stop for a bite to eat, Jim Thorpe offers more than a dozen local restaurants with your choice of Irish, Italian, Chinese and vegetarian cuisine.

Jim Thorpe has something for everyone in the family. If you are vacationing in the Pocono Mountains, put this town on your list of destinations.