Scenic rail, Victorian rooms, Broadway walks, river trail, whitewater, and live performance
Begin where the station, river, and Broadway meet. A first visit needs the scenic railway or a substantial gorge outing, one historic interior, and enough unhurried street time to see how this mountain town fits together.
A one-hour evening walking tour pairing Jim Thorpe history with ghost stories at landmarks such as the Old Jail Museum and Mauch Chunk Museum; wear comfortable shoes for the roughly one-mile route.
Ride shotgun along the famous Pocono Raceway in a 600-horsepower, NASCAR-style stock car. Select from a wide variety of starting times, then with a professional instructor behind the wheel, experience the power and speed of racing three laps up to 160 miles per hour. It’s as close as possible to being in a real race. Racing suits and helmets are included on this 3-Lap ride.
Get a rare, bird’s eye view over the Poconos from above during this private sightseeing flight. Hop aboard a comfortable plane, with headsets provided for communication. Admire natural attractions like Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Camelback Mountain, and the region’s lakes from above, as well as local landmarks such as Mount Airy Casino and Camelback Resort.
Get out and enjoy the beautiful wooded terrain of the Pocono Mtns. Play a variety of games like Capture the flag, eliminator, and more. This action-packed three-hour paintball session includes marker, goggles, pack and pods, camo jumpsuit (keeps the paint on our clothes!), and 500 paintballs.
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area on a private guided day hike tailored to your group’s interests. This full-day adventure includes visits to scenic lookouts and beautiful waterfall hikes.
Board beside the historic station for a narrated round trip along the Lehigh River into the state park. Compare ride type, car class, weather exposure, duration, and current boarding instructions before buying.
Compare railway cars and boarding →The Italianate house above town connects railroad fortune, domestic life, philanthropy, and the family that shaped Mauch Chunk. Tours and operating days are seasonal, so check the museum directly.
Follow the history and mansions walk →Walk uphill from the station past stone storefronts, churches, the opera house, courthouse, and narrow side streets. The grade is part of the character; old walks and steps reward secure shoes.
Use the museum to connect the Lehigh Canal, anthracite coal, railroads, industrial ambition, and the town's change from Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe.
See the full historic sequence →A shuttle-assisted ride from White Haven or Rockport creates a long, mostly gentle rail-trail day beside the river. Short out-and-backs from the southern access offer the scenery without the full mileage.
Compare the bike and walking routes →Choose a licensed outfitter and match the trip to age, swimming comfort, water releases, weather, duration, and check-in location. The river is not a casual self-guided float.
Compare rafting with biking and walking →The former Carbon County jail interprets incarceration and the contested Molly Maguires story. Treat it as a focused historic visit rather than a quick haunted-house stop.
Read the labor-history context →The restored hall gives Broadway a night life beyond restaurants. Check the official calendar for concerts, performances, seating, and arrival instructions.
Between the river and the ridge
Broadway climbs from the station into a district where retaining walls, church towers, brick and stone facades, porches, and wooded slopes appear in close succession. A railway ticket and mansion tour can define the day, but the walk between them supplies the town's scale. Race Street and the upper Broadway blocks become especially appealing after day-trippers begin to leave.
Official resources
Check current hours, access, alerts, parking, conditions, and policies directly before departure.
