A day trip to Jim Thorpe is one of the easiest ways to add variety to your Lake Harmony stay. Just head down the mountain. Tucked into a steep river valley about 30 minutes away, this historic town is often called the “Switzerland of America”, and one look at the mountains rising above its Victorian streets tells you why.
Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The vintage train of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway leaves from the station in the heart of town and follows the Lehigh River into the gorge. It’s a relaxed, hour-or-so ride that suits every age in your group, from grandparents to toddlers. In the fall, the foliage along the river is spectacular, so book tickets ahead on peak weekends.
Step back in time
Jim Thorpe grew rich on coal and railroads in the 1800s, and the town wears its history beautifully. Tour the Asa Packer Mansion, a grand home with much of its original interior intact, or visit the Old Jail Museum for a slightly spookier slice of local history. Catch a show or concert at the Mauch Chunk Opera House if your timing lines up.
Wander, shop and eat
Broadway, the main street, is lined with independent shops, galleries, sweet shops and cafés. It’s an easy place to let a big group split up for a couple of hours and meet back up for lunch. Parking can fill on busy weekends, so carpooling in two or three cars beats taking six.
Get active
Jim Thorpe is also a base for outdoor adventures. Outfitters here run whitewater rafting trips on the Lehigh River in season and rent bikes for the Lehigh Gorge rail-trail. Some even offer shuttles so you can ride one way, downhill along the river.
Plan your day trip to Jim Thorpe
- Morning: Leave Lake Harmony after breakfast and catch a mid-morning train.
- Lunch: Grab a table in town. Call ahead if you’re more than 10.
- Afternoon: Mansion tour, shopping or a short bike ride.
- Evening: Back to the house for the hot tub, fire pit and a big dinner together.
That’s the beauty of staying in Lake Harmony: you get a full day out, then come home to space for everyone.
Tips for visiting with a big group
- Go early. Weekends in fall and summer get busy, and parking near the station fills quickly. Arriving by 10am makes the day much smoother.
- Book train tickets ahead. On peak foliage weekends, trains can sell out. Buy online once you know your numbers.
- Pick a meeting point. With 16 people wandering Broadway, agree on a time and place to regroup for lunch.
- Wear good shoes. The town is built on a hillside and the streets are steep.
- Check the season. Some attractions keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go.
Most groups find that a day trip to Jim Thorpe fits neatly into a long weekend. Ski or swim one day, explore town the next, then finish with a quiet day at the house. If you’re visiting in October, try to time your trip for the peak of the fall colors. The views from the train and along the river are unforgettable.
Ask Eric for current tips on what’s open and where to eat in town before you head out.
Other stops along the way
If your group still has energy on the drive back, the Lehigh Gorge rail-trail access points and riverside overlooks make good places to stretch your legs. In summer, many groups combine a morning raft trip with an afternoon in town. In winter, a cozy lunch in Jim Thorpe followed by an afternoon by the fire back at the house is hard to beat.