Jim Thorpe Travel Guide: Haunted Mansions, Muggles Mug & Halloween Fall Ghost Tours

Haunted Mansions, Muggles & Mystery in Jim Thorpe

If you can’t make it to Disney World, Jim Thorpe, PA might just be the next best thing. It’s long been rumored that the Haunted Mansion in Disney World drew inspiration from the Harry Packer Mansion right here in this charming mountain town. We headed up for the weekend and discovered why Jim Thorpe is one of the best little getaways in the Northeast.

The Asa & Harry Packer Mansions

We started with the Asa Packer Mansion and its gothic neighbor, the Harry Packer Mansion. Tickets to the Asa Packer Mansion are just $10 for adults and $6 for children (check out Asa Packer Mansion website for current times and ticketing). The Harry Packer Mansion offers tours, and for those seeking something spookier, they host Haunted Mystery Dinners throughout the year.

Pro Tip: These events are extremely popular, so book in advance! https://www.hpmansion.com/

A Magical Stop at Muggles Mug

Our next stop was the Harry Potter–themed coffee shop, Muggles Mug, where fans of the Wizarding World will feel right at home sipping  lattes and other themed drinks. The décor is cozy and immersive, making it a perfect pitstop before exploring the town.

Staying the Night

We booked a cozy and affordable Airbnb right on the main strip. Jim Thorpe gets especially crowded in the fall, when the foliage transforms the town into a stunning autumn postcard.

Pro Tip: Reserve your stay early if you’re planning to visit during peak leaf season.

Downtown Gems

Downtown Jim Thorpe is full of unique spots. We stopped at Curiosities Coffee & Ice House, a café with wallpaper eerily reminiscent of the Disney Haunted Mansion itself. Along with the quirky shops and ice cream stops, there’s plenty to fill a day or weekend.

If you have extra time, consider these local favorites:

• 🚂 Scenic Train Ride through Lehigh Gorge

• 🚲 Biking along the D&L Trail

• 🛶 Kayaking and outdoor water sports

• 🏛️ Old Jail Museum (yes, it’s haunted too!)

Pro Tip: Wear good sneakers—the town is very walkable, but the hill to the Harry Packer Mansion is no joke, just ask Firewalks!

Haunted Trolley Tour

To cap off the night, we jumped on the Haunted Trolley Tour. Between ghostly legends and even a rumored Bigfoot spotting, it was the perfect way to round out our spooky adventure.

Pro Tip: Tours do sell out, so book ahead! Tickets and info are available at the Jim Thorpe Trolley website 

Watch Our Adventure

Want to see more? Check out our full Nerdthusiast adventure in the video below where we captured the highlights of our magical, spooky trip to Jim Thorpe!