5 Must-See Museums in the Heart of the Poconos

Perfect for a day trip or rainy day, the Poconos’ rich history can be explored through various historical museums, monuments, and mansions. All within an hour of Split Rock Resort, we’ve compiled five famous sites chock-full of history and fun.

1. Asa Packer Mansion

Former home to Asa Packer, a famous philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, this impressive mansion was built in 1861 in the quaint town of Jim Thorpe. The Bear Mountain Lions, trustees to the home, opened its doors to the public in 1956 to pay tribute to Packer’s accomplishments. A guided one-hour tour walk guests through the mansion’s three stories and 18 rooms, lavishly decorated with original home furnishings collected from 1861 to 1912.

For hours and tour prices, visit http://www.asapackermansion.com/.

2. Old Jail Museum

Gear up for Halloween with a frightening trip to the Old Jail Museum. Residing in a concrete fortress, the jail’s 27 cells, basement dungeon, and solitary confinement quarters began retaining prisoners of Jim Thorpe in 1871. The jail’s hair-raising tour takes you through each room and shares several spooky stories, including the famous trial of the Molly Maguires coal miners.

For information on admission, hours, and seasonal ghost tours, be sure to visit http://www.theoldjailmuseum.com/.

3. The Pocono Indian Museum

Located in the town of Bushkill, The Pocono Indian Museum is the only museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to showcasing the history of the Delaware Indians. Their 30-minute audio tours show the development of the North American man from 10,500 B.C. to the contact period with Europeans at the start of the American Revolution. More fascinating history is illustrated through ancient artifacts, weapons, and tools dating back thousands of years.

Book a tour online today at http://www.poconoindianmuseumonline.com/shop/.

4. Zane Grey Museum

Former home to the famous dentist-turned-baseball-player-turned-writer, the Zane Grey Museum resides in Lackawaxen Township, mandated a national historic structure in May of 1983. Grey and the family moved into the residence in 1912 as Grey began adapting his famous novels to film. The museum shares his life stories with guests, offering educational pictorials and a gift shop full of the late author’s famous works.

Visit https://www.nps.gov/upde/learn/historyculture/zanegrey.htm for museum hours and more details.

5. Frazetta Museum

Looking for a more contemporary exhibit? Take a trip to East Stroudsburg to visit the largest collection of works by famous sci-fi artist Frank Frazetta. A renowned American artist, Frazetta coined the barbarian era of sci-fi art when his interpretation of Conan the Adventurer hit book stands in 1966. In addition to Frazetta’s memorable works, the beautifully curated museum also features his extensive camera collection, personal golf-club collection, and hand-carved gunstocks.

For hours and directions to the museum, be sure to visit http://frazettamuseum.com/.