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Location
Visitor tip
Book a guided tour to fully appreciate the mansion—guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the Packer family history and architectural details. Tours cover the first and second floors only, so manage expectations about the full 18-room mansion.
Best time
Book the last tour at 3:30 pm if you prefer smaller groups, or visit on weekdays during peak season (June-October, closed Tuesdays) to avoid weekend crowds. Hours are very limited outside summer months.
Visitor tip
Photography is prohibited inside the mansion, but the exterior with its distinctive red-ribbed tin roof and mountain views is beautiful for photos. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like The Harry Packer Mansion Inn and Kemmerer Park in downtown Jim Thorpe.
About Asa Packer Mansion Museum
19th-century Italianate house museum. Grand Italianate mansion with original Victorian decor, built in 1861 & open for tours.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic House Museum
- Built
- 1861 by architect Samuel Sloan
- Notable Feature
- Home of Asa Packer, railroad magnate and founder of Lehigh University
- Hours
- 11:00 am-4:15 pm, seasonal schedule (closed Tuesdays June-October)
- Recognition
- National Historic Landmark since 1985
What visitors say
I did not go inside and tour the building. The exterior of the mansion is beautiful and well maintained. It’s worth a quick stop, up the slight hill , to admire the architecture and take some photos, and stop by The Harry Packer…
We didn’t go inside, but the exterior of the mansion is impressive and beautifully maintained. It’s worth a quick stop to admire the architecture and take some photos while walking around downtown Jim Thorpe.
Museum tour is filled with interesting facts about Asa and the Packer family. You can not tour the home alone. Tour is owned and run by the town of Jim Thorpe. Fascinating to see tech advances from the 1800s. The full mansion is not…
From 519 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Built in 1861 over two years at a total cost of $14,000, the mansion was home to Asa Packer, philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, from 1861 to 1912
- The 11,000 square foot Victorian Italianate mansion features 18 rooms with original period furnishings and is distinguished by a red-ribbed tin roof with central cupola, listed as a National Historic Landmark
- The mansion's interior contains notable ornate details including hand-carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and original artwork, with guides highlighting technological advances from the 1800s during tours
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