Staying home this summer? Try these local attractions

Planning a vacation can be daunting, especially living on a budget and unpredictable, rainy weather in NEPA. Here are some “staycation” ideas for quick trips whether you want to stay indoors or get some air.

Indoors

Old Jail Museum, 128 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe: The Old Jail Museum is a classic feature of Jim Thorpe enriched with history and mystery for the whole family to enjoy. During the guided tour, there are countless stories based on the Molly Maguires, the mysterious handprint on the wall and even the lifestyle of the prison warden. The jail is open daily from noon to 4:30 p.m. through Aug. 25. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour. Visit www.theoldjailmuseum.com

Mauch Chunk Museum, 41 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe: The Mauch Chunk Museum is the perfect place for people to learn more about their surrounding communities. The museum explores the town of Mauch Chunk before it became Jim Thorpe. Artifacts on display explain the importance of anthracite coal mining and the unique Switchback Gravity Railroad, which transformed the town into an industrial marvel, and its decline. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday. http://mauchchunkmcc.org/

Asa Packer Mansion, Packer Hill Avenue, Jim Thorpe: Railroad tycoon Asa Packer put Jim Thorpe on the map with his mansion overlooking the town. His mansion – which was gifted to the borough by his daughter, Mary Packer Cummings, is open for tours every day in the summer. Guided tours allow visitors to walk through Packer’s home and witness his lifestyle. Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To preserve the mansion’s artifacts, there are housekeeping rules which can be found at www.asapackermansion.com.

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, 18 Church Road, Jim Thorpe: The butterfly sanctuary is a place to see live butterflies and exotic frogs in a hands-on education center in Jim Thorpe. Its features include a “flutterarium” to be up close with butterflies, kids’ art space and activity room and gift shop. The sanctuary is indoors, so there will never be a missed opportunity to view nature. No reservations are needed June 8 to Aug. 25. The sanctuary is open daily.

Outside

Bushkill Falls: Bushkill Falls known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania” offers numerous activities for every family member to enjoy. There are hiking trails based on level of difficulty, gift shops, food court, mining for gemstones, fishing and much more. Grills, picnic tables and covered pavilions are available for people to use. The grounds are pet friendly. Operation hours vary weather permitting. www.visitbushkillfalls.com.

Carbon County Environmental Center, 151 E. White Bear Drive, Summit Hill: The Carbon County Environmental Education Center is located on 60 acres of the Mauch Chunk Lake Park and has nature trails, bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, a waterfowl observatory, and a boardwalk trail where visitors can view birds of prey that include Red-Tailed Hawks, Great-Horned Owls, the American Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle.

The facilities are free and are open Monday through Friday. https://www.carboneec.org/

Hickory Run State Park: One of the state parks in Carbon County, Hickory Run provides adventure all-year round. It offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas, trout streams and Boulder Field. Boulder Field fascinates anyone, with boulders are far as the eye can see. Boulder Field is also a National Natural Landmark. The state park’s hours are sunrise to sunset. https://bit.ly/31RsPUB

No. 9 Mine Lansford: No. 9 Mine in Lansford is a historical piece of Coal Region History. Once serving as the longest operated anthracite coal mine the world, visitors can go into the mine and view artifacts and key spots where miners used to work. A gift shop is located next to mine, filled with coal souvenirs, apparel, books and more. Required attire is a light jacket or sweater, since the mine is 50 degrees year round. The area is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Tours are held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://no9minemuseum.wixsite.com/museum

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Families can ride in vintage coaches built in 1917 and explore the Lehigh River, Glen Onoko and the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The train rides run rain or shine, but the experience is heightened on a beautiful summer day. The round-trip lasts for approximately 70 minutes with a tour guide narrating the trip about stories of the area. Times of train rides vary depending on the season. http://www.lgsry.com/

Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo offers just as many activities and exhibits for its guests as a major zoo facility would. Each summer month provides different specials and events for families to enjoy. All different types of animals are on exhibit for people to view. Animal encounters are available for children to meet their favorite animal up close. Geakers Tacos and The Nature Store are located on the grounds for foods, drinks and souvenirs available for purchase. https://www.lvzoo.org/