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Southwestern Pennsylvania's Community Guide Allegheny County's Main Attractions |
| Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh, contains a wealth of local attractions for visitors and life-long residents alike. The ones that I have listed below are just some of the more well-known or unique attractions that you may be interested in. For additional attractions and links, be sure to visit The Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide home page, at www.swpenna.com. | |
| 1. | Allegheny Cemetery (Lawrenceville) |
| Exploring the beautiful grounds of this cemetery can provide a sense of peace and connect oneself to Pittsburgh’s past. Since 1844, many notable Pittsburghers have chosen Allegheny Cemetery for their final resting place, including Steven Foster, Joseph Horne and Thomas Mellon. In all, 120,000 people are interred within 300 acres of land. Being the 6th oldest rural cemetery in the nation, the history is rich and the tales are many of the people buried here | |
| 2. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Oakland) |
| Situated near the University of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Library still resides within it's original building. Recent renovations have preserved its character while allowing for state of the art library services. The library was founded in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, along with 5 other local branches. Today, the system has grown to 16 branches with 2 more on the way. Be sure to visit the "Pennsylvania Department" - the wealth of local history and information is impressive. | |
| 3. | Carnegie Museum of Art (Oakland) |
| One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Museum of Art features the Heinz and Scaife art galleries of paintings, sculpture and more. There are changing exhibits and frequent special events. If in Oakland, be sure to check out this extensive museum collection. | |
| 4. | Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Oakland) |
| Housed near the Library and Art Museum, the Natural History museum features global and local exhibits in its extensive galleries and changing exhibits. It is also home to several ongoing research departments, including the areas of botany, anthropology, mammals and birds. What a great place to learn about the natural world as it was, and is today! | |
| 5. | Carnegie Science Center (North Shore) |
| Fun & educational, and never the same experience twice, the Science Center is a favorite for kids and adults alike. There are always new, hands-on exhibits to explore, as well as creative theater shows located throughout the 5 story building. Be sure to check out a planetarium show or Omnimax movie as well! Within walking distance, the affiliated “SportsWorks” provides physical challenges and active fun along the same lines. | |
| 6. | Dave and Buster's Restaurant & Games (Homestead / Waterfront) |
| Located at the Waterfront in Homestead, Dave and Busters has become one of the area’s hot spots in just a few short years. With a bar & restaurant, D&B features a huge game room complete with all the latest games, skee-ball and billiards. It’s always a fun night out to have some dinner and then hit the games. Be sure to save up your tickets to win some great (and some cheesy) prizes! | |
| 7. | Duquesne Incline (West End / Mt. Washington) |
| The more westerly of the Mt. Washington inclines, the Duquesne Incline is itself a working museum with a long history. It still uses the original 1877 cable cars to traverse up and down the hillside! A trip on the incline is a must for visitors, and the Duquesne incline in particular is close to many restaurants on Mt. Washington. And of course, there’s always the great view of the Golden Triangle and surrounding areas from the overlooks! | |
| 8. | Gateway Clipper Fleet (Station Square) |
| Looking for fun on the three rivers? The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers dozens of types of cruises – dining, dancing and sightseeing tours among them. It also offers shuttle service for Steeler games and other events. It definitely is a great way to see the city from a unique vantage point. | |
| 9. | Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau (Downtown) |
| The recently opened David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh has definitely made an impact on the Downtown landscape. Slated as an “expansion” to the previous convention center, the new one is much larger and capable of handling world class events. Be sure to check out the conference schedule and schedule of events – there are many interesting shows and exhibits open to the public throughout the year. | |
| 10. | Heinz Regional History Center (Downtown / Strip District) |
| Officially known as the “Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center”, the History Center is one of the coolest attractions in the area (in my humble opinion) and operates as both a museum and research facility. It is housed in a converted warehouse, 160,000 sf in size - plus a large expansion planned to open this year. The exhibits are locally based and very interesting: plan to spend a whole day here. | |
| 11. | Just Ducky Tours (Station Square) |
| Looking for a unique sightseeing tour of the city? A Ducky Tour is just what the doctor ordered. Traverse along land and water in their authentic World War II “DUKW” vehicle while a narrarator provides historic commentary in a quirky, humorous fashion. Tours depart from near the Hard Rock Café at Station Square daily, April through October. | |
| 12. | Kennywood Park (West Mifflin / Duquesne) |
| What true Pittsburgher doesn’t have a special place in their heart for Kennywood? As the region’s premier park, Kennywood bills itself these days as “America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park” – and it may very well be! Founded in 1898 as trolley park to give trolley riders a reason to use the trolley line, Kennywood (and about a dozen other such parks) featured dancing, picnicking and a few rides. Today, the park boasts 6 roller coasters and 4 water attractions among the dozens of creative rides and games throughout the park. The thing about Kennywood that makes it special is that it introduces newer and faster rides without taking away from its traditional roots and unique charm. | |
| 13. | Loews Cineplex Waterfront Theatre (Homestead / Waterfront) |
| For a pampered movie experience, head on down to the Waterfront in Homestead and enjoy stadium seating and state of the art acoustics. Reserve your seats in advance and have dinner there as well – Loews has taken the cinema experience to a new level. | |
| 14. | Monongahela Incline (Station Square / Mt. Washington) |
| Opening on May 8, 1870, the Mon Incline became the first passenger incline and has been in continual operation since. It is the oldest and steepest incline in the United States. Today, it conveniently connects the attractions at Station Square with the overlooks on Grandview Ave. in Mt. Washington and is therefore a prominent tourist attraction in of itself! | |
| 15. | National Aviary (North Side / West Park) |
| This place is for the birds (sorry, couldn’t resist) – but surely is one of the more unique attractions in the region. The Aviary is the nation’s only indoor nonprofit bird zoo, with over 600 birds from over 200 species, many of which are threatened and endangered. There is a special emphasis on birds from the rain forest or other wetland areas, but every continent is represented. | |
| 16. | Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (Oakland / Squirrel Hill) |
| Located across from Flagstaff Hill and Carnegie Mellon University, Phipps Conservatory adds even more beauty to Schenley Park. Phipps is known widely for its seasonal flower shows, but stays fresh with ever-changing seasonal events and special exhibits. If you’re into flowers, this is the place for you! | |
| 17. | Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (Downtown / Cultural District) |
| Pittsburgh offers a vibrant performing arts scene in what is known as the “Cultural District” of Downtown. The Cultural Trust helps to fund and promote four theaters and one fine art gallery. Although sometimes not as celebrated locally as it should be, the cultural scene has merited national and international acclaim. The Cultural District is home to the Trust venues: the Benedum, Byham, Harris and O’Reilly Theaters as well as the Wood Street Galleries. Also located nearby (but independent of the Trust) are the Pittsburgh Symphony at Heinz Hall, the Pittsburgh Opera and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. There is definitely something for everyone! | |
| 18. | Pittsburgh Pengiuns (NHL) - Official Site (Downtown / Uptown) |
| On a hockey night in Pittsburgh, you can usually buy tickets at the gate and take in the “X Generation” of the Penguins - the young group of players currently on the roster. At the helm, of course, is player / owner Mario Lemieux, who is much beloved in the city for his 2 decades of play and for helping to keep the team in Pittsburgh. The Penguins currently call Mellon Arena home but hope to have a new arena soon to play in, but we shall see… | |
| 19. | Pittsburgh Pirates (NL - MLB) - Official Site (North Shore) |
| Hopes are always high that the Pirates will turn their ship around for some winning baseball, but even if that doesn’t happen, PNC Park is one of the finest ball parks around and a great place to watch a game. A Pirates game is always enjoyable on a warm summer’s evening, and won’t cost as much as some of the other professional sports venues. | |
| 20. | Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) - Official Site (North Shore) |
| As any “Yinzer” from the ‘Burgh will tell you – Pittsburgh is truly a football town. If you are visiting during football season, good luck getting tickets – every game has been sold out for as long as I can remember. Check out Heinz Field, in its 3rd season for 2004, especially the “Great Hall”, or just come for the tailgating as many people do. The Steelers are loved nationwide because of their ongoing success (except last year), but also because of the Rooney family that has owned the team since 1933 and still lives within walking distance to the field. Kind of a breath of fresh air in this ever-increasing corporate industry! | |
| 21. | Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Downtown / Cultural District) |
| If you have never spent an evening at Heinz Hall with the Symphony, you don’t know what you are missing. The Pittsburgh Symphony is world class and is led by musical director Mariss Jansons, who is also highly respected and world renown. Be sure to view the performance schedule this season, and come and enjoy the wonderful acoustics and “sounds of the Symphony.” | |
| 22. | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium (Highland Park) |
| The Zoo is one of Pittsburgh’s most visited attractions. A few years back, the renovated “PPG” Aquarium was opened and instantly became an attraction all its own! There is also a “Kid’s Kingdom” for younger children and various special events throughout the year. | |
| 23. | Point State Park (Downtown) |
| The land on which the Point is situated is a central point for the region today and has been for over 200 years. At these “Forks of the Ohio”, the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers come together to form the Ohio River. This was a strategic point for the British and French, who were battling it out for control of the interior prior to the American Revolution. The 36-acre park now features walking paths and scenic views, but was once the site of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, as well as the Blockhouse (built in 1764, the oldest building in Western Pennsylvania.) Due to its central location, Point State Park is the site of many citywide events throughout the year, including the Regatta, Marathon and Fourth of July Celebration. | |
| 24. | Sandcastle Water Park (Hays) |
| Sandcastle stands alone in Pittsburgh as the largest, most complete water park. Sandcastle has it all – over 10 water slides, a lazy river, the “Riverplex Picnic Area” - even go-carts. If you’re old enough, stick around after dark and have a few drinks or play some volleyball at Sandbar, the adjacent outdoor watering hole. | |
| 25. | Shadyside Shopping District (Shadyside) |
| Walnut Street in Shadyside is widely known for its upscale shopping, restaurants and services. Surprisingly, there is usually ample parking in nearby metered lots or in the parking garage. If you love window shopping and meandering along city blocks, this place is for you. | |
| 26. | Station Square (South Side) |
| Station Square lies at the base of Mt. Washington across from Downtown Pittsburgh and offers a “unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience.” Including its recent expansion, Bessimer Court, Station Square contains well-known restaurants such as the Hard Rock Café, Dave & Andy’s Ice Cream and Joe’s Crab Shack. It also houses the Funny Bone as well as several stores and shops. Station Square is the most visited destination for tourists in Pittsburgh, and understandable so – it is a central point for several nearby attractions, including the Monongahela Incline and Gateway Clipper Fleet. | |
| 27. | The Andy Warhol Museum (North Shore) |
| South Hills native and CMU graduate Andy Warhol made his mark on the New York art scene in the mid to late 20th century. The Warhol museum now has the most extensive collection of his work, including 273 films and over 4000 works of art in various media. There are also archives available for research if you are into art history. The museum is operated as one of the four Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh. | |
| 28. | The Nationality Rooms (Cathedral of Learning, U. of Pitt) (Oakland) |
| Pittsburgh has always been a melting pot of world heritages, where traditional customs and ways are still celebrated. In this spirit, the University of Pittsburgh features 26 Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning. Each room, while serving as a student classroom, reflects the art, history and culture of a particular nationality. Many rooms were financed, designed and built by heritage groups many years ago. | |
| 29. | Tour-Ed Mine & Museum (Tarentum) |
| Western Pennsylvania has a proud and rich mining tradition. Learn more about mining and its heritage at the Tour-Ed Mine by touring an actual mine with an experienced miner. The museum contains mining tools dating back to the 1850s as well as state of the art tools. Also check out the “Mine Village”, sawmill and other attractions. | |
| 30. | Waterfront Town Center (Homestead) |
| The Waterfront is one of the newest and largest shopping & entertainment draws in the area, with big name draws such as Loews Theatre and the Improv to anchor, and restaurants and clubs to support. It is also an example of “Brownfield” redevelopment that has been successful. The plateau where the Waterfront is located was once the site of the Carnegie Steel / US Steel Homestead Works until the demise of steel. It is also the location of the famous “1892 Homestead Steel Strike” that violently set back organized labor for another half century. | |
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