Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The ten-block district known as the Golden Triangle, lies at the heart of downtown Pittsburgh at the confluence of the picturesque Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers. Once bitterly fought over as the gateway to the West, Pittsburgh today is one of America's most attractive and most livable cities.
Each of Pittsburgh's close-knit neighborhoods: the South Side and Mount Washington (across the Monongahela River from the Golden Triangle); the North Side, across the Allegheny River; and Oakland, the university area in the east, attests in its own way to the city's history and its resurgence. Easily accessible to each other, they retain individual identities, and each adds a unique element to the whole.
Industry in Pittsburgh began with the development of iron foundries in the early 1800s, and by the time of the Civil War, Pittsburgh was producing half of the iron and one third of the glass in the US. Soon after, the city became the world's leading producer of steel, thanks to the vigorous expansion programs of Andrew Carnegie, who, by 1870, was the richest man in the world. Present-day Pittsburgh is dotted with his cultural bequests, along with those of other wealthy benefactors who were Carnegie’s contemporaries. These include the Mellon bankers, the Frick coal merchants, and the Heinz food producers.
A face-lift in recent years has involved large-scale demolition of abandoned steel mills and freed up much of the downtown waterfront for development and the surrounding areas for gentrification and preservation of historical treasures. For shopping, fine dining and just enjoying the scenery, plan a visit to the Waterfront. Located along the Monongahela River, the Waterfront is now a 360-acre landmark retail development that offers 1.8 million square feet of entertainment, retail shops and much more, making it a must see during any stay.
The popular Andy Warhol Museum, which opened in 1994, bolstered Pittsburgh's image as a destination city, and an enormous new Convention Center brings in major conferences. The city is easily accessible via numerous interstate highways.
During football season, Pittsburghers lovingly cheer on the hometown football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the game, if someone offers to buy you an “iron”, it doesn't mean your clothes are rumpled. The local brand of beer in Pittsburgh is Iron City, popularly known as Iron. There are many other interesting local expressions that have become part of Pittsburgh’s culture and history. For example, “city chicken” is not poultry but breaded pork and veal skewered and grilled. “Jumbo” does not refer to size but to bologna, and soft drinks are simply “pop.”
For a spectacular view of the city, take a ride on the Duquesne Incline. Visitors can admire the view from a century-old cable car traveling between West Carson Street and the many fine restaurants of Grandview Avenue. For a historical day trip, visit the Bushy Run Battlefield. It is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield.
A day at the Zoo and Aquarium is always fun for a change of pace. As home to more than 2,000 animals, including a variety of endangered species, it’s a perfect all day outing. Summer is a perfect time to visit nearby Kennywood Park for a fun filled day with the entire family. Kennywood is one of America’s finest traditional amusement parks.
History, attractions, fine dining, weather for all seasons; whatever the interest, the folks from the “burg” will warmly welcome you.
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh
412-454-6000
Hours: Open Daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $6; Senior Citizens(62+) & Students with ID: $4.50; Children(6-18): $3; Children 6 & under: free
This museum presents the history of western Pennsylvania. Visit the many changing exhibits as well as the three permanent exhibits. Points in Time, features life in Pittsburgh from 1750 to present time. Glass: Shattering Notions is an interactive story of glass in western pennsylvania and the Prine Collection of Woodworking Planes - over 200 wooden planes used in Pittsburgh.
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Carnegie Science Center
Allegheny Center, Pittsburgh
412-237-3400
Hours: Sunday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 9pm
Admission: Adults: $6.50; Seniors & Children: $4.50
This centers features an Omnimax Theater, over 250 hands - on exhibits, a WWII submarine and the world's only electronic exhibits theater.
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Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh
412-237-8300
Hours: Sunday & Wednesday 11am - 6pm; Thursday - Saturday 11am - 8pm; closed Monday & Tuesday
Admission: Adults: $7; Seniors: $6; Students with ID & Children over 3: $4
Visit the works of one of the most influential artists in 20th century U.S. history. This seven story building consists of more than 3000 forms of trans-media works of art. This is one museum that is not to be missed.
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Gateway Clipper Fleet
9 Station Square Dock, Pittsburgh
412-355-7980
Hours: Depends on cruise
Admission: varies
A cruise? In Pittsburgh? You bet! Take your family on an adventure on the high seas. A favorite for everyone in the family.
Pittsburgh Children's Museum
10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh
412-322-5058
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 8pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Admission; Adults: $4.50; Seniors: $3.50; Thursdays: $2.50; Children under 2: free
This is a hands-on museum that can entertain children of all ages for hours. If possible, plan a visit on a Tuesday, which is family day.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Way, Washington (30 minutes south of Pittsburgh)
877-Pa-Trolley
Hours: Closed January, February & March; April - December: weekends 11am - 5pm; Memorial Day - Labor Day: daily 11am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $5; Children(2-15): $3; Seniors(65+): $4
The clang of the trolley, the ding of the bell and a three mile trip in the past. When you're finished your ride, take a tour of the museum. Your ticket is good for the entire day. Don't let it go to waste!
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The Jimmy Stewart Museum
9th & Philadephia Sts, Indiana, PA
724-349-6112/800-83-JIMMY
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday & Holidays 12pm - 5pm; closed Monday & Tuesdays during Januray, February & March
Admission: adults: $5; Seniors(62+), Military Personnel, College Students: $4; Children(7-17): $3; Children under 6: free
A legend in his own right. Anyone who has ever seen a Jimmy Stewart film won't want to miss this museum's dipiction of his life and accomplishments. You'll go back in time and may want to stay there.
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Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm; open Mondays July 5 - August 3
Admission: Adults: $6; Seniors: $5; Full - time Students & Children over 3: $4
This is the place where you can dig for bones, go mining and see what our planet has to offer. One stop shopping for a fun and educational time.
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Sandcastle Water Park
1000 Sandcastle Dr, Pittsburgh
412-462-6666
Hours: Beginning of June - Beginning of September Daily 11am - 6pm
Admission: Whitewater pass: $15.95; Seniors: $12.95; Children under 3: free
This park has water rides galore! A definate reason to visit Pittsburgh in the summer. Ride down 45' from the Bermuda Triangle. Start at the top of Thunder Run and expierence a ride from 50'. And for all that are fearless, the Cliffhangers is calling your name. Be prepared to get wet and stay that way.
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Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA
412-461-0500
Hours: Daily May 12 - September 4 10:30am - 10pm
Admission: Monday - Friday: $18.95; Saturday & Sunday: $22.95
This park will satisfy the needs of all family members. Roller coasters, water rides and special rides for the kiddies. Not just an amusement park, this is an historical landmark as well.
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Idlewild Park
Rt. 30 E, Ligonier, PA
724-238-3666
Hours: Daily 10am - park closing announced daily(end of May - beginning of September)
Admission: $15.95; Seniors(55+): $11.50; Children under 2: free
If I had to pick a place to go with little ones, this would be the place. Besides the rides, you can visit Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, listen to a story at the Story Book Forest and if there's still an ounce of energy left, tire the kids out at the Jumpin' Jungle.
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The National Aviary
West Park, Pittsburgh
412-323-7235
Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $5; Seniors(60+): $4; Children(2-12): $3.50; Children under 2: free
Up in the sky the little birds fly, down in the nest the little birds rest. There are over 200 different birds flying and resting and doing lots of other bird stuff. You'll be amazed at what over 500 birds can do.
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The Pittsburgh Zoo
One Wold Place, Pittsburgh
800-474-4966
Hours: Labor Day - Memorial Weekend 9am - 5pm;
Admission: Adults: $6.50; Seniors(60+) & Children(2-13): $4.75; Children under 2: free
Isn't it time your kids played like wild animals? Take them to the Kids Kingdom at the Pittsburgh Zoo and not only will they see animals, but they can act like them too. When they've quieted to a low roar, take them to see the baby elephant. If you can wait until the summer to visit, the new 42,000 sq. ft. aquarium is scheduled to open.
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Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $6; Seniors: $5; Students with ID & Children over 3: $4
Located under the same roof as the Museum of Natural History, this museum features American & European art. You won't make to miss the Hall of Architure. You'll see breathtaking recreations of architectual masterpieces from aroung the world.
