Map created by Tom Murphy VII (CC license)
As you can see from the map above, the settlement that started in 1753 on just the tip of the Point (Central Business District on the map) has grown into a sprawling metropolis.
I’ll be finishing the history of that growth (from about 1810 onward) in a future, supplementary post. In the meantime, without further delay, let’s discuss all the great things to see and do when you’re actually in modern day Pittsburgh!
If You Have Time for Nothing Else, Do This
If you plan to be so busy with conference activities that getting out and about the city will take a back seat, then this is the one foray I’d recommend. Whenever friends or family came to see me in Pittsburgh, I took them on this excursion first. I knew that even if we got to do nothing else, they would leave with a lasting, positive impression of the city.
Riding up the Monongahela Incline
The Monongahela incline climbs 635 ft. along a 35 degree gradient to the top of Mt. Washington. It’s been in operation since 1870 (but don’t worry – it’s been upgraded since then; most recently in 1994). The view from the top is spectacular – not only of Downtown Pittsburgh and the Point, but also of the Monongahela (locally referred to as the Mon) stretching away to the east. This outlook was rated by USA Today as one of the ten most beautiful places in America. So like I said, if you are only going to do one thing in Pittsburgh, do this. And even if you plan to do many things, then do this first!
There are a number of places downtown where you can catch a trolley across the river to reach the base of the incline. For a few dollars, you can get a trolley ticket and a "transfer" (a ticket to take you back, good for about 3 hours). Just ride over to Station Square and then walk the few hundred feet further up Carson St. to the incline (you’ll be let out on the correct side of the road). A few more dollars will get you up and down the incline.
Looking across the Mon at Downtown (the Tallest Building is the US Steel Tower)
But unless you’re afraid of heights, there is no rush to come back down. Feel free to take some time to explore Mt. Washington. Have a meal at one of the many restaurants that offer views of the cityscape from their dining rooms. Or take a stroll through the recently dedicated 280-acre Scenic Byways Park.
When you are ready to come back down, there is still some fun to be had. Get off the return trolley at Gateway Center and then walk the one and a half blocks to Point State Park. While there you can just stroll the grounds or visit the Fort Pitt Museum and Blockhouse mentioned in the previous diary. And since it’s August, you’ll definitely want to the swing by the Point Park Fountain. Take off your shoes and dangle your legs in the basin, or splash some of the cool water on your face. From here, you can follow the river walks either up the Mon or up the Allegheny. I suggest the latter.
Allegheny River Walk
Follow the Allegheny River walk up to the Roberto Clemente Bridge (big yellow bridge in the photo). If you’re in need of a soft drink, a snack, or a coffee at this point, 6th St., which is to your left, has a number of café’s and eateries. If you’re doing fine, cross the bridge over to the North Shore. Stroll the river walk on this side past PNC Park and down as far as Heinz Field. You’re likely to see a number of boats moored along the walk or out in the water. There’s a great waterfall-type fountain about halfway between the two stadiums where you can wade, or splash yourself to cool off. When you’re done, grab a bite to eat on the North Shore or cross back over to 6th Street.
This compact excursion gives you a dual experience of Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline and downtown riverfront – from the mountain and from the valley. And while there’s far more to Pittsburgh than this, it’s hard for me to imagine a better introduction.
Tunnel to the Point
General Resources
Monongahela Incline
Trolley Routes (Take the 47S or L; 42C or S)
Mt. Washington Restaurants
Past and Future Diaries (Posted Mondays and Wednesdays)
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2A: Pgh History through 1800
Part 2B: (Soon) Pgh History 1800 through 1900
Part 2C: (Soon) Pgh History 1900 through the Present Day
Part 3: ---Today’s Diary---
Part 4: (Wed 7/23) Cool Things Close to Pittsburgh
Part 5: For Sports Fans
Part 6: Museums & Cultural Activities
Part 7: For the Kids
Part 8: Culinary Delights
Part 9: Outdoor Activities
Part 10: (Optional) Anything forgotten or that doesn’t fit above
Pittsburgh Point of Interest #3: Standing at the Point Park Fountain, you are at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers – the place where the Monongahela (from the southeast) and the Allegheny (from the north) merge to form the Ohio. What you may not realize is that you are also standing atop a "fourth river." This is the Wisconsin Glacial Aquifer which runs through a stone channel beneath the city. Special pumps access this aquifer to feed the fountain at the Point.
Pittsburgh's Point Park Fountain in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month