5 Things Yinz Have to Do in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is AWESOME! I’m not just saying that because I’m a homegrown Yinzer – it’s an incredible city! There’s so much to see, do (and eat!) in a place where the people make you feel like family. It is a hub for STEM, performance and athletics, as well as world class universities. If you have a student group visiting, there are 5 things yinz have to do in Pittsburgh.

Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center is a great place to start exploring the rich heritage of the city. Right in the middle of the Strip District, the History Center is six floors and 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history. Stop on the 4th floor to re-visit your childhood in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. It’s the largest collection of original items from the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television set which was created and filmed in Pittsburgh!

Strip District

Pittsburgh’s Strip District is not what you might be thinking!  It started as an industrial neighborhood of foundries and mills along railroad tracks. Those same tracks brought wholesalers and grocers to the neighborhood as well. Over the years, industry gave way to international shops, restaurants and merchants. The Strip District is now a trendy area with a uniquely Pittsburgh flavor – perfect for exploring, shopping or munching.

Point State Park

Point State Park marks the “point” where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. It’s a 36+ acre green space in the heart of downtown with riverfront paths and a 150-foot fountain. Beyond being a beautiful oasis, Point Park is historically significant. It tells the story of Pittsburgh’s pivotal role in the French and Indian War. It’s home to the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, built in 1764 by Colonel Henry Bouquet and the Fort Pitt Museum.

Gateway Clipper Fleet

Pittsburgh was built on the three rivers, and there’s no better way to see it than a Gateway Clipper river cruise. They’ll take student groups on the rivers, through the locks and dams, or dining and dancing. Heads up! You’ll be holding your breath as you barely skim the undersides of the many bridges under which you’ll pass.

Kennywood Park

If your student group is headed to Pittsburgh, then Kennywood Park is a must do. Kennywood is 120+ years of summer fun! It’s known as one of the greatest amusement parks in the world with 3 of its coasters dating back to the 1920s and its newest – the Steel Curtain – an epic, breathtaking ride. The Steel Curtain is 220 feet at its highest point and has 9 inversions (including the world’s tallest at 197 feet above ground). Kennywood is the perfect blend of old school charm and modern thrills. Oh- and it’s a great venue for performance groups, too!

If you’re bringing students downtown (pronounced “dahntahn!”), these are 5 things yinz have to do in Pittsburgh. It’s a perfect destination for educational groups, performance groups, sports groups or any group looking to have a great time. There’s so much to do that I had to write a part two n’at… next week I’ll share 5 more awesome things to do. See yinz then!