The Monongahela Incline
November 24, 2014
The Tour of Oakland
November 24, 2014In addition to cultural, historical, sporting, and recreational attractions, Pittsburgh’s North Shore boasts some of the most beautiful views of the city. The sights from the North Shore, on the banks of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, provides a unique view of downtown and other Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Popular Pittsburgh wants to help you make the most of your visit to the North Shore. Therefore, we have created a Walking Tour of the North Shore. Like our other walking tours (The Tour of Pittsburgh and The Tour of Oakland), we suggest you lots of photos and selfies along the way! To double the fun, we’ve also made the tour a bit of a mystery. At each landmark, we’ve included some information and a trivia question. Correct answers are posted at the bottom of this post.
You can begin the tour at any of the 11 points of interest and pick up the hunt from there by going to the following site. Along the way, feel free to take in the other venues. Many of the sites highlighted on the tour require extra time and some require admission tickets to fully explore them. The North Shore is easily accessible from the bridges that span the Allegheny River or from the two T-Stations. The time to complete the tour will vary according to your pace and curiosity. It should take a few hours, but there is no reason to rush. Enjoy your tour. And don’t forget to tag #popularpittsburgh in your photos.
Rivers Casino
When you think of casinos, you think of Vegas, but even Vegas with all its glitz and glamour can't boast the location that the Rivers Casino does. Located on the Ohio River, at 777 Casino Drive, just down river from the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers at The Point, the Rivers Casino has slots, table games, and a poker room. Even if you are not a gambler, The Rivers Casino is worth a visit. There is no admission charge and it is open 24/7. Five restaurants are located on the premises, to include a wide range from the upscale Andrew's Steak & Seafood to a scrumptious buffet, as well as numerous bar areas. The Drum Bar features a wall of windows that offers an amazing view of the city.
Trivia
Leave the casino through the front entrance and turn right. Head for the paved pathway toward the Ohio River, then bear left walking along the river shore on part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which is popular with pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. On the left, you will pass the back of the Carnegie Science Center, which we will visit later. The vessel RiverQuest is on the right. It provides a hands-on learning experiences about our river's ecosystems and is an exhibit of the Science Center. During the warmer months, you can sail on the RiverQuest by purchasing tickets inside the Carnegie Science Center. Continue further along the lower path by the river until you reach:
USS Requin Submarine
This World War II sub is also an exhibit of the Carnegie Science Center. It's well worth a visit just to marvel at how 80 men lived inside this small Tench-class sub.
Trivia
Continuing along the pathway, you will soon approach a flight of stone stairs. Proceed to the left on the path that is above the stairs. On the left, you will pass Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pitt Panthers. You will explore Heinz Field later in the tour. You will encounter a piece of art entitled "Langley Observatory Clock". According to its creator, R. M. Fischer, the work
"celebrates the act of looking out over the river. The work is a response to the industrial history of Pittsburgh, simultaneously appearing timeless and looking forward."
Proceed onward, and at the approaching pier, look up toward the keyhole opening in this former part of the Manchester Bridge and discover the:
Statues of Mr. Rogers
Dedicated in November 2009, this tribute to Pittsburgh's most famous and beloved neighbor, Fred Rogers, attracts visitors who grew up with Mr. Rogers and those who admired the work he did for children. The smiling Mr. Rogers looks out over the city he loved and welcomes friends.
Trivia
As you continue along the path, you will come to a fork. The upper path will take you to a few office buildings where, if you are hungry or thirsty, you will find something to refresh yourself. If you don't want to stop now, continue along the lower path where you will see the future home of the World War II Memorial and the Law Enforcement Memorial. In addition, you will also encounter The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, The Korean War Veteran's Memorial, and a historical marker noting that this was the site where the first World Series was played in 1903, pitting Boston against Pittsburgh. Continue along the river until you come to the:
Water Steps at Riverfront Park
If it's warm and your tootsies are tired from walking, now is the time to rest and dip your toes into the refreshing waters of the Waters Steps. Nearly 500 blocks of sandstone, cut from a quarry in Butler, form stepping stones and a waterfall that has proven to be irresistible to children and even some adults. The water recycles up to the pool at the top and then cascades back through the waterscape, making it a veritable oasis in the city.
Trivia
Put your walking shoes back on and proceed along the river path. Soon you will come to:
PNC Park
The current home of the Pittsburgh Pirates opened on March 31, 2001, and is regarded as one of the top, if not the finest, baseball parks in the country. During the summer months, in-depth tours of PNC Park are offered, but you must purchase tickets ahead of time. If you can't take a tour, you still can walk around the outside of the ballpark and see the statues of Pirates greats: Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Honus Wagner. There are numerous restaurants and watering holes around PNC Park as well. On game days, the adjacent Roberto Clemente Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, giving this area a festival atmosphere.
Trivia
Return to the river path and walk under the Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge) where Kayak Pittsburgh rents kayaks for paddling on the river. Continue along the cement walkway, where you will encounter historical markers commemorating the Allegheny Cotton Mill Strikes of 1848 and the Founding of the former Allegheny City in 1783, until you come to:
Allegheny Landing Sculpture Park Area
No, the circular stone monument on the hill is not Pittsburgh's answer to Stonehenge, but one of a two-part piece of art entitled Mythic Source & Piazza Lavoro. The Mythic Source part is a mosaic located near the river and pays tribute to life's aquatic origins and "the sustaining powers of the waters." The upper portion recognizes the significant contributions of Pittsburgh to America's labor history. Further along the path are several other pieces of art. This area will soon be getting a makeover that will restore the deteriorating sculptures.
Trivia
The Andy Warhol Museum
Located at 117 Sandusky Street, The Warhol Museum is the largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to a single artist and contains an extensive collection of Pittsburgh-born Andy Warhol's works. It chronicles his early works as an illustrator and his rise to becoming the most celebrated Pop artist.
Trivia
Continue along Sandusky Street, walking under the overpass. At Allegheny Center, Sandusky will turn into E. Commons Street. In the center of the commons on the left, look for Children's Way. Turn left onto Children's Way until you come to:
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
If small children are in your group, you must stop and tour this museum. The Water Play area alone will make you a hero to the tots in the group. Among its many hands-on exhibits is one devoted to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. There, the kids can see all their favorite puppets from X the Owl to King Friday.
Trivia
The National Aviary
The National Aviary is the nation's only non-profit aviary, and it is home to more than 500 animals. There you can see everything from a Blue-Bellied Roller to a White-Faced Whistling Duck. And, of course, since it's Pittsburgh, there are "penguins" too.
Trivia
Heinz Field
This is the house that ketchup built. Heinz Field is the home of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. Tours are scheduled from April through October. At Art Rooney Avenue turn right, and walk around the stadium where you will see a historical plaque noting that this was the site of the former Three Rivers Stadium. You will also come to a monument area dedicated to the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney. After paying respect to "The Chief," stroll to the south end zone on your right, and look inside Heinz Field. Imagine the challenge of being a field goal kicker and trying to place one between the uprights with the wind blowing in from the river. Continue along, and on the left, you will come to a monument of the Pitt Panther.
Trivia
Carnegie Science Center
The Science Center has four floors of exhibits, an Omnimax theater, Buhl Planetarium, Highmark SportsWorks, and the ever popular Miniature Railroad & Village. In addition, you will find the previously-mentioned USS Requin and RiverQuest, both of which are docked outside the Center. There's always something new and interesting at the Science Center, and you could spend hours here just having fun while learning.
