In town for the NFL Draft? Don’t just hover around the draft stage — Pittsburgh has plenty worth your time between picks. Here are eight spots and experiences you might want to check out while visiting the city.
1. Point State Park
It’s the giant fountain at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. People can be seen walking around the fountain, sitting on its edge or even taking selfies with it and the Pittsburgh skyline in the background.
Point State Park is a triangular plot of land that boasts the fountain and historical significance. Be sure to route to Boulos Parking Point State Park at 101 Commonwealth Place.
The numerous trails and paths that lead to the fountain are optimal for runners, walkers and cyclists — especially on a sunny day.
In 1753, Lieutenant George Washington, in the Virginia militia, passed through the land that would become Point State Park and wrote about it in his journal, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
Point State Park is the site of Fort Pitt — which is still there — and visitors can check out the Fort Pitt Museum.
2. Ride an incline
A trip to Pittsburgh wouldn’t be complete without taking an incline ride up the side of Mount Washington. There are two remaining inclines, and the original ones opened in the 1870s — the Duquesne Incline at 1197 W. Carson St. and the Monongahela Incline at 8 Grandview Ave.
Grab your camera because the top of Mt. Washington is arguably the best spot to take photos with the people you love. There are multiple lookout spots with picturesque views of the Steel City along Grandview Avenue.
Both inclines cost $2.50 one-way, but the Mon Incline is $3.50 round-trip, and the Duquesne Incline is $5 round-trip with discounts for children and senior citizens, according to Visit Pittsburgh.
The Monongahela Incline will accept credit cards, but the Duquesne Incline is exact cash only. Tickets can be purchased at either the bottom or the top of the mountain.
3. Senator John Heinz History Center
The Senator John Heinz History Center, which now features the giant bottle of ketchup that used to hang at Heinz Field, has a plethora of historical exhibits, including “Pittsburgh’s Hidden History,” “From Slavery to Freedom,” “Heinz” and more.
This would be the perfect inside getaway during your trip if you want to get away from the weather outside. Pittsburgh’s weather is often unpredictable, so who knows what draft week will bring?
General admission tickets are on sale now for the week of the NFL Draft, according to its website. Adult tickets are $20, senior citizen tickets are $18, student tickets are $11, and youth and child tickets are free.
The Heinz History Center, located at 1212 Smallman St., is in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
4. Cultural District
A group of alluring attractions all on its own, Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is home to the city’s numerous performance venues, art galleries and cultural landmarks.
Stretching from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to Stanwix Street, the Cultural District encompasses a 14-block radius.
Attractions include the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, which is where traveling Broadway productions perform, and Heinz Hall, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony, as well as the Byham Theater, the O’Reilly Theater, the Greer Cabaret Theater, the Harris Theater, Liberty Magic and more.
This is an easy way to see more of Pittsburgh’s culture on foot. Grab your favorite beverage — whether it be a coffee, lemonade, water or soda — and take a leisurely stroll. If you get hungry, there are numerous restaurants in the vicinity that you can pop into.
5. Pittsburgh Walk of Fame
The first 10 stars in the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame were recently unveiled in the fall along Smallman Street in the Strip District.
The Hollywood-esque installment’s first induction class of honorees included Roberto Clemente, Fred Rogers and Michael Keaton.
Each honoree has a star with their name on the sidewalk, as well as a descriptive plaque. At 800 Smallman St., the stars can be found on the sidewalk in front of The Terminal.
While you’re in the Strip District, check out some of the local shops along Penn Avenue, which locals love. This will be the best line of shops for travelers to find Pittsburgh-related merchandise and sports gear from local vendors.
6. August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Located at 980 Liberty Ave., the August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the contributions of African Americans to the performing and visual arts.
The center’s namesake, August Wilson, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and there’s a permanent exhibition inside dedicated to Wilson’s life and artistic works.
“Through our festivals, exhibitions and programs, we aim to inspire all people to see Black creativity and innovation as an impetus for heartfelt human connection,” the center’s website says.
The August Wilson Center is closest to the Cultural District, so your walk could end here to check out what’s on display or to see a show.
7. Gateway Clipper
The Gateway Clipper tours and cruises take place on a fleet of riverboats that dock at 350 W. Station Square Drive.
In 1958, the original Gateway Clipper became Pittsburgh’s first official sightseeing boat. Now, there are five operational riverboats.
Visitors to Pittsburgh will be able to get a panoramic view of the Steel City from its iconic rivers. The Gateway Clipper is a quintessential Pittsburgh tradition, so be sure to snap a few pictures while on board.
There are numerous cruise options people can book online, including dining cruises, sightseeing tours, kids’ cruises and dance and music cruises, according to its website.
During the week of the draft, there are a few sightseeing tours of the Three Rivers available to book on Saturday and Sunday.
8. Pittsburgh Glass Center
This year marks Pittsburgh Glass Center’s 25th anniversary. Located 5472 Penn Ave., outside of Downtown Pittsburgh in the city’s Friendship neighborhood, this is the farthest attraction on our list at around four miles east of the Strip District.
Pittsburgh Glass Center is a nonprofit that includes a gallery, glassmaking classes and a gift shop. Though it’s the farthest away from the draft itself, the Glass Center can provide the perfect escape for visitors into one of Pittsburgh’s local neighborhoods.
With hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the city, the outer neighborhoods are sure to be at least somewhat less populated than the North Shore.
Visitors can take self-guided tours to see the contemporary glass exhibition, explore studios and learn more about how to get into glassmaking, according to its website.
Bonus activity: U.S. Steel Tower
The U.S. Steel Tower rises above Pittsburgh’s skyline at 64 stories tall. Visitors can walk into the 20,000 square foot lobby, which features 28-feet high glass windows.
Located at 600 Grant St., the U.S. Steel Tower has direct subway access at the Steel Plaza stop from the North Shore, where the NFL Draft will take place.
Take a photo with the tower while you’re there, and you could even try to snap a .5 shot with your group to post on social media.
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