By Daniel Casciato
When it comes to professional sports and its passionate fan base, there’s no doubt that the city of Pittsburgh has earned the nickname, “City of Champions.”
Between our three professional sports teams—the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates—Pittsburgh has captured 16 championships. The Steelers have six Super Bowl wins; the Penguins have five Stanley Cup championships; and the Pirates have won the World Series five times (yes, the Pirates have actually won a championship or two).
But Pittsburgh is also home to a diverse array of world-class establishments. Looking for things to do in Pittsburgh? Next time you have family in town, be sure to check out some of these places!
Experience African American Arts and Culture
As one of only two major arts institutions worldwide named after Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture connects audiences with the art, culture and history of African Americans in western Pennsylvania and people of African descent throughout the world. It features multiple exhibition galleries, a 486-seat theater for performances in all genres, an education center for classes, lectures and hands-on learning, and spaces for community programs and events.
See Pittsburgh’s Roots
The University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning 26 Nationality Rooms on the first and third floors honors the history and heritage of Pittsburgh’s various ethnic groups. Each of these rooms have been designed to represent the culture of various ethnic groups that settled in the Pittsburgh region. The rooms feature Classical, Byzantine, Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance, Tudor, Empire, Minka and folk styles to re-create cultural periods prior to 1787 when the university was founded. Guided tours are available by prior reservation for groups of ten or more; narrated tape tours are available for walk-in visitors.
Discover the Treasures Inside a Victorian Home
Go back in time to see Clayton, the Victorian home purchased in 1882 by Henry Clay Frick, the famous industrialist. He lived there with his daughter, Helen, for many years. Today the restored home is open for tours that focus on the history of the home and the Frick family’s life in the Pittsburgh region. While there, you can also visit the Car and Carriage Museum, The Frick Art Museum, Greenhouse, or the Museum Shop.
Explore the Wonders of Science
Carnegie Science Center offers four floors of hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits geared for all ages—from the smallest scientists to adults. Experience a replica space station, play basketball against a robot, visit the world-renowned Miniature Railroad & Village, see the stars in the Buhl Planetarium, and more.
Walk Through Randyland
If you’re walking through Pittsburgh’s Northside, it’s hard not to miss Randyland, a whimsical-designed home with a 40-foot-high mural that includes dinosaurs, butterflies, giant ladybugs, waterfalls, mountains, two moons, a golden castle, and doves of peace. Randyland is the home of local artist, Randy Gilson. His courtyard and home is open daily between 10:00am and 5:30pm. Visitors are welcome to explore his public art displays in and around the property.
Get Your Adrenaline Fix
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, fun and adventure await you at Kennywood Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. This National and State Historic Landmark offers you thrilling rides, including three wooden roller coasters, an antique carousel, the Phantom’s Revenge steel coaster, the indoor Exterminator, three water rides, and 14 Kiddieland rides. The park also has 35 various games, as well as four gift shops and four arcades. Of course, you have to wait until Kennywood is open (see what I did there?) for the season!
What are some of your favorite things to do in Pittsburgh? Let us know!
