15 Landmarks in Pittsburgh, PA, You Should See

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By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of what landmarks in Pittsburgh, PA, you have to visit. It's an interesting city blending old with new and contains many places of interest.

If old historical sites appeal to you, the centuries-old Neill Log House and Fort Pitt Block House will have you digging for more information. If you are an art buff, the world-renowned Andy Warhol Museum will keep you enthralled for hours.

Additionally, parks like Schenley Park, Point State Park, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for nature lovers. Read on to discover all of the top landmarks in the Steel City.

Organizing a last-minute visit to Pittsburgh?

When visiting Pittsburgh, book your entrance tickets and tours before you go. Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Pittsburgh

• Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take (rated highly)
• Black & Ghost Tour (rated highly)
• Bike the Burgh Tour (rated highly)
• FALLINGWATER - America's UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece
• Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour

15 Landmarks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Acrisure Stadium

Acrisure Stadium opened in 2001. Formerly known as Heinz Field, it is home to two sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL and the Pittsburgh Panthers intercollegiate football team.

The structure was built primarily of steel and glass to give a nod to Pittsburgh's history as a steel manufacturer. It has a capacity of approximately 68,400, which is generally fully used on the days the Steelers play!

Allegheny Cemetery

Allegheny Cemetery is a 300-acre, historic graveyard. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and is on the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation register.

This is due to its status as the resting place of more than 124,000 people, including soldiers who fought in the historic French and Indian War between 1754 and 1763. It's also one of the city's oldest and largest burial grounds.

Allegheny County Courthouse

Completed in 1888 in Downtown Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Courthouse is connected to the adjacent county jail via the "Bridge of Sighs," based on the famous bridge in Venice.

Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in a Romanesque Revival style, the courthouse became a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places three years before in 1973.

Heinz Memorial Chapel

Located on the University of Pittsburgh campus, the Heinz Memorial Chapel was built and dedicated to entrepreneur H.J. Heinz's mother. One of the more famous buildings in Pittsburgh, this Gothic Revival church was added to the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1983.

It's also part of the Schenley Farms Historic District and is open to visitors who want to view the interior design and architecture.

Fort Pitt Block House

A fun fact about Pennsylvania relating to Pittsburgh is that the city is home to an over 250-year-old structure, Fort Pitt Block House. This building is all that's left of Fort Pitt and is found in Point State Park.

The fort was originally built as a defense during the French and Indian War. It then served as a trading post and eventually became a residence. The house itself was constructed of timber, brick, and stone in 1764. Today, it is one of the oldest buildings in Western Pennsylvania and is well worth visiting.

Allegheny River

The Pittsburgh nickname, River City, exists due to the city being located on three rivers, one of which is the Allegheny River. The 325-mile-long Allegheny River is notable as being home to one of the world's largest freshwater mussel habitats.

It is also a much-loved natural landmark in Pittsburgh, running through the Northern part of the city's downtown, including past the Strip District. In Downtown Pittsburgh, the Allegheny River meets with the Monongahela River, where both flow into the Ohio River.

The Allegheny River was even designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1992, which helps preserve the river and its marine life.

The Monongahela River

Another famous river that flows through Pittsburgh is the Monongahela River. The river gets its name from an Umami (a former native Pennsylvanian language) word that means "falling banks."

Also called the Mon, it's 130 miles long and features a system of nine locks and dams. It meets the Alleghany River in downtown and merges into the Ohio River.

Neill Log House

One of the remaining 18th-century buildings and the oldest residential dwelling in Pittsburgh, Neill Log House dates to 1765. This simple log cabin, one of many historical sites in Pittsburgh, bears a Historic Landmark plaque from 1970.

There is some contention about whether a soldier at Fort Pitt first occupied it or whether Robert Neal (its namesake), his wife, son, and five daughters lived there first. You can visit the house to learn more about its history.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Situated in Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has provided serenity and joy to its visitors since 1893. Its 15 acres are home to a Victorian-style conservatory and 23 different gardens.

The attraction has been listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks since 1976 and is the ideal place to escape the bustle of Downtown Pittsburgh.

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Point State Park

Located on 36 acres, you can find Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, where the Alleghany and Monongahela Rivers join the Ohio River. The park opened in 1974 and contains the remains of two important historical structures, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne.

The park also has National Historic Landmark status and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Today, it's a popular recreational and cultural venue for locals and visitors.

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The Andy Warhol Museum

This museum is home to an 88,000-square-foot gallery housing an extensive collection of work by Andy Warhol, a Pittsburgh-born pop art icon. This famous Pennsylvania landmark is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist.

One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, it holds such an impressive collection of artworks and memorabilia that it would be a shame not to visit it.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is dedicated to commemorating military service personnel and veterans throughout US history. The Pittsburgh landmark opened in 1910 and is the largest of its kind in the United States. Conflicts covered include the Civil War and World War I and II, among others, from the 1800s to the present day.

Schenley Park

In 1889, the land for Schenley Park was donated by Mary Schenley, a Pittsburgh philanthropist, and it currently spans a vast 456 acres. Exploring this park is one of the best outdoor activities in Pittsburgh. Amenities include a running track, soccer field, and 13 tennis courts.

It also features a swimming pool, ice skating rink, and an 18-hole golf course. No wonder Travel and Leisure magazine wrote in 2011 that it was one of "America's Coolest City Parks."

Korean War Memorial

One of the most well-known Pittsburgh monuments is the Korean War Memorial. It was erected in 1999 on the River Walk in Pittsburgh's North Shore neighborhood. It remembers the 405,000 Pennsylvanians, including 2,327 non-returning heroes, who fought in the US Korean War.

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Station Square

Station Square now occupies the site of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Complex. In 1979, the original landmark was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is interesting to see how the previous freight house building and concourse have been converted into a shopping mall, shops, and restaurants. The square is a major tourist destination and has an array of attractions to check out.

In Summary

There are many historical places, natural landmarks, and other attractions to see in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steel City will satisfy history buffs, art lovers, and those who want to take in nature. No matter what you enjoy, Pittsburgh will cater to your tastes.

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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