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Discover History - Historic Attractions Near Pittsburgh

Gain an appreciation for the rich history of the Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania region at the historic sites, attractions and museums. Hands-on history includes tours, events and classes.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
One of Pittsburgh's largest, oldest and most picturesque cemeteries, the 300 acre Allegheny Cemetery is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Learn about the history of this famous rural garden cemetery and the many notables who are buried here, including Stephen Foster, Lillian Russell, General Alexander Hays, Thomas Mellon and 22 Pittsburgh mayors
Hands on History - 10 Must See Historic Sites Near Pittsburgh
Experience history up close and personal at these must visit historic sites in Western Pennsylvania. All are located within a few hours drive from Pittsburgh.
Allegheny Cemetery
Allegheny Cemetery is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the country with 300 acres and 15 miles of paved roadways. Approximately 120,000 dead are interred there, including many of Pittsburgh's most notable figures.
Allegheny Portage Railroad
This National Historic Park commemorates the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains, an inclined plane railroad considered an engineering marvel in its day.
Bushy Run Battlefield
The opening of western Pennsylvania to settlement was the result of a decisive victory over the Native Americans at the Battle of Bushy Run, August 5th and 6th, 1763. Tours, reenactments, artifacts and interpretive exhibits tell the story of the hard-fought victory.
Compass Inn Museum
Located three miles east of Ligonier on Route 30, this restored 1799 stage coach stop offers guided tours. Features a stagecoach furnished with period pieces, cookhouse with beehive oven, the blacksmith shop with working forge, and barn housing a stagecoach and Conestoga wagon.
Covered Bridges of Pennsylvania
Explore the covered bridges of Pennsylvania, birthplace of the covered bridge and home to over 200 covered bridges that are still standing.
David Bradford House
Learn about the famed Whisky Rebellion at this 18th century home of David Bradford, a prominent attorney and leader in the rebellion. David Bradford and his family lived in this Washington County house -- a mansion by frontier standards -- from 1788 to 1794.
Drake Well Museum & Park
The full-size replica of Edwin Drake's first successful oil well, museum, and other exhibits tell the story of Sir Edwin Drake and the oil boomtown of Titusville, PA. The nearby Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad runs passengers along scenic Oil Creek, while guides tell the tale of the birth of America's modern oil industry in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania.
Duquesne Incline
Take a step back in time on an elegant, century-old cable car and see one of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh while riding one of the few remaining inclines in the country. Also known as a funicular, the incline was built in the late 1800s to transport immigrant workers from work at plants along Pittsburgh's rivers to their homes above. Don't miss the Pittsburgh history museum at the top!
Fallingwater & Kentuck Knob
One of the world's most significant architectual structures, Fallingwater is the only remaining great Frank Lloyd Wright house with its setting, original furnishings and artwork intact. Nearby, Kentuck Knob is another amazing example of Wright's architectural genius.
Fort Ligonier
Originally constructed in 1758, this historic fort in Westmoreland County was an important staging ground in the French & Indian War. The museum and exhibits tell the story of the war and the realities of frontier life in southwestern Pennsylvania. Open May through October.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Fort Necessity National Battlefield was the site of the opening salvo in the war that eventually became known as the French & Indian War or Seven Year's War. Find hours, directions and visitor's tips for Fort Necessity in Western Pennsylvania.
Fort Pitt Museum & Blockhouse
One of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History, the Fort Pitt Blockhouse and museum depicts the struggle for dominance in the Revolutionary War and French & Indian War. The museum also tells the story of the early development of the city of Pittsburgh. Located at the Point in downtown Pittsburgh.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Visit the restored country estate of Albert Gallatin, a Swiss emigrant best remembered for his thirteen year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations.
Historic Harmony
This National Historic Landmark town, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showcases exhibits from Native American, Harmonist and Mennonite cultures. At the Harmony Museum see how Harmonists and Mennonites lived, tour the wine cellar and learn about the French and Indian War.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
This National Park commemorates the site of one of the worst disasters in United States history, a flood in which over 2200 people and an entire town perished. Nearby, the Johnstown Flood Museum tells even more of the story through exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and an award winning film.
LeMoyne House
Pennsylvania's first National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad, LeMoyne House is one of only seven such sites in the United States. The stately stone house in Washington County is open for tours.
McConnell's Mill State Park
Tours of the restored rolling gristmill and covered bridge at McConnell's Mill state park are only part of the adventure. There is also striking scenery, gorgeous hiking trails, whitewater boating and two rock climbing and rapelling areas.
Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life
This wonderful, off-the-beaten-path destination recreates the story of life in Western Pennsylvania over the past 16,000 years. Explore a charming 19th century village or the internationally-known archaeological dig at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, where the first Americans lived over 16,000 years ago.
Nemacolin Castle
This tudor style house with octagonal tower and battlements has 22 furnished rooms showing the stages of change from trading post to castle. Learn about tours and upcoming events.
Old Bedford Village
This Bedford County living history museum and Native American settlement helps visitors experience what pioneer life was like in 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania. Tour the log cabins and exhibits, or enjoy military and civilian re-enactments, colonial craft demonstrations and classes, and festivals.
Old Economy Village
This six-acre National Historic Landmark in Ambridge, PA, is the restored 19th century home of the Harmonists, a communal Christian society led to Pennsylvania from Germany by George Rapp in search of religious, social and economic freedom. Restored buildings and more than 16,000 preserved artifacts tell their story.
Oliver Miller Homestead
This old stone farmhouse, nestled among the trees at South Park in Allegheny County, is a pioneer landmark and Whiskey Rebellion site.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Just 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh, you can climb aboard a restored streetcar and head out for a scenic 4-mile ride into the past. Almost 50 historic trolleys from various eras are on display in the museum.
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
Located in the Strip District, the John Heinz History Center brings 250 years of Western Pennsylvania to life. Step inside a 1790s log cabin. Discover how immigrants shaped this region. Uncover the myths of the Underground Railroad and climb aboard a 1940s Pittsburgh trolley. There's plenty here for young kids too, including Discovery Place with special hands-on history exhibits and games.
Rachel Carson Homestead
The birthplace and childhood home of ecologist and author Rachel Carson (1907-1964), whose 1962 best-seller Silent Spring helped launch the modern environmental movement. Visit and experience first-hand the surroundings that made Rachel Carson a fierce and poetic defender of the natural world.
The National Road
The road which built this nation, the National Road is the most historic transportation corridor in the United States. George Washington and Daniel Boone were among its first travelers. Travel the portion which crosses southwestern Pennsylvania, and enjoy its scenic vistas, historic homes and toll houses.
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Experience the lumberjack lifestyle of yore. Take a tour of the grounds and view the rugged lifestyle of the woodhicks in the re-created logging camp. Every summer, at the annual Bark Peeler's Convention, present-day woodsmen compete in old-fashioned games that test woodcutting strength and skill. Potter County, PA.
Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
This interactive 20,000 square-foot exhibit, located in the John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, celebrates the rich sports legends and traditions of Western Pennsylvania. Explore interactive kiosks and exhibits, watch historic videos, and view historic artifacts including old Pirates banners and Franco Harris' Immaculate Reception shoes.
Woodville Plantation - Neville House
The only surviving 18th-century mansion house and garden in Allegheny County, Woodville Plantation was the home of John Neville, collector of the hated federal excise tax on whiskey, and a major target in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.
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