There’s no shortage of sights to see and things to learn in the Steel City. The plethora of museums, workshops, and historical sites within Pittsburgh make learning both fun and easy for the whole family, and will only add to your vacation.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
This magnificent museum is perfect for a rainy day activity. Its numerous exhibits enchant and enlighten guests, with fascinating and informative displays on everything from feathered dinosaurs to crystallized quartz.
Exterior of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
A dinosaur exhibit within the museum.
Heinz History Center
Pennsylvania’s largest history museum, the Heinz History Center, is dedicated to the history of western Pennsylvania, with a focus on Pittsburgh. It is located in the Strip District, and features many distinctive exhibits. Highlights include the largest collection of set pieces from the television show Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, an exhibit focused on inventions and innovations that have come from Pittsburgh, and the museum’s trademark Kidsburgh, an interactive playplace “for the history fans of tomorrow.”
Colleen posing in front of the Heinz 57 logo in the Heinz History Center!
Pittsburgh Glass Center
The Pittsburgh Glass Center is a fascinating stop to make on your vacation, with beautiful glass displays, private glass-making workshops, and self-guided tours to potentially watch artists create their glass masterpieces. The Glass Center is located in the East End neighborhood and is free to enter, although a $5 donation is suggested.
Making glass at a private workshop in the Glass Center
The group getting a glass tutorial at the Glass Center
www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/visit-us
Meadowcroft Rock Center and Historic Village
History and archeology buffs will find this National Historic Landmark one of the most fascinating stops in Pittsburgh. The Meadowcroft Rock Center and Historic Village is the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, dating back to 16,000 years ago. Visitors can view the excavation sites, look at prehistoric tools, and on select days, receive an exclusive Insider Tour from one of the original archeologists.
The Rockshelter, housing the original site where prehistoric humans lived 16,000 years ago.
