Date of Visit: September 25, 2020
There are many ways to experience the city of Pittsburgh, but there’s something special about seeing it from the water.
The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and other themed rides along the city’s Three Rivers, providing a perspective unlike any other.
Cruises begin from the terminal on the south side of the Monongahela River, next to the Sheraton Hotel and a variety of restaurants at Station Square, the former Pittsburgh and Erie Railroad passenger station.
As we boarded our boat we stopped to pose for the obligatory official photo before taking a seat on the top deck. The chairs were spread out more than they would have been pre-COVID, giving families a little more space and room to enjoy the trip.
The boat departed heading east along the Monongahela where it crossed under the first of many bridges along the route. The cruise narrator pointed out that Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city in the world.
Only a small handful of the city’s 446 bridges actually cross one of the three rivers (most of them bridge gaps in the mountains surrounding the city), many of these bridges are historic and beautiful.
Of these, the sister bridges are the most famous. The three bridges span the Allegheny River, each one named for a famous Pittsburgh resident: Andy Warhol, Rachel Carson and Roberto Clemente. And each one is painted in the distinctive Aztec gold color.
The shoreline of the Allegheny River is also where we passed PNC Park, Heinz Field, Stage AE and the rest of the growth in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Pittsburgh’s third river is the Ohio River which begins at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela. It was on this spot that the French built Fort Duquesne. After the British took the fort, it was renamed Fort Pitt. And it was from here that a city grew.
The area is now known as Point State Park, an area highlighted by a beautiful fountain. It’s a scene that, I believe, is best appreciated from the water.
The view from the rivers also give new perspective to other Pittsburgh icons.
Looming large in the Pittsburgh skyline is PPG place. Constructed in the 1980s, the complex was designed to be a showcase for the Pittsburgh Paint Glass company and their signature product. The glass buildings with tall spires leave quite an impression from wherever they are viewed.
In contrast to the modern façade of PPG Place, the south side of the Monongahela is home to the city’s last two remaining inclines.
The Monongahela Incline (1870) and Duquesne Incline (1877) still operate today to carry passengers to and from the Mount Washington neighborhood that overlooks the city. From the boat, guests can get a true appreciation for these engineering marvels of the 19th century still in full operation today.
With a lively narration and a view unlike any other, the Gateway Clipper truly gives a unique perspective on Pittsburgh to all those who ride.
When You Go
- The Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruises last for one hour. Seats are not assigned so arrive early if you have a preference of where you would like to sit.
- Limited snacks and beverages are available for purchase on sightseeing cruises.
- Gateway Clipper also offers dining cruises with full meal service. These cruises are longer, lasting between 2-2.5 hours.
- Additional themed cruises and special event cruises are offered – check the Gateway Clipper’s website for more information.
More Things to Do in Pittsburgh….
The National Aviary
