Point State Park

Overview of Point State Park

Point State Park juts into the water at the spot where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet the Ohio River. The 36-acre park in downtown Pittsburgh is at water level and provides great views of the riverboats, Mount Washington, and PNC Park. Near the water, there is a large fountain where visitors can lounge and admire the views, and behind it on the lawn is the outline of the former Fort Duquesne, traced in granite.

Historical Significance

Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne

Point State Park holds a lot of city history, as it was also the site of the 18th-century Fort Pitt. Visitors can explore the Fort Pitt Museum, located at the back of the park, which provides detailed information about Pittsburgh's role during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The museum is kid-friendly with engaging and interactive exhibits.

Activities and Amenities

Daily Activities

On a typical day, you'll find people participating in various activities such as playing games, walking dogs, having picnics, or lounging in the grass. Exploring the park on foot is highly recommended, as there are often events and pop-up art exhibits on the grass. Many also enjoy launching their boats or kayaks from the park area, and kayak rental places are conveniently located along the river.

Annual and Monthly Events

The park hosts many events throughout the year. Notable events include the free Venture Outdoors Festival in May, which offers activities like kayaking, fishing, outdoor yoga, and rock climbing. Monthly events feature native plant geocaching programs, educational walking tours, bird-watching, children's activities such as hide-and-seek, and arts and crafts programs. Most of these events require advance registration, available on the park website.

Holiday Events

Around the holiday season, the park displays a Christmas tree made of lights, visible from various spots around the city. The park hosts a tree-lighting ceremony with a fireworks display and the NRG Santa Spectacular, which features live music, hot cocoa, games, and face painting.

Visitor Tips

Previous visitors advise walking or taking public transportation to the park as parking nearby can be pricey and hard to find. Those driving can drop off visitors at a specified pull-in area or try to find metered parking on Commonwealth Place. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail traces Point State Park, making it a convenient route for walking or biking to the park. Point State Park is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily. Visit the Point State Park website to learn more.