Sunbathe in the shallows beneath the giant fountain, walk the riverside trails and explore the rich history of Pittsburgh in one of the city’s favorite parks.
Point State Park marks the pinnacle of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle. The term Golden Triangle refers to the downtown district, located at the point where the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio River. The 36-acre (15-hectare) Point State Park sits at the apex of the triangle. Come here to spend a few hours relaxing by the riverside with a picnic, or delve into the history of the two colonial forts that once occupied this strategic location. Splash in the fountain at the tip of the park on a hot, sunny day. If you’re lucky, there may be an art or music festival here while you’re in town.This picturesque location offers a wealth of views. As you walk or cycle the paved promenades along the riversides or through the trees, be sure to stop and admire the cityscapes of downtown across the bridges. The park’s riverside location made it a key strategic trading point back when America was being colonized. Two forts, neither still standing, occupied the site: the French Fort Duquesne and subsequently the English Fort Pitt. Look for granite traceries in the ground marking where these structures once stood. History buffs will want to browse the 23 monuments and plaques detailing key events that happened here. The most significant, the French–Indian War, is covered fully in the Fort Pitt Museum, inside the Monongahela Bastion of Fort Pitt. Nearby, you’ll also find the oldest surviving building in West Pennsylvania, the Fort Pitt Blockhouse. Built in 1764, this is the only remaining part of Fort Pitt. Many of Pittsburgh’s largest cultural events are held at Point State Park. These include the Three Rivers Arts Festival in June, and the Three Rivers Regatta in July. Point State Park is open daily and there’s no entry charge. Note that the Fort Pitt Museum is closed Mondays, and the Blockhouse is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.