With the closure of numerous steel factories in the 1970s, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, transformed itself into a colorful landscape, where shocking gold bridges crisscross over the blue waters of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. The three waterways converge downtown, home to towering art deco skyscrapers and former warehouses that have been converted into trendy galleries, lofts, bars and restaurants. While you can explore the region via its 24 miles of riverfront trails, the city also has a handful of riverboat cruises that provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from upon the water.
Sailing upon the city’s three rivers, Gateway Clipper has three ships in its fleet, including a 120-foot-long paddleboat and a 1966 barge that carries 600 passengers. The cruise line offers a variety of themed excursions, including a sunset dinner cruise, murder mystery, ice cream socials and narrated sightseeing adventures. The line also has a pirate voyage dinner, complete with the live performance of a swashbuckling musical.
American Queen Steamboat Company offers steamboat cruises down some of the nation’s biggest waterways, such as the Mississippi, Tennessee and Columbia rivers. The line also has a seven-day journey down the Ohio River upon the American Queen, a paddle steamboat outfitted with private Victorian-style cabins, nightly entertainment and restaurants. The tour begins in Pittsburgh and makes stops in West Virginia and Kentucky before ending in Cincinnati.
Tour all three rivers via Pittsburgh Water Limo and Luxury Cruises. The line’s two fleets include Fantasy, a two-level yacht with two bars, a dance floor and viewing areas, and Miss Pittsburgh, a 39-person water limo available for private charters. The public cruises include sightseeing tours and wine and beer tasting parties. The limo also provides game day transportation between downtown and Heinz Field and PNC Park, home to the Steelers and Pirates, respectively.
Embark on an adventure upon land and water with Just Ducky Tours. The company’s amphibious vehicles travel throughout the city’s downtown region, past the historic Allegheny County Courthouse, U.S. Steel Tower and Heinz Field, before splashing down into one of the city’s three rivers with sweeping views of the skyline.
Rush Hour Boat Charters provides intimate tours across the city’s three rivers. The boat only holds six passengers and offers such specialized tours as narrated rides highlighting the region’s history or photography tours where the captain takes you to spots on the water you’ll want to capture on film. The boat is also available for private chartered trips.
Although RiverQuest specializes in cruises for local students and teachers, it also has tours open to the general public. The one-hour excursion typically takes place during summer weekends and launches near the Carnegie Science Center. The cruise includes hands-on science themed activities and experiments for kids and adults alike.
