There’s A Beautiful Rose Garden Hiding In Pittsburgh And It’s So Worth A Visit
Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, Pittsburgh, features one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States, offering a peaceful retreat with over 2,000 flowers.
Rose gardens in Pittsburgh bring beauty and peaceful moments into our lives. The big city and its suburbs hold so much natural charm that it's easy to miss some of the gems. Did you know, for example, that one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States is right here in the Pittsburgh area? Next time you're looking for a relaxing way to spend an hour or two, head to this beautiful rose garden near me.
Tucked within the City of McKeesport, Renziehausen Park - or simply Renzie Park to locals - sprawls across 200 lush acres.
At three acres, the rose garden boasts more than 2,000 flowers when in full bloom.
Planted and cared for by volunteers, many with the Garden Club of McKeesport and the Pittsburgh Rose Club, one of the best rose gardens in Pittsburgh is free to visitors.
Discover more about this lovely space on the Renziehausen Park web page. Did you know about this quaint garden in Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments below!
Pittsburgh's bursting with so many hidden gems that when we discover a new one it's kind of like Christmas morning. Give yourself an unforgettable gift with a visit to one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh. However, that's just the beginning of the magical moments that await at the sprawling, secluded botanical garden that will make you feel as though you've stepped straight into a fairy tale.
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Start your magical adventure among nature at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden at the Visitor Center. There, you'll pay your admission fee and receive a map of the 452-acre botanical garden.
If you're like me and like to just go where the path takes you, you can do that, too. While I took a map during my visit to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, my kiddo and I just kind of meandered along one path, veered off of it if we saw something that interested us, and explored that way.
Stroll along the shaded paths that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a magical fairy garden that will delight adults and kids of all ages.
If you've been searching Google for "botanical gardens near me," you've found a bucket list-worthy one.
But, first, take a moment to visit the life-sized bird's nest. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a bird, have a seat on one of the eggs before taking photos.
The bird's nest is the perfect opportunity to snap photos and selfies. It really is as big as the photo shows, too.
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After that, hike up a small hill that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a series of adorable fairy houses, all under the shade of the towering trees around it.
You probably don't want to attempt to go in the cabin if you're claustrophobic. It really is made for the littles.
One of the best gardens in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden exudes fairy-tale vibes, right down to the footbridge that looks as though it's leaped from the pages of an old-fashioned storybook.
The footbridge crosses over the lotus pond. You can walk over the pond on the footbridge, or have a little fun by hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone, where you'll likely see at least a few dragonflies flittering about. We chose the stepping stones.
Ready for a breather? Sit down on one of the numerous benches strategically placed throughout the garden before continuing your exploration.
Have you been to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden? Do you agree it's one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! After a day of exploring, you'll probably be pretty hungry. Head over to Ritter's Diner, an old-school diner in Pittsburgh, for a scrumptious meal. If you want to experience more of the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania, follow one of the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh.
You’ll Never Forget A Visit To This One Of A Kind Exotic Animal Park Near Pittsburgh
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in Pennsylvania offers interactive experiences with over 400 exotic animals, making it a must-visit family destination.
Lions..tigers..bears..oh, my! While you won't exactly run into any of the three, you can stand back and admire the gorgeous lions, tigers, and bears when you visit Living Treasures Wild Animal Park near Pittsburgh. However, that's just the start of the fun at this one-of-a-kind animal park that offers several interactive experiences the whole family will love. If you've not been to this animal park in Pennsylvania yet, add it to the top of your must-visit list.
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Living Treasures Wild Animal Park has two locations - Moraine and Donegal - in Western Pennsylvania, giving us double the opportunity to get outdoors among the animals.
Whichever location you go to, make sure you wear a pair of comfy shoes. The parks aren't huge, but you'll do a good bit of walking. Donegal is predominately flat, but there are slight elevation changes at Moraine. If you can swing it, visit both at least once.
If you're visiting during the summer, it can get pretty hot. Bring plenty of water. You can also purchase drinks from a vending machine.
Can you think of a better way to spend a few hours or an entire day than with adorable animals, like this begging kangaroo, staring up at you?
When you purchase your tickets, you can buy feed and carrots to give to the animals. Near the kangaroos at Moraine, there's also a separate feed machine. Make sure you take quarters with you if you want to grab some grub.
Billing itself as an interactive zoo, Living Treasures in Moraine is home to more than 400 exotic animals - parrots, deer, flamingos, gators, giraffes, zebras - each with a distinct personality.
Take your time as you walk through, so you can enjoy the animals and their antics. If you really want to get their attention, buy feed. Try to keep an eye out, too, when you're feeding the animals for those being left out or bullied. On our last visit to Moraine, my daughter and I noticed one cow pushing away another any time we tried to feed them, so she talked to (and fed) that one while I made sure the other cow got a chance to have treats, too.
Bring your sense of adventure with you, because this is your chance to really interact with the animals. While you'll have to keep your distance from some exotics, like the tigers, you can...
...get up close and personal with some of the other animals. If you've ever fed a goat, you know that you've just made a friend for life. Don't be surprised, either, if one escapes his area just to follow you.
That goat who escaped? Well, that happened to my daughter when she was just a toddler. The goat loved her - and her carrots - so much that he hopped a fence and followed her around the park.
Moraine has a petting area, where you can feed and pet the animals, like goats and bunnies. Tip: They'll be a whole lot more eager to accept your pets if you give them a treat.
If you can swing it, definitely try the animal experience. My daughter and I held a kangaroo at Moraine as they snapped our photo. You'll have to pay for the photo(s), but it's worth it for the memories.
Have you been to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park near Pittsburgh? Which Living Treasures Wild Animal Park animals are your favorites? Share your experience in the comments! When you need to escape from life's busyness, plan a trip to the well-hidden but enchanting Harrison Hills State Park in Pittsburgh.
