Ask any Pittsburgher where to go for the most spectacular views of the Pittsburgh skyline. You're likely to hear the same answer over and over: Atop Mount Washington. Get to the top of Mount Washington by riding the oldest funicular in America.
The Monongahela Incline, the oldest funicular in America, made its debut on the side of Mount Washington on May 27, 1870 and the Duquesne Incline followed seven years later.
Before the emergence of the Monongahela Incline, Pittsburghers, who worked in the factories and the steel mills at the bottom of the mountain, predominately lived along the river.
Once the incline opened, Mount Washington began to fulfill its promise as a vibrant community with Pittsburghers moving to the top of the mountain and shops and restaurants filling the landscape.
The Monongahela Incline, which cost $50,000 to build, earned the title of a historic structure in 1970, as directed by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.
Drop onto one of the benches at the bottom of the incline and watch the incline descend toward you.
Sit back in your car and enjoy the breathtaking views that will unfold as you travel up Mount Washington at a leisurely speed of six miles an hour. The incline spans 635 feet and fits 23 people in each car.
Arrive at the picturesque station at the top of Mount Washington where you can...
Learn more about the history of the Monongahela Incline, which carries an estimated 1,500 passengers up and down Mount Washington each week day and considerably more than that on the weekends when tourists arrive in the city.
Drink in jaw dropping views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline from one of the observation decks that jut out over the mountain.
Snap spectacular photographs of the skyline from all different angles. The observation deck also provides the ideal spot for memorable moments, like a marriage proposal.
Purchase your ticket at the bottom or at the top of the incline. One-way cash fares are $2.75 and $1.35 for children between six and 11-years-old.
Journey up and down the side of Mount Washington aboard the Monongahela Incline Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 7 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
Address:
100 West Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-442-2000
Click here for more information.
Pittsburgh boasts the oldest funicular in American and if you travel just an hour from town to Avella, you can explore the oldest known site of human habitation in North America.
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