Point State Park sits at the tip of Pittsburgh’s downtown “Golden Triangle,” where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers merge to form the Ohio River. This practical guide explains how to plan a visit including access routes, park facilities, best times to visit, parking and essential tips for first-time travellers.
It covers transport options, opening hours, accessibility and frequently asked questions so you can get the most out of your visit to this historic urban park.
| Location | 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
|---|---|
| Entry price | Free |
| Opening hours | Daily sunrise to sunset |
| Best time to visit | Morning or late afternoon on weekdays |
| Parking availability | Paid parking nearby and limited street parking |
| Typical visit length | 1 to 2 hours |
History and overview of Point State Park
Point State Park occupies a 36-acre site at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers with views of water, bridges and city skyline. The area has long held strategic importance, originally hosting Fort Duquesne under French control in the mid-eighteenth century and later Fort Pitt under British rule during the French and Indian War. The modern park was completed in the early 1970s as part of an urban renewal project and designated a National Historic Landmark to preserve and interpret this storied location.
Within the park, a large fountain marks the point where the rivers meet, spraying water more than 150 feet into the air. Scattered monuments, interpretive plaques and reconstructed bastions outline the sites of former forts, while riverside promenades, lawns and walking trails draw locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor space amid a dense urban setting. The Fort Pitt Museum and the Fort Pitt Block House, remnants of early colonial and military history, offer further context to the area’s past.
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How to get to Point State Park
Point State Park is at the southwestern tip of downtown Pittsburgh. If you are using public transport, Pittsburgh’s Port Authority buses and the T light rail system serve the downtown area; the light rail (subway) is free within the Golden Triangle, and the nearest stops are a short walk from the park. Buses serve nearby streets with stops within a few blocks of the park entrance.
By car, the park is reachable via I-376, with exits toward the Stanwix Street or Boulevard of the Allies/Liberty Avenue leading into downtown. From either direction follow local signs toward Commonwealth Place and Waterfront Place to reach the park entrance near the fountain. Good walking connections link the park with nearby hotels, restaurants and riverfront paths.
Parking at Point State Park
There is an official park parking lot along Commonwealth Place operated by a concessionaire, typically open from early morning until late evening for a fee. ADA spaces are available. Metered street parking on Commonwealth Place and adjacent roads is another option, enforced during standard downtown hours with free or reduced enforcement outside those times. Additional parking garages and surface lots within walking distance offer daily rates, though prices vary by location and time of day.
Opening hours at Point State Park
The park’s outdoor spaces are open daily from sunrise to sunset. While the park itself does not charge an entry fee, specific features such as the Fort Pitt Museum and Block House operate on their own schedules. The Fort Pitt Museum is typically open daily from mid-morning through late afternoon with closures on major holidays, and the Block House welcomes visitors free of charge with varied hours. It’s best to check those sites’ direct contact details before planning a visit.
Best time to visit Point State Park
Mornings and late afternoons on weekdays in fair weather offer quieter conditions and softer light for photos of the rivers, fountain and skyline. Weekends and summer afternoons attract more families, picnickers and event participants. Early visits help you find easier parking and enjoy the open lawns, particularly on warm days when the fountain and shaded promenades provide pleasant outdoor breaks.
Facilities at Point State Park
Facilities include paved riverside promenades, benches and open lawns for sitting or picnicking. Public restrooms are positioned near main paths and attractions, and interpretive signage helps explain the history visible around you. There is no dedicated café within the park alongside the fountain, but cafés and eateries are plentiful in the surrounding downtown area. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail follows paths through the park, supporting walking, cycling and connectivity with regional trail networks.
Accessibility at Point State Park
Sidewalks, promenades, and paths are generally paved and ADA accessible, allowing visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids to explore most of the park’s riverfront spaces. Terrain is flat near the fountain and along the main lawn, and benches and shaded spots are positioned along routes for rest. Contact park staff in advance if you need detailed accessibility support for any specific needs.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Nearby attractions
- Fort Pitt Museum
- Fort Pitt Block House
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail
- Gateway Centre and downtown skyline walkways
- Point Park University and downtown cultural districts
Elsewhere in Pittsburgh, you can enjoy the Duquesne Incline, the Cathedral of Learning, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Andy Warhol Museum.
Practical questions about visiting Point State Park
| Is it free? | Yes, access to the park is free for all visitors. Parking and museum entries have fees. |
|---|---|
| What time should I arrive? | Arrive in the morning or late afternoon for calmer conditions and better light for photos. |
| How long should I allow? | Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the main fountain, riverside paths and historic sites. |
| Is it suitable for children? | Yes, children can enjoy outdoor spaces and river views with supervision. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes, paved paths and promenades near the fountain and riverfront are wheelchair accessible. |
| Are there nearby cafés? | Yes, downtown Pittsburgh has many cafés and restaurants within walking distance. |
| Can you bring food? | Yes, you can bring food; follow park rules and carry out rubbish. |
| Is public transport reliable? | Yes, Pittsburgh’s light rail and bus services serve the downtown area effectively. |
| Where is the best parking? | The official lot on Commonwealth Place or nearby garages offer the most convenient options. |
Point State Park blends scenic river views, historic markers and urban green space in a compact, accessible site at Pittsburgh’s rivers’ confluence. Plan your visit for daylight hours, allow time to walk the trails and explore historic features, and combine the stop with nearby downtown attractions for a complete visit.
More Pennsylvania travel
Other Pennsylvania travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Understanding Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg.
- Drake Well: The birthplace of the oil industry.
- What to expect at the Flight 93 National Memorial.
- 4 great reasons to visit Pittsburgh.
- Guides to Philadelphia’s Parkway attractions – the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute and the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
