Experience an adventure that takes you back in time, challenges you to trust the engineers that designed your ‘lift’, and provides you with stunning views of the downtown cityscape. If you have $5-6 cash in your pocket that will cover a round-trip ticket for one adult on the Duquesne Incline. (It has to be cash, so come prepared.)
The wait for the next train is never too long for those interested in history, engineering, architecture, transportation, Pittsburgh, scenic views, geological phenomenon, public transportation or people watching – you get the idea. There is even a gift shop at the top, if you’re into stickers, keychains, postcards, pins, books, bumper stickers, snow globes, thimbles, shot glasses, and other tourist tchotchkes and knickknacks.
Open 365 days a year, and running approximately every 5 minutes, you’ll be traveling by incline car – it’s a bit of a tight squeeze, packed in with other tourists, but the ride is short enough that it doesn’t feel high-risk.
Originally built to haul equipment and supplies, today it transports people up and down steep slopes. In this sense, it’s a means of public transportation as well as a tourist destination. You might want to wear a mask, even several years out from the beginning of COVID times!
“The lower station is in the Second Empire style. Together with the incline, which rises 400 feet (122 m) in height, at a 30-degree angle, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The incline is unusual for having a track gauge standard used only in Finland, Russia, and Mongolia.” (Wikipedia)
The station’s red brick exterior, which has aged gracefully over the years, gives you a sense of its long history and allows the city some pride in how buildings were made to last, over 125 years ago.
“Inclines, commonly known as Funiculars Railways, can be found all over the world and throughout history. These railways are designed to transport people and cargo up and down steep slopes. And if there is one thing Pittsburgh has, it’s steep slopes.”
HOW TO RIDE THE PITTSBURGH INCLINES
Take the time to explore Steel City, from above the hustle and bustle: “Scale Mount Washington in one of two original 1877 cable cars for a fun and unique ride and a breathtaking view of the Pittsburgh skyline when you reach the top of the 400-foot incline.”
Trip Advisor: Duquesne Incline
I was entertained in line by a Pittsburgher (a local) boarding the train, and making the ascent, for the first time. He was a native of Nepal, who had been living in Pittsburgh for about a year; on this summer day he was visiting “the sights,” before leaving town for good. Don’t many of us miss out on experiencing our own cities through the eyes of a tourist?
This new friend asked for additional tourist recommendations – I directed him to the impressive, colorful, sometimes loud, and always vibrant National Aviary, which I had recently visited. He asked for guidance, as he was choosing between Las Vegas and Orlando as a final vacation spot, before leaving the States. An interesting choice – I’ve been to both, I explained, and I’d personally pick a visit to Nepal over either U.S. tourist trap city.
Yet, he wanted to see the sights as a tourist, so Vegas it is, on my recommendation. I hope he enjoyed his visit to Sin City! I should have mentioned that what happens in Vegas. . . . . well, you know!
Iconic views of Pittsburgh’s many bridges and spanning into the distance are taken in from the top of the incline. Historical markers, native wildflowers, and hiking paths are also available to those looking for more activities.
What will you see from the top of the incline? Your view of the city will include the downtown skyline, the three rivers (the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny) with iconic Pittsburgh bridges, and the city’s major league sports stadiums. There is a viewing platform and an exhibit to satisfy the curiosity of the history buffs who ride the incline.
At the base of the incline there is evidence of industry! Water transportation was made possible by the relatively quick access the incline proved to the river below, for those who resided in homes perched on the top of the incline. The incline is a bit off the beaten path from some of the more recently built up tourist areas, but you get a sense of how the city evolved from taking a ride.
You’ll have a ways to walk when you exit the station at either end of the short, steep incline, unless you live in the immediate neighborhood, work at the bar or restaurant at the top of the hill, or are a train operator headed to the parking lot at the end of your shift.
“You look like you’re headed to swing some clubs,” one worker said to the train operator, dressed in a lightweight blue polo, as he was relieved from his shift at 1 pm.
“Not after that shift,” he replied, in the heat of a late-July day. Stuck in the closeness of the depot, surrounded by sweaty tourists and weary commuters who might be coming off of a long shift themselves, the train operator appeared ready for his time off.
I was mindful of the step off of the train car and out of the station, marked by a sign that looked like it had seen a few years of cars running up and down the incline.
On our ride back up the hill we were joined by a football draftee of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a University of Illinois graduate (go Illini!), and his young family. Mom chatted with their infant, while Dad answered the off-shift train operator’s questions. Someone of his stature is clearly at the gym most days, and the more senior operator joked about the athlete’s physical prowess. The conversation was cheerful and light, and everyone in the car with us wished the offensive guard well in the upcoming season.
Join me on my next adventure,
~ Kat
Related Resources:
HOW TO RIDE THE PITTSBURGH INCLINES
Accidental Wanderlust 
another good one Kat. A great old city. I would also recommend a tour called Valley of fire. A great tour with a connection to the steel history.
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I will have to suggest that one to Craig! 🙂
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This was both informative and detailed! Your narrative, as always, draws the reader into the adventure, and your photography fills the senses of sight, touch, hearing, and smells in a subtle yet vivid experience! You also focus on the beauty, history and people along the journey!
It’s always a pleasure to “tag along” and become a witness to the gift of travel in theUSA!
Until next time “BLOG ON!!!
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