Image via Flickr by sakeeb

Most people who enjoy traveling and sightseeing know that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to many historical landmarks that are worth visiting. However, there are also quite a few landmarks that many visitors have never seen. The benefit of visiting one of these spots is that there are fewer tourists, so you can take in the sights and enjoy the beauty without feeling overcrowded.

Unique Museums
First-time visitors will probably check out the museums that display historical events of settling Pittsburgh. However, there are a lot of unique places that display things that you may never have seen before. The Bicycle Shop & Museum is near the North Shore bike trail and houses thousands of bikes and parts, with information about the history of bikes and bikers throughout the years. Best of all, it’s free to enter. There’s also the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh which according to Hipmunk.com, is located just across the river from the Westin hotel. The Mattress Factory is another cool spot, and even though the name makes it sound like a manufacturing facility, it is actually a museum with temporary and permanent exhibits.

Primanti Brothers
For foodies that are visiting Pittsburgh, Primanti Brothers is one of the local favorites. The menu features a sandwich known around the world for its flavor and ingredients, piled high with tomatoes, cole slaw, choice of meat, and French fries. The restaurant makes its own fresh bread each day, ensuring a soft and delicious sandwich every time. Other menu items include chili, chicken wings, salads, and sides. Primanti Brothers has been serving up delicious meals for more than 80 years, and this is a landmark that visitors shouldn’t skip.

Raccoon Creek State Park
While Pittsburgh isn’t always known for its natural beauty, Raccoon Creek State Park is the exception to this rule. The park is 7,572 acres and includes a 101-acre lake where locals and visitors enjoy spending time swimming and catching some rays on the beach. The park offers rentals of rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes, and there is a tackle and bait shop inside the park for guests who enjoy fishing. With more than 400 picnic tables located throughout the park, it is a great spot for families to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

Hartwood Acres
Hartwood Acres is a unique landmark where locals often congregate for picnics and family get-togethers, or simply to relax in the sunshine. It is a 629-acre property that houses the beautiful Tudor Mansion built in 1929. Guests can rent the mansion for weddings and other events, and it provides a breathtaking backdrop for photos. During the summer, the park is home to free live concerts every Sunday, so visitors should bring a blanket and stick around to hear a sampling of the local music scene. Picnics are also welcome in the park.When planning a vacation, travelers should consider making a stop in Pittsburgh. Both singles and families can enjoy seeing the sights and learning more about the history and culture of this diverse and thriving area. When visiting one of the lesser-known landmarks, guests can fit right in with the locals and enjoy the scene.

What are some of your favorite underrated Pittsburgh destinations? Let us know in the comments below.

Guest Author Bio:
Allie Muelleck graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English. In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, volunteering at the animal shelter, trying out new recipes, and hanging out with her husband and their two cats, Caesar and Sully. She has recently taken an interest in travel writing and has worked with companies such as Hipmunk.