We took the time this past Saturday to do another one of those things in Pittsburgh we keep saying we’re going to do but haven’t done yet, going for a sail on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. We see the large riverboats steam past us out our window almost every day, especially once the weather gets nice. The warm weather this weekend and the long winter of being restricted to indoor activity was just the motivation we needed to explore this unique opportunity to get to know the city better.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet is a fleet of six riverboats based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The original Gateway Clipper River boat set sail in 1959. The fleet of six large river boats designed to resemble 19th century paddle boats are moored at Station Square south of the city on the banks of the Monongahela River. We opted for the classic tour with live narration.  We sat on the top deck soaking in the sights and the sun as the narrator pointed out the highlights of the city such as significant buildings, landmarks, bridges, and the historical significance of the three rivers we sailed on, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio.

The Three Rivers Queen

Gateway Clipper Warf

Ticketing

You can also take in some other tours they offer on different sails, like How “Pittsbourgh” became “Pittsburgh!” that focuses on the region’s role in the French & Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion and the Civil War and how it became a world leader in glass, iron, and synonymous for steel. If you want a little lighter topic the Fun, Interesting & (even a little) Strange Pittsburgh tour focuses on some of the world records the city holds, some of the inventions created in the city, and apparently a tale about a B-52 bomber that may (or may not) be sunk in the river.

Point Park and Pittsburgh viewed from the Ohio River

If the weather is nice it’s not a bad way to spend a couple of hours and learn something about the region.