Pittsburgh’s premiere places to visit

By Sean Ray | a&e editor

So you’ve just begun your first year at Duquesne. You’re from out of town, having never stepped foot in Pittsburgh before, and perhaps wondering, “Where do I go for entertainment around here?”

Worry not hypothetical freshman! The Duke has prepared a list of the top 3 must-see locales around the Steel City!

3. Kennywood

Pittsburgh’s premiere amusement park, Kennywood is an old staple of the area, having been around since 1899! One of only two theme parks to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Kennywood features roller coasters, arcades and three different water rides to help beat the summer heat.

While there is not much time left to enjoy the regular version of the park, which ends its season on September 4, the park has a few surprises once the summer is over.

In the Halloween spirit and looking for something to do this October? Check out Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood, where the normally family oriented park is turned into a massive amalgamation of haunted houses, scary versions of regular attractions and plenty of costumed actors.

Or perhaps you’re more of a Christmas person. Say no more, as come December, Kennywood’s Holiday Lights start up, transforming the place into a winter wonder land of Christmas Lights sure to destroy any electric bill.

And hey, it’s always something to look forward to come next spring or for those of you taking summer classes.

2. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

It may seem odd to put a museum on a list of attraction for college students. Who wants to spend their free time away from learning, learning?

Allow me to allay those fears with one word: Dinosaurs. And not just a few. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has the largest collection of Jurassic era dinosaurs in the world, according to the museum’s website.

That’s not to say the Carnegie doesn’t have some other impressive exhibits. There’s a large collection of stuffed animals from all over Africa and North America, terrariums full of live insects and some authentic artifacts from Egyptian tombs.

Just make sure to say hello to Dippy, the resident Diplodocus statue by the main entrance.

1. Stage AE

Alright, so we have a spot for the thrill seekers and the more intellectual of you out there. But what about when you just want to throw your hands into the air and rave the night away?

Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore has got you covered. With three separate concert spaces, including both indoor and outdoor venues, Stage AE sets itself apart from the other concert halls in Pittsburgh.

The space has drawn numerous celebrities and bands to play in its halls, ranging from rappers like Wiz Kahlifa and Mac Miller, to rock and roll bands like Tenacious D and Motley Crue.

Whichever spot you choose to visit, just remember; this list is only the start. There are plenty of cool locales around Pittsburgh to fill both broad and niche appeals. It may seem small compared to some other cities, but Pittsburgh is a town of hidden treasures waiting to be found.