Exploring Pittsburgh’s Strangest and Most Unusual Attractions
Pittsburgh has a long history of reinvention. Once the heart of American steel production, it’s now a hub for tech companies, world-class universities, and a thriving arts scene.
But beyond its famous bridges, sports teams, and museums, the city hides a world of unexpected experiences.
From eerie urban legends to bizarre museums, Pittsburgh has no shortage of places that make visitors do a double take.
For those looking to go beyond the usual sightseeing, the Steel City offers something different—sometimes strange, sometimes mysterious, but always memorable.
Whether it’s a church-turned-brewery, a museum dedicated to genetically modified creatures, or a road where cars roll uphill on their own, these spots stand out.
This list of unusual things to do in Pittsburgh, PA, takes you off the beaten path and into the city’s weirdest corners.
It includes abandoned science experiments, gravity-defying streets, and a mansion filled with taxidermy and macabre oddities.
Some places come with a side of ghost stories, while others challenge the way we think about art, history, and even nature itself.
From quirky to downright eerie, these destinations highlight the city’s offbeat charm. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor craving an adventure beyond the typical tourist spots, these places will leave an impression.
Randyland – Pittsburgh’s Most Colorful Landmark
Why It’s Unusual
Randyland isn’t your typical art gallery. It’s an explosion of color, creativity, and found-object art that covers nearly every inch of the property.
Located in Pittsburgh’s North Side, this open-air installation is the work of artist and community activist Randy Gilson, who started transforming the space in the 1990s.
Over time, it has become one of the city’s most photographed spots, drawing visitors from all over.
Why It’s Unique
Unlike traditional museums, Randyland is a living, evolving work of art. The walls, fences, and even the ground are covered in hand-painted murals, repurposed furniture, and quirky sculptures.
Everything here was once discarded—Gilson collected old signs, mannequins, and random objects, turning them into a vibrant, immersive environment.
Visitors are encouraged to explore freely, sit in colorful chairs, and interact with the space in ways most museums wouldn’t allow.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Wandering through an outdoor gallery filled with found-object artwork.
- Meeting Randy Gilson, who often greets guests and shares stories.
- Taking photos in front of one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic murals.
- Participating in impromptu music performances and community events.
Trundle Manor – A House of Oddities
Why It’s Unusual
At first glance, Trundle Manor looks like any other Victorian home. Step inside, though, and it feels more like a museum of the bizarre.
Located in Swissvale, this private collection is packed with taxidermy, preserved specimens, antique medical tools, and Steampunk-style contraptions.
The owners, who live in the house, offer tours by appointment only, welcoming guests into their world of macabre curiosities.
Why It’s Unique
Trundle Manor is part art installation, part horror movie set, and part historical collection. The decor includes things like a two-headed duck, shrunken heads, and a collection of vintage weaponry.
Unlike most museums, there’s no admission fee—visitors are encouraged to bring gifts instead. Common offerings include alcohol, antique medical oddities, or even preserved insects.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Touring a real-life cabinet of curiosities filled with odd and eerie artifacts.
- Seeing vintage embalming equipment and other medical relics.
- Getting a personalized tour from the owners, who explain the backstory of each item.
- Experiencing a setting that feels like a mix of horror, history, and eccentric artistry.
Mattress Factory Art Museum – Step Into the Surreal
Why It’s Unusual
The Mattress Factory isn’t a typical museum with paintings and sculptures. Instead, it specializes in immersive, room-sized art installations.
Located in Pittsburgh’s North Side since 1977, it has hosted artists from around the world, allowing them to transform entire rooms into experiences that visitors can walk through, touch, and explore.
Why It’s Unique
Most museums encourage visitors to admire art from a distance. Here, guests step inside the artwork itself.
Some rooms are pitch black with glowing neon elements, while others distort perspective with mirrors and unusual lighting.
Artists like James Turrell, Yayoi Kusama, and Greer Lankton have contributed permanent exhibits, making the Mattress Factory one of the country’s most innovative contemporary art spaces.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Walking through an infinity mirror room designed by Yayoi Kusama.
- Entering pitch-black installations where senses are heightened.
- Exploring rooms that play with light, color, and perception.
- Experiencing rotating exhibitions that constantly change the space.
Gravity Hill – The Optical Illusion Road
Why It’s Unusual
There’s a stretch of road in McCandless Township where gravity works in reverse. Stop at the right spot, put your car in neutral, and it will start rolling uphill on its own.
This strange phenomenon has baffled visitors for years, turning Gravity Hill into one of Pittsburgh’s best-known roadside attractions.
Why It’s Unique
What looks like magic is actually an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape.
The slight decline of the road is disguised by the sloping hills and trees, making it appear as though objects are moving against gravity.
While similar gravity hills exist in other parts of the country, Pittsburgh’s version remains a popular curiosity.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Watching your car roll uphill without touching the gas pedal.
- Testing the illusion by placing a bottle or ball on the road.
- Filming the phenomenon to share with friends and skeptics.
- Experiencing a mind-bending moment that challenges perception.
Blue Mist Road – Pittsburgh’s Haunted Highway
Why It’s Unusual
Tucked away in North Park, Irwin Road—better known as Blue Mist Road—has a reputation for being one of Pittsburgh’s most haunted places.
Locals say a strange blue mist appears at night, covering the road in an eerie glow. Over the years, rumors have grown about abandoned houses, ghostly figures, and unexplained noises in the woods.
Why It’s Unique
Unlike many urban legends, Blue Mist Road has no single origin story. Some claim a witch once lived nearby, while others talk about an old asylum hidden in the trees.
Despite no official record of these stories, the area continues to draw ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. The road is mostly closed to traffic, making it feel even more isolated.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Walking through the mist-covered road late at night.
- Searching for abandoned buildings hidden in the woods.
- Listening for unexplained whispers or sudden temperature drops.
- Experiencing one of Pittsburgh’s most famous ghost stories firsthand.
Western Penitentiary – A Historic Prison With a Dark Past
Why It’s Unusual
Built in 1826, Western Penitentiary—also called the State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh—was one of Pennsylvania’s oldest prisons.
Originally designed for solitary confinement, it later housed thousands of inmates, including some of the state’s most notorious criminals.
Though it officially closed in 2017, its massive stone walls still stand along the Ohio River, giving the site an unsettling presence.
Why It’s Unique
Western Penitentiary was designed to be escape-proof. Its location between the river and the rail lines made it nearly impossible for prisoners to flee.
Over the years, it housed infamous criminals and was the site of multiple riots and escape attempts.
Some believe the prison is haunted, with former guards and inmates reporting eerie sounds and shadows moving in the abandoned corridors.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Viewing the imposing exterior of one of Pittsburgh’s oldest prisons.
- Learning about escape attempts and prison riots from local records.
- Exploring urban legends about ghosts and eerie encounters.
- Seeing the remnants of a high-security facility frozen in time.
Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum – Inked History in Shadyside
Why It’s Unusual
Nestled in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood, the Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum isn’t just a tattoo parlor—it’s a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of tattoo culture.
Opened in 2019 by the owner of K&B Tattooing, this small but detailed collection showcases rare flash designs, antique tattoo machines, and historical records from tattooing’s early days.
Why It’s Unique
Few places document the long and often misunderstood history of tattooing. This museum highlights how tattoos have evolved from underground markings to mainstream art.
It also sheds light on the regional impact of tattooing, including the influence of military tattoos from Pittsburgh’s long history as a steel and shipping hub.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Viewing antique tattoo machines from the early 20th century.
- Exploring rare flash sheets with designs from decades past.
- Learning about how tattooing has changed in Pittsburgh and beyond.
- Booking an appointment to get a tattoo inside the museum itself.
Westinghouse Atom Smasher – Pittsburgh’s Nuclear Relic
Why It’s Unusual
The Westinghouse Atom Smasher was once a groundbreaking scientific achievement.
Built in 1937 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, this 65-foot-tall machine was one of the first industrial particle accelerators in the world.
It helped lay the foundation for modern nuclear physics, but after decades of research, it was abandoned and left to decay in Forest Hills.
Why It’s Unique
While most early particle accelerators were housed indoors, the Atom Smasher stood outside, its massive structure towering over the research facility.
For years, it remained a symbol of Pittsburgh’s role in atomic research. In 2015, the structure collapsed, and though preservation efforts were considered, it remains in pieces today.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Visiting the site of one of the earliest atom smashers in history.
- Learning about Pittsburgh’s contributions to nuclear science.
- Viewing the remains of a once-powerful research tool.
- Exploring an industrial relic that symbolizes a bygone era.
Center for PostNatural History – Science Beyond Nature
Why It’s Unusual
The Center for PostNatural History doesn’t focus on plants or animals in their natural state.
Instead, it showcases organisms that have been intentionally altered by humans—through genetic engineering, selective breeding, and other scientific methods.
Opened in 2012 in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood, this small museum is one of the few places dedicated to exploring the intersection of biology and human intervention.
Why It’s Unique
Most natural history museums focus on unmodified species. Here, visitors learn about how humans have shaped life itself.
The collection includes genetically modified mosquitoes, cloned animals, and mutant plants.
The exhibits also discuss the ethical debates surrounding genetic engineering, making the museum as thought-provoking as it is unusual.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Viewing genetically engineered organisms, including glow-in-the-dark fish.
- Learning about early cloning experiments and lab-created species.
- Exploring ethical debates over biotechnology and genetic modification.
- Seeing preserved specimens of animals bred for specific traits.
The Weeping Glass – A Boutique of the Bizarre
Why It’s Unusual
The Weeping Glass isn’t just a store—it’s an experience. Located in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood, this curiosity shop specializes in dark and macabre items, from taxidermy to antique funeral memorabilia.
Opened in 2017, it quickly became a go-to spot for those with a fascination with the strange and unusual.
Why It’s Unique
Unlike typical vintage stores, The Weeping Glass carefully curates items with a gothic, Victorian, or medical theme.
Many of the objects for sale—like preserved insects, bone jewelry, and antique surgical tools—feel more suited to a museum than a retail shop.
The store also hosts live performances, taxidermy workshops, and lectures on death culture and folklore.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Shopping for ethically sourced taxidermy, preserved specimens, and vintage oddities.
- Attending live storytelling events about folklore, history, and the macabre.
- Participating in taxidermy and preservation workshops.
- Exploring an ever-changing collection of strange and eerie artifacts.
Canton Avenue – The Steepest Street in the U.S.
Why It’s Unusual
At a 37% grade, Canton Avenue holds the record as the steepest street in the United States.
Located in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, this short but brutally steep road has become a proving ground for cyclists and runners looking for a challenge.
It’s a key section of the Dirty Dozen bike race, an annual event that pushes competitors to climb the city’s toughest hills.
Why It’s Unique
Few streets in the world compare to Canton Avenue. Even cars struggle to make it to the top, and during icy winters, it’s often too dangerous to drive.
The bricks that line the road help with traction, but walking up still feels like a small workout. Pittsburgh is famous for its hilly terrain, but this stretch stands out as the ultimate endurance test.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Walking, running, or biking up the steepest street in the country.
- Watching competitors struggle through the Dirty Dozen race in November.
- Experiencing a road so steep that some cars avoid it altogether.
- Take a photo at the top to prove you made it.
Monongahela Incline – Ride a Historic Funicular
Why It’s Unusual
Pittsburgh is one of the few American cities where funicular railways still operate.
The Monongahela Incline, built in 1870, is one of the oldest continuously running inclines in the world.
It carries passengers up Mount Washington, offering some of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh along the way.
Why It’s Unique
The incline was originally built to transport workers from their homes in the hills to the steel mills below. Today, it serves both commuters and tourists.
The original wooden cable cars have been preserved, keeping the ride authentic to its 19th-century roots.
The top station connects to a scenic overlook, where visitors can see the city skyline, bridges, and three rivers from above.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Riding in a historic wooden cable car up the side of Mount Washington.
- Taking in panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh from the top.
- Learning about the city’s industrial past and the role inclines played.
- Using an old-fashioned method of transportation that still runs daily.
The Church Brew Works – Beer in a Former Church
Why It’s Unusual
A century ago, this building was St. John the Baptist Church, serving Pittsburgh’s Polish Catholic community.
Today, it’s home to The Church Brew Works, a one-of-a-kind brewery where the altar has been converted into a brewing station.
The towering stained-glass windows remain, casting colorful light across the space as guests enjoy house-made craft beers.
Why It’s Unique
Few places combine history and modern brewing quite like this. While the pews have been repurposed as dining booths, much of the original architecture remains intact, creating an atmosphere unlike any other brewery in the city.
The beer selection includes creative brews named after religious themes, like the “Celestial Gold” lager and “Pious Monk Dunkel.”
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Drinking craft beer in a restored church with original stained-glass windows.
- Sitting in wooden pews while dining on homemade pierogies and bratwurst.
- Watching brewers work behind what was once the church’s altar.
- Enjoying an experience that blends Pittsburgh’s past and present in a single location.
Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden – Ancient Plants in the City
Why It’s Unusual
Nestled behind the Rodef Shalom Congregation in Shadyside, this botanical garden is home to over 100 species of plants mentioned in the Bible.
Opened in 1986, it’s designed to resemble the landscapes of ancient Israel, complete with a small stream and stone pathways.
Why It’s Unique
Most botanical gardens focus on local or exotic plants, but this one is built around biblical history.
The garden features species like fig trees, myrrh, and olive plants, giving visitors a chance to see the same flora that appeared in religious texts thousands of years ago.
Each plant is labeled with references to where it appears in the Bible, adding an educational aspect to the visit.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Seeing plants like frankincense and myrrh, known for their historical significance.
- Walking through a garden designed to resemble the landscapes of ancient Israel.
- Learning about the agricultural practices of biblical times.
- Experiencing a quiet retreat in the middle of the city.
St. Anthony’s Chapel – The Vatican of Pittsburgh
Why It’s Unusual
Hidden in the Troy Hill neighborhood, St. Anthony’s Chapel houses one of the largest collections of Christian relics outside the Vatican.
The chapel, built in 1883, contains over 5,000 relics, including bones, clothing, and objects linked to saints. Some visitors describe it as stepping into a time capsule of Catholic history.
Why It’s Unique
Few churches in the United States hold relics on this scale. The collection includes pieces from well-known saints such as St. Anthony of Padua and St. Francis of Assisi and even fragments believed to be from the True Cross.
The chapel also features an elaborate set of life-sized Stations of the Cross, hand-carved in Germany and shipped to Pittsburgh in the late 19th century.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
- Viewing one of the largest collections of religious relics in the U.S.
- Walking through a life-sized Stations of the Cross display.
- Learning about the chapel’s founder, Father Mollinger, and his devotion to relic preservation.
- Experiencing a quiet, contemplative space filled with centuries-old artifacts.
