The Duquesne Incline, a cherished landmark in Pittsburgh, offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh, the three rivers, and the surrounding areas. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, a ride on this historic incline is a must-experience journey through time and engineering marvel. Visit Pittsburgh as it has tons of attractions to explore!
A Brief History of the Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline, located on Mt. Washington in the city of Pittsburgh, first opened in 1877. Originally built as a funicular railway, it was designed to transport both people and cargo, including coal, up and down the steep slopes of what was then known as Coal Hill. Coal Hill is now recognized as Mt. Washington.
An important piece of Pittsburgh’s history, spanning over 147 years, the Incline continues to operate, preserving its place as a beloved piece of Pittsburgh’s heritage for visitors and residents of Mount Washington as well.
The Duquesne Inclines was designed and built by Samuel Diescher, for Kirk Bigham and Associates. Samuel Diescher had much success and was considered the nation’s foremost designer and builder of inclines. He went on to build several additional funicular inclines throughout his career.
Fascinating Facts About the Duquesne Incline
The incline boasts some unique and impressive features that make it a distinctive mode of transportation and a historical gem:
- Track and Elevation: The Duquesne Incline has a total length of 794 feet, with a rise in elevation of 400 feet, allowing passengers to enjoy a scenic and efficient way to travel up the steep incline.
- Steep Grade: The railway operates at a grade of 30.5 degrees. The incline’s train cars are specially designed to handle this steep slope, making them a remarkable sight to behold.
- Passenger Capacity: The incline serves approximately 482,000 passengers each year, demonstrating its enduring popularity among both locals and tourists.
- Speed and Operation: Operating at a speed of 6 miles per hour, the incline offers a smooth and steady ride. It runs every day of the year, with cars arriving approximately every five minutes. Since there are two cars—one ascending and one descending—wait times are minimal.
- Track Gauge: The incline stands out due to its utilization of a 5 ft (1,524 mm) track gauge typically seen in Finland, Russia, and Mongolia.
- Steel Cable System: The Duquesne Incline utilizes steel-wire cables to transport its cars up and down the track. The cars are attached to large steel cables. The incline’s machinery room houses a complex system of motors, gears, and pulleys that work together seamlessly to control the speed and direction of the cars.
- Century-Old Cable Car: The wooden cable cars used today are the original cars.
A National Historic Landmark
The Duquesne Incline is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a historic landmark in Pittsburgh. Since 1963, it has been operated and maintained by the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline. This organization has dedicated significant resources to ensure the incline’s upkeep and continued operation, preserving its legacy for future generations.
The Duquesne Incline’s Upper Station has lots of Pittsburgh and Incline memorabilia, along with other historical exhibits. You can even view some of the machinery at work, so check all of that out at the upper station.
Why You Should Visit the Duquesne Incline
Whether you’re a Pittsburgh native looking to rediscover a local treasure or a tourist seeking a unique perspective of the city, the Duquesne Incline is an unforgettable experience. The views from the top of Mt. Washington provide stunning photo opportunities, and the ride itself offers a nostalgic journey through history.
From the Incline’s observation deck, you will get an incredible panoramic view of downtown Pittsburgh, also referred to as the “Golden Triangle”. You can ride both up and down from either the Duquesne Incline’s Upper Station or the Lower Station. An indoor waiting room is also available at both stations.
A visit to the incline is more than just a ride—it’s an experience that immerses you in the rich past of the Pittsburgh area while offering unparalleled views of the modern cityscape. The viewing platform provides a panoramic view of Pittsburgh and the three rivers, while the beautiful view constantly changes as you travel up and down the tracks.
This is a popular tourist attraction, so the earlier you can come, the better, to avoid delays.
Plan Your Visit
The Duquesne Incline is open daily and welcomes visitors year-round for a spectacular view of downtown Pittsburgh. Consider pairing this up with the Monongahela Incline a bit further down Coal Hill for another spectacular panorama of Pittsburgh.
There is no available parking at the Duqeusne Incline Lower Station but parking is available down the hill.
Note that the Duquesne Incline only accepts exact change, but there is a change machine in the station.
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Thank you for joining us on this Duquesne Incline attraction in Pittsburgh. If you enjoyed this journey, check out our other destination posts featuring Pittsburgh, the Steamboat Natchez cruise, the Texas Hill Country, Key West and the Florida Keys, Arizona, Las Vegas and Nevada, and many more destinations. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more cultural explorations and travel adventures.
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