Hop on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. This 90-minute excursion seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?”

Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. Sit back, enjoy the skyline, and see the sights as you discover how Pittsburgh's unique history shaped the city we have today! 

Rivers of Steel maintains a family atmosphere on the Explorer. Please be advised of these tips and guidelines to ensure your best possible experience.

• What to wear: Many patrons enjoy experiencing the Explorer from its outside areas; please dress for the weather
• Food & Beverages: No concessions are sold onboard the Explorer, but there are two water coolers on the boat for passengers to enjoy. You are welcome to bring onboard a snack, lunch, or non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy during your tour. Smoking / vaping is prohibited at all times.
• Accessibility: The Explorer riverboat and its home dock are ADA accessible, which includes an ADA restroom onboard as well an elevator to navigate between the boat's decks. Handicapped parking is available nearby at the Carnegie Science Center.
• Photography: Photography is encouraged!  However, for safety reasons videography and drones are prohibited.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies. 
• Admission: Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed. By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to be photographed.
• Duration & Arrival:  Guests may board Explorer one-half hour before their tour is scheduled to depart. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour is scheduled to be 90 minutes. However, for planning purposes, we recommend blocking two hours in your schedule. Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Should we encounter river traffic, the tour could be extended by as much as 15 minutes on the back end.
• Location & Address: The Explorer riverboat docks at the Rivers of Steel Dock on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the headwaters of the Ohio River. The official address is 715 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For practical purposes (since we are on the river, not the road), the location is along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, between the Carnegie Science Center and The Landing Hotel at the Rivers Casino. All public tours and programs originate from this location.
• Directions & Parking: Parking is available at the Carnegie Science Center's paid parking lots. Please review their parking information here. For more details, including maps and step-by-step directions, visit our Google Business page or download this pdf.
• Weather Policy: Tours are rain or shine. Rivers of Steel will cancel a tour if inclement weather poses a threat to our guests or our vessel. In the event of unsafe river conditions, severe weather conditions, or mechanical failure or as required by the U.S. Coast Guard, other regulatory or governmental agency, our captain reserves the right to stay at dock, or if the vessel is underway, to return to dock. In such instances, refunds or exchanges can be issued for tickets purchased in advance.

For more information, contact tours@riversofsteel.com.