2026 Observatory Hill House Tour: “Ins and Outs of Observatory Hill”

Come be “nebby” with us in the unique and historic Northside neighborhood of Observatory Hill!

Check in will be located at the entrance of Riverview Park, near the park's visitor center at the end of Riverview Avenue from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

“Ins and Outs of Observatory Hill” has adopted an endearing Pittsburgh theme, “Come by nebby!” in the unique and historic Northside neighborhood of Observatory Hill. Originally a part of Allegheny City, Observatory Hill boasts many stately homes and preserved green space. Visitors will be able to explore a number of charming and historic homes which are lovingly maintained by their proud owners. Each stop gives one the ability to see the craftsmanship that went into making Observatory Hill a standout Northside neighborhood. At selected properties, enjoy beer tastings from area breweries and distributors.

The tour will also feature the scenic Riverview Park. Founded in 1894, the lush, wooded, and rolling terrain of the park provides an excellent escape for residents who enjoy its many trails and outdoor amenities. In 2024, the park celebrated its 130th anniversary and became a nationally certified arboretum. The jewel atop the crown of the park is the historic Allegheny Observatory. While the present building dates to 1900, the observatory was established in 1859 by a group of wealthy industrialists and is currently owned by the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to the advances made in science and astronomy, the observatory is believed to have been the first regular and systematic system of time distribution to railroads and cities as well as the origin of the modern standard time system. Using its telescopes to track the timely position of celestial bodies, the observatory transmitted a time service that extended over 2,500 miles with 300 telegraph offices receiving their time signals.

In partnership with the Allegheny Observatory, Observatory Hill, Inc. (OHI) is excited to announce that guided tours of the observatory will be available to all ticket holders again this year.

The house tour is rain or shine.

Wear comfortable shoes — the tour involves walking and many homes are nestled among hills and green space.

Please note: the tour is not ADA accessible. All participating homes are privately owned and may include stairs, uneven pathways, or other physical limitations. The Allegheny Observatory is also not ADA accessible.

Observatory Hill, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization made up of volunteers who are committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Pittsburgh’s historic Observatory Hill neighborhood.