Looking for small-town charm with big heart and history? Head to Latrobe! Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, Latrobe is best known as the hometown of Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer, and the birthplace of the banana split. Whether you're exploring local landmarks or relaxing in nature, Latrobe offers nostalgic charm and scenic beauty.
Latrobe, PA Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Visit the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College – Celebrate the life and legacy of Mister Rogers with exhibits and memorabilia.
- For Sports Fans: Pay tribute at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport – See a statue and memorabilia honoring the golf legend born in Latrobe.
- For Foodies: Enjoy a banana split at its birthplace – Savor the classic treat where it was invented in 1904 at the former Tassell Pharmacy site.
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve – Stroll peaceful trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy a nature-focused visitor center.
- For Families: Ride and learn at the Lincoln Highway Experience – Discover the history of America’s first coast-to-coast road in this interactive museum.
When I like to visit Latrobe, PA
The best time to visit Latrobe is in the spring through fall (April–October), when the weather is perfect for exploring outdoor sites, parks, and local festivals. Fall also offers stunning foliage in the surrounding Laurel Highlands.
Tips for getting to Latrobe, PA
- If you are traveling by car: Latrobe is located along U.S. Route 30, about 1 hour southeast of Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Plane: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) offers direct Allegiant flights to/from Florida and select destinations.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line stops in Latrobe with service between Pittsburgh and New York City.
Where I like to stay in Latrobe, PA
- Recommended for Families: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Latrobe – Spacious rooms and amenities right near Saint Vincent College and the airport.
- For Couples: Thistledown at Seger House – Boutique bed and breakfast housed in a beautifully restored 1919 mansion.
- For Budget Travelers: Ramada by Wyndham Ligonier – Comfortable and affordable lodging near Fort Ligonier and Laurel Highlands attractions.
Best Things to Do in Latrobe, PA
1. Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
© Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
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What is the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor?
- Located on the Lincoln Highway, between Latrobe and Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in the scenic Laurel Highlands, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is a museum dedicated to 100 years of Lincoln Highway history.
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What makes this museum special?
- It is the largest museum in America focused on telling the story of the first coast-to-coast highway in the country.
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Where is the museum located?
- The museum is housed in a historic 1815 building in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
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What can visitors experience at the museum?
- Visitors can watch a film on the Lincoln Highway and explore interpretive exhibits showcasing unusual roadside architecture.
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What unique exhibits are available?
- Guests can learn about restored gas pumps, trace the Highway’s path across Pennsylvania through black and white photographs, and shop for memorabilia and local crafts.
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Do visitors receive any souvenirs?
- Yes, each visitor receives a driving guide and a postcard as part of their museum experience.
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What is the address of the museum?
- 3435 State Route 30 E, Latrobe, PA 15650-2696.
2. Saint Vincent College
© Saint Vincent College
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What is Saint Vincent College?
- Saint Vincent College is a private Benedictine liberal arts college located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was the first Benedictine monastery in the United States.
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When was Saint Vincent College founded?
- The college was founded in 1846 by Boniface Wimmer, a Benedictine monk from Bavaria, Germany.
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Who manages Saint Vincent College?
- The college is currently managed by the Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey.
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When did Saint Vincent College become officially incorporated?
- The Pennsylvania state legislature incorporated the school in 1870.
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When did the college become coeducational?
- Saint Vincent College became coeducational in 1983, allowing both male and female students to enroll.
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How is the college structured academically?
- The college consists of four schools, each offering a variety of departments, major and minor programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
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Does the college offer any special programs?
- Yes, Saint Vincent College provides special programs and public outreach activities to engage with the community.
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How is each school managed?
- Each school has its own Dean and a Council of Advisors, consisting of representatives from business, industry, and academia.
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What is the address and contact information?
- 300 Fraser Purchase Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650, Phone: 724-532-6600.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Saint Vincent Gristmill
© Saint Vincent Gristmill
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What is the St. Vincent Archabbey Gristmill?
- St. Vincent Archabbey Gristmill, known locally as The Gristmill, is a historic mill located in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It has been an important part of the community for over a century.
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When was the Gristmill built?
- The original part of the mill, a four-story, 45 feet by 40 feet frame structure, was built in 1854. An addition was later constructed in 1883.
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How was the mill powered?
- The mill was originally powered by steam and remarkably, it is still in use today.
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What is the Gristmill’s connection to Saint Vincent Archabbey?
- The Gristmill is part of Saint Vincent Archabbey, which is recognized as the first Benedictine Monastery in the United States. It is now also a part of Saint Vincent College.
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Is the Gristmill recognized as a historic site?
- Yes, the Gristmill has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its significance for future generations.
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Do the monks still operate the Gristmill?
- Yes, the monks continue to operate the mill and run a general store where they sell flour, bread, jam, and other products made at the mill.
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Does the Gristmill have a museum?
- Yes, the monks also operate a museum that includes a viewing area where visitors can watch the monks operating the grindstones to make flour. The museum also features exhibits about the mill and the early agricultural history of Saint Vincent.
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What is the address and contact information?
- 300 Fraser Purchase Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650, Phone: 724-537-0304.
4. Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
© Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
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What is the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve?
- The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve is a 50-acre reserve located at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It serves as a scenic and recreational destination for visitors of all ages.
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What features does the reserve offer?
- The reserve includes over two miles of trails, a pond, wetlands, a meadow, a garden, certified play spaces, native plantings, and an Environmental Learning Barn.
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What historical sites are located within the reserve?
- One of the highlights of the reserve is the Historic Lochry Blockhouse, which provides insight into the area's rich history.
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Is the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve open to the public?
- Yes, the reserve is open to the public and welcomes visitors to explore its scenic beauty and educational offerings.
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Who was Winnie Palmer?
- Winnie Palmer was the wife of renowned golfer Arnold Palmer. She played a crucial role in the preservation of the land where the reserve now stands.
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Why was the reserve established?
- Winnie Palmer spearheaded efforts to prevent development on the land, as construction would have ruined the scenery and disrupted the view of the Basilica and the Saint Vincent College campus.
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What is the address and contact information?
- 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650, Phone: 724-537-5284.
5. DiSalvos Restaurant
© DiSalvos Restaurant
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What is DiSalvo’s Restaurant?
- DiSalvo’s Restaurant is an award-winning Italian restaurant and banquet venue located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It is known for its elegant dining experience and unique setting.
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Where is DiSalvo’s Restaurant located?
- The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 1903 historic train station, providing a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere.
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What makes the restaurant’s setting unique?
- One of the most fascinating features of the restaurant is its full-sized dining car inside, adding to the nostalgic and charming ambiance.
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What type of cuisine does DiSalvo’s serve?
- The restaurant specializes in classic Italian fare, offering traditional favorites such as Penne Puttanesca and Veal Marsala.
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Does the restaurant offer any special dining experiences?
- Yes, DiSalvo’s is known for its popular Sunday brunch, featuring a delicious selection of Italian and brunch favorites.
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What kind of drinks does DiSalvo’s bar offer?
- The bar features an extensive single malt scotch and small batch bourbon list, along with a diverse selection of domestic, imported, crafted, and microbrew beers.
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Does DiSalvo’s have a cigar bar?
- Yes, the restaurant has a basement cigar bar, which offers the largest selection of premium cigars in the area.
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Is DiSalvo’s a venue for special events?
- Yes, the restaurant is a popular venue for weddings and large celebrations, offering a sophisticated setting for memorable events.
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What is the address and contact information?
- 325 McKinley Ave, Latrobe, PA 15650, Phone: 724-539-0500.
Where I Like to Eat in Latrobe, PA
- Recommended for Families: DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant – Italian-American cuisine served in a restored 1903 train station with vintage charm.
- For Casual Dining: Dino’s Sports Lounge – Locals love this spot for wings, burgers, and catching a Steelers or Penguins game.
- For a Sweet Treat: Valley Dairy Restaurant – Classic diner fare and banana splits served at the site of their invention.
My favorite local events:
- For Community Fun: Banana Split Celebration (August) – Live music, banana split contests, vendors, and family activities celebrate Latrobe’s famous dessert.
- For Music Fans: Summer Concerts in the Park – Free music performances in local parks during the warmer months.
- For Seasonal Cheer: Latrobe Christmas Parade (December) – A festive small-town holiday celebration with floats, lights, and caroling.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Latrobe, Pennsylvania:
- For History Buffs: Fort Ligonier (20–25 min) – Explore an 18th-century British fort and museum from the French and Indian War.
- For Outdoor Lovers: Linn Run State Park (30 min) – Hike, picnic, and discover waterfalls and forested trails in the Laurel Highlands.
- For Art & Architecture Fans: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob (30 min) – Tour one of Wright’s Usonian homes nestled in natural surroundings.
- For Scenic Rail Fans: Ligonier Valley Rail Trail (20 min) – Bike or walk this peaceful rail-trail through forest and farmland.
- For Amusement Seekers: Idlewild & SoakZone (25–30 min) – One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. with family rides and water attractions.
Plan Your Trip