Quick answer
The Haunted Three Rivers cruise is a one-hour narrated sightseeing tour with Pittsburgh ghost stories, local legends and haunted history. It sails Friday and Saturday evenings from late September through October from Station Square, and all ages are welcome.
Pittsburgh has centuries of history, and not all of it is peaceful. On the Haunted Three Rivers sightseeing cruise, we take you past the city's most storied landmarks while sharing the eerie legends, unsolved mysteries and ghostly tales that haunt the Steel City's shores.
If you're looking for spooky things to do in Pittsburgh this fall, this narrated cruise is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience them.
What makes this cruise different
Unlike a haunted house or a hayride, this cruise blends sightseeing with storytelling. As you cruise the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers in the evening, our crew shares:
- Local legends and folklore tied to Pittsburgh's bridges, buildings and riverbanks
- Haunted history connected to the city's past
- Skyline views after dark, when the city takes on a moodier, more mysterious glow
- Themed narration that mixes real history with chilling local tales
It's a relaxed alternative to a walking ghost tour, and a fun one for families, couples, groups of friends and anyone who loves a good story with their scenery.
What guests said after our first season
We launched the Haunted Three Rivers Cruise & Tour in the fall of 2023. Here are some of the comments from those first sailings:
"Incredibly fun and informative, the perfect start to the Halloween season."
"It was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it."
"It was a good time for the kids."
"Very enjoyable"
"I liked the description of the famous sightseeing places and the incorporation of haunted stories. I also liked how the crew dressed up."
Who this cruise is for
- History buffs who love a good local legend
- Couples looking for a spooky fall date night
- Families with kids who like a little spooky (but not too scary) fun
- Visitors who want to see Pittsburgh's rivers and skyline from a completely different angle
Tips for riders
- Dress warm. River breezes get chilly after sundown in October, so bring a jacket. See what to wear on a cruise.
- Arrive early to find a good spot for photos. Parking and arrival tips are on Plan Your Visit.
- Bring your camera. The Pittsburgh skyline at night is worth capturing.
- Book ahead. Weekends close to Halloween are popular, so reserve your date on the cruise page.
Pair it with more fall fun in Pittsburgh
Make a weekend of it with these other seasonal favorites (check each website for this year's dates and hours):
- ScareHouse, a well-known Pittsburgh-area haunted attraction
- Kennywood, home of Phantom Fall Fest with fall rides, haunts and seasonal treats
- VisitPITTSBURGH, for a roundup of seasonal festivals and events around the city
- Simmons Farm, with corn mazes, pumpkin picking and fall photo ops
- Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, for live shows downtown before or after your cruise
Grown-ups planning a night out can also costume up for the 21+ Boo & Brew Dance Cruise, and families can sail the daytime Halloween Family Fun cruise. For more ideas, see our fall family activities guide.
Set sail into Pittsburgh's spookier side
There's something special about hearing a ghost story while the city lights flicker on the water. The Haunted Three Rivers cruise is a can't-miss way to experience Pittsburgh's history, and its hauntings, from the best seat in the city: the river.
Reserve your Haunted Three Rivers cruise
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Haunted Three Rivers cruise?
One hour. There are two evening sailings: 6:30–7:30pm (boarding at 6:00pm) and 8:00–9:00pm (boarding at 7:40pm).
Is the Haunted Three Rivers cruise OK for kids?
Yes. It's a family-friendly sightseeing cruise for all ages. Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
When does the Haunted Three Rivers cruise sail?
Friday and Saturday evenings from late September through October. Check the calendar on the cruise page for this year's dates.
Where does the cruise leave from?
Gateway Clipper's home dock at Station Square, 350 W. Station Square Dr., across the Monongahela from downtown Pittsburgh.
