Schenley Park

A Leafy Pittsburgh Legacy

Established in 1889, Schenley Park stands as Pittsburgh's second largest municipal park - only Frick Park beats it in size. Its 456 acres sit between Oakland, Greenfield, and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods, offering a genuine break from city life.

The park exists thanks to Mary Schenley, a Pittsburgh heiress who donated the land. Today, it's not just a treasured green space but also holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district.

Natural Escape

The rolling hills and wooded trails can make you forget you're still within city limits. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other wildlife that call these diverse ecosystems home.

The park's main entrance is at Schenley Plaza, a gathering space that hosts events throughout the year. Views of the Pittsburgh skyline and Oakland area frame the natural landscape.

Nature lovers might enjoy Phipps Conservatory, an indoor botanical garden featuring seasonal floral displays and exhibits. For a peaceful moment, head to Panther Hollow Lake, where you can fish, picnic, or simply sit by the water and clear your mind.

A wooden sign points along the Lake Trail

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Get Moving

Schenley Park offers activities for various interests. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of tennis courts, a running track, soccer fields, pickleball courts, and an 18-hole golf course. Disc golf fans will appreciate the 9-hole course that weaves through both open meadows and wooded sections.

When winter blankets the park, the outdoor ice skating rink comes alive with hockey tournaments and casual skaters making memories. During the year, an extensive network of hiking and biking trails invites exploration of the park's natural beauty. And those wide-open grassy spaces? Perfect for sunbathing, frisbee games, or just lying back and watching clouds drift by.

Victor David Brenner's 1918 bronze and granite Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Gathering Spaces

Planning a family reunion or birthday celebration? The park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and shaded shelters. Kids can burn off energy at several playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds, each offering different play equipment for various ages.

You'll find clean restrooms at key locations including the Schenley Park Visitor Center and near major recreation areas. And yes, your four-legged friends are welcome, but they should stay leashed while on the trails.

A sign warns of flying discs at the Schenley Park Overlook

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Community Celebrations

The park hosts several annual events. The roads transform for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, drawing car enthusiasts from around the world. You might also catch the Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure or one of the many outdoor concerts and festivals that fill the summer calendar.

With the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University nearby, the park naturally becomes an extension of campus life for students and faculty. It functions as both an outdoor space for environmental education and a place for students to take breaks from academic work.