Fred Rogers is no longer with us, but his memory lives on in the hearts of many. The television legend attracted both young and old with Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, A PBS series that ran from 1968-2001. Last year’s documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? created yet another generation of new fans.
Fred Rogers was born in Latrobe in 1928. As a child, he was often bedridden and isolated from other children, so his imagination took flight at a young age. “I had every imaginable childhood disease, even scarlet fever, so I had to make up a lot of my own fun,” said Rogers.
As an adult, Rogers discovered that he was both captivated with and disappointed by a new medium called television. He watched as people were being hit in the face with pies. “This could be a wonderful tool; why is it being used this way?” he asked himself. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers recognized the value of television in spreading the word of peace, love and compassion and decided to make it his mission to harness it for good.
The Trail
The Fred Rogers Trail starts in the Latrobe region, where Fred Rogers grew up, and continues on to Pittsburgh, where he shared his universal message of kindness that resonates with all ages. The VisitPa website allows travelers to print a three-day itinerary that details the 14 stops along the self-guided trail.
Ligonier and Latrobe
Idlewild & SoakZone | 2574 U.S. Route 30, Ligonier, PA
In 2018, Amusement Today recognized Idlewild & SoakZone as “The Best Children’s Park in the World,” which is reason enough to schedule a visit, but the icing on the cake is that the original Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe operated in the park from 1989-2013. When the attraction closed, it was replaced by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Ride, which uses the same trolley tracks and several of the sets from the original show.
Fred Rogers Center at St.Vincent College | 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA
This interactive exhibit, which is open Monday through Friday, features a selection of Mister Rogers’ sweaters, all of which were knitted by his mother. Additional artifacts include puppets from the show, Rogers’ iconic sneakers, the Neighborhood Trolley and more. A series of panels follows his life from a small-town boy to a nationally known media personality.
Latrobe High School | 131 High School Road, Latrobe, PA
Mister Rogers may have been “all about the feels,” but the McFeely name is far from fiction. Fred was raised by James H. and Nancy McFeely Rogers and graduated in 1946 from Latrobe High School, where he served as yearbook editor and president of the student council. A collection of memorabilia is on display and is open to the public during scheduled school activities.
The Fred Rogers Statue in James H. Rogers Park | 212 Main St., Latrobe, PA
The James H. Rogers Park, named in memory of Fred’s father, is located at the corner of Jefferson and Main in downtown Latrobe, where visitors will find a statue of Fred sitting on a bench just waiting to be part of a selfie. The artist who created the statue was said to be so precise that he asked the size of Fred Rogers’ clothes to create the most accurate likeness of the star.
Pittsburgh
Senator John Heinz History Center | 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA
Brady M. Smith, director of marketing and communications at the Senator John Heinz History Center, says the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Exhibit is arguably the most popular display in the six-floor, 375,000 square-foot museum. “When visitors walk in and see X the Owl’s tree or King Friday XIII’s castle for the first time, they light up with a sense of nostalgia,” he says. The museum houses the biggest collection of original items from the show, including the sets for Mr. Rogers’ entryway and living room.
According to Smith, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on PBS has spawned a renewed interest in Fred Rogers. “Many of the set pieces are featured in the cartoon, so it’s wonderful to see Fred Rogers’ legacy reaching new generations of fans,” he says.
Accommodations and Eats
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh | 120 S. Whitfield St., Pittsburgh, PA
The Ace Hotel Pittsburgh is housed in a century-old former YMCA building in the heart of East Liberty, where Rogers was a regular member, due to his love of swimming. Fred Rogers was also a pianist and composer, and his music can be heard in the lobby of the hotel.
Disalvo’s Station | 325 McKinley Ave., Latrobe, PA
For a unique dining experience in Rogers’ hometown, grab a bite to eat at DiSalvo’s, housed in a nationally recognized historic landmark train station dating back to 1903. One of the highlights for many is a full-size dining car, where guests can enjoy a variety of Italian dishes.
These are just a few of the highlights along the trail that celebrates a man and his message. Rogers’ memory lives on due to his simple philosophy that love is the root of everything. Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, says that his appeal is widespread because in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood everyone is welcome and valued. “Embracing new experiences, respecting yourself as well as others, fostering curiosity about the world–these are timeless messages that will always be relevant to both children and adults,” he says. To learn more about the 14 stops along the trail, along with noteworthy detours, visit the Fred Rogers Trail page at VisitPA.com/fredrogers
