Skipping the US This country's safest New York City Lost, damaged? Tell us
DESTINATIONS

Tour Mister Rogers' real neighborhood in Pennsylvania

Chris Rodell
Special to USA TODAY
On Friday, Nov. 22, Oscar winner Tom Hanks steps into the shoes of children's TV icon Fred Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." In real life, that neighborhood is Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Click forward as writer Chris Rodell takes you on a tour of Mister Rogers' real neighborhood, located about an hour east of Pittsburgh.
On Friday, Nov. 22, Oscar winner Tom Hanks steps into the shoes of children's TV icon Fred Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." In real life, that neighborhood is Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Click forward as writer Chris Rodell takes you on a tour of Mister Rogers' real neighborhood, located about an hour east of Pittsburgh.
Lacey Terrell/Sony-Tristar Pictures Via AP
The boyhood home of Fred Rogers at 737 Weldon Street in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is where the young Fred first began enjoying make-believe by devising stories with his puppets and imaginary friends.
The boyhood home of Fred Rogers at 737 Weldon Street in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is where the young Fred first began enjoying make-believe by devising stories with his puppets and imaginary friends.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
All the Latrobe city street signs are topped with trolleys.
All the Latrobe city street signs are topped with trolleys.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
The $14 million Fred Rogers Center, foreground, has since 2008 drawn educators and tourists to scenic Saint Vincent College near Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The state-of-the-art center includes 36,000-square-feet of educational facilities along with a permanent hall exhibiting Mister Rogers’ memorabilia.
The $14 million Fred Rogers Center, foreground, has since 2008 drawn educators and tourists to scenic Saint Vincent College near Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The state-of-the-art center includes 36,000-square-feet of educational facilities along with a permanent hall exhibiting Mister Rogers’ memorabilia.
Alex Byers/Saint Vincent College
The exhibit hall at the Fred Rogers Center features show memorabilia from throughout the star’s career.
The exhibit hall at the Fred Rogers Center features show memorabilia from throughout the star’s career.
Alex Byers/Saint Vincent College
The trolley that once inspired imaginations now inspires nostalgia at the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College.
The trolley that once inspired imaginations now inspires nostalgia at the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
The iconic cardigan sweaters hang in tribute to Mister Rogers in his namesake center.
The iconic cardigan sweaters hang in tribute to Mister Rogers in his namesake center.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
“The Forged Fred,” a Jon Hair statue dedicated in 2016, is a popular spot for Latrobe tourists and locals alike.
“The Forged Fred,” a Jon Hair statue dedicated in 2016, is a popular spot for Latrobe tourists and locals alike.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
At Saint Vincent College near Latrobe, there’s nothing Make-Believe about the ceremonial campus trolley.
At Saint Vincent College near Latrobe, there’s nothing Make-Believe about the ceremonial campus trolley.
Alex Byers/Saint Vincent College
The $14 million Fred Rogers Center has in 11 years become a local Saint Vincent College landmark and a go-to place for associations to host important meetings. It’s also where the family of Arnold Palmer, another Latrobe legend, chose to have the star-studded memorial reception after the golf great's death in 2017.
The $14 million Fred Rogers Center has in 11 years become a local Saint Vincent College landmark and a go-to place for associations to host important meetings. It’s also where the family of Arnold Palmer, another Latrobe legend, chose to have the star-studded memorial reception after the golf great's death in 2017.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
The Given family mausoleum in Unity Cemetery is the final resting place of Fred Rogers, who died in 2003.
The Given family mausoleum in Unity Cemetery is the final resting place of Fred Rogers, who died in 2003.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
An Arnold Palmer statue stands outside the local airport, which is named after the golf icon, who was also a devoted pilot and local appointee to the airport authority.
An Arnold Palmer statue stands outside the local airport, which is named after the golf icon, who was also a devoted pilot and local appointee to the airport authority.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
The Pittsburgh Steelers have called Saint Vincent College and Mister Rogers’ neighborhood their summer training base since 1966.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have called Saint Vincent College and Mister Rogers’ neighborhood their summer training base since 1966.
Alex Byers/Saint Vincent College
Not only is the Steelers' training camp located in Latrobe but the town was also the site of the very first professional football game, played on Sept. 3, 1989 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
Not only is the Steelers' training camp located in Latrobe but the town was also the site of the very first professional football game, played on Sept. 3, 1989 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
Chris Rodell/Special To USA TODAY
Featured Weekly Ad