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Trail pays tribute to beloved legend Fred Rogers

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger 5 min read
article image - Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
A statue of Fred Rogers can be found in Latrobe,.

Fred Rogers may no longer be with us, but the Latrobe native’s memory lives on in the hearts of many.

Episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” can still be seen 22 years after his death, and his popularity expanded to a new generation with the release of the acclaimed 2018 documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” and the 2019 Tom Hanks-starring biopic “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Rogers’ imagination was honed 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,” Rogers recalled in an interview.

Traversing the Fred Rogers Trail

Fans of Fred Rogers no longer have to settle for watching reruns of his shows online or on streaming outlets. Today they can embark on a journey to a collection of destinations that celebrate the man and his message.

Highlighted below are a few notable stops along the Fred Rogers Trail, which winds through Latrobe, nearby Ligonier and finally Pittsburgh.

The Fred Rogers statue

A large, bronze statue of Fred Rogers looms large on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Located near Acrisure Stadium, the larger-than-life likeness is a huge hit with children. A speaker plays his voice reading a story, making it fun for both kids and parents alike.

Idlewild & SoakZone, Ligonier

2574 U.S. Route 30, Ligonier

Idlewild & SoakZone has been recognized by Amusement Today magazine as the best children’s park in the world, which is reason enough to schedule a visit. The fact that the original Mister Rogers Neighborhood of Make-Believe operated in the park from 1989 to 2013 is just icing on the cake for Rogers’ fans. When the attraction closed, it was replaced by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which uses the same trolley, tracks and several of the sets from the original show.

Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe

300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe

This interactive exhibit, which is open Monday through Friday, features a selection of Mister Rogers’ signature sweaters, all of which were knitted by his mother. Additional artifacts include puppets from the show, Rogers’ 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, Latrobe

131 High School Road, Latrobe

Fans of Rogers probably recognize the McFeely name. Fred was raised by James H. and Nancy McFeely Rogers. He graduated from Latrobe High School in 1946, where he served as yearbook editor and student council president. A collection of memorabilia celebrating his school years is on display and open to the public during scheduled school activities.

Note: The high school requests that visitors check in at the office prior to touring.

Fred Rogers Statue in James H. Rogers Park, Latrobe

200 Main Street, Latrobe

The James H. Rogers Park, named in memory of Fred Rogers’ father, sits at the corner of Jefferson and Main streets in downtown Latrobe, not far from Rogers’ childhood home. Visitors can take a seat on a nearby bench next to a life-sized statue of Mister Rogers and even snap a selfie. The artist who worked on the statue was said to be so precise that he asked for the size of Mister Rogers’ clothes to create the most accurate likeness of the television star.

Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh

Brady M. Smith, director of marketing and communications at the Senator John Heinz History Center, said that the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood exhibit draws visitors of all ages, attracting not only children, but parents and grandparents as well. “It is arguably the most popular display at our six-floor, 375,000 square foot museum,” said Smith. “When visitors walk in and see X the Owl’s Tree or King Friday XIII’s castle for the first time, they just light up with a sense of nostalgia,” he added.

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” now in its seventh season on PBS stations, sparked a renewed interest in Fred Rogers legacy. “Many of the set pieces are featured in the cartoon, so it’s wonderful to see Fred Rogers’ impact reaching new generations of fans,” Smith said.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/whats-on/history-center/exhibits/mister-rogers-neighborhood.

A lasting legacy

These are but a few of the highlights along the Fred Rogers Trail. His timeless appeal lives on due to his simple, but profound message of love, which Rogers described as “the root of everything.”

Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, offers his take on why Fred Rogers appeal endures. “In “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” everyone is welcome and valued. Embracing new experiences, respecting yourself and others, fostering curiosity about the world – these are timeless messages that remain relevant for both children and adults,” he said.

To explore all stops along the trail, visit the Fred Rogers Trail page at https://www.visitpa.com/trip-itinerary/fred-rogers-trail-pittsburgh-its-countryside-laurel-highlands

Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a freelance writer.

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