PA Roadside Attractions

Exploring Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in Latrobe

Collage of four images taken in Latrobe, Pennsylvania honoring Fred Rogers, including a Pennsylvania historical marker, a display of his iconic sweaters and shoes, original puppets from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and a bronze statue of Rogers seated on a bench in his hometown where he was born and is buried.

Latrobe, Pennsylvania is a small town with a big legacy, thanks in large part to one of its most beloved native sons – Fred Rogers, known to generations of children as the host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Informational sign in downtown Latrobe, Pennsylvania highlighting notable local achievements and residents, including Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” with a photo and summary of his life and legacy as a beloved children’s television host born and buried in Latrobe.

Fred Rogers grew up in Latrobe, and the town continues to celebrate his life and work in heartfelt ways.

Large photo displayed in a downtown Latrobe storefront showing Fred Rogers in his signature red sweater, smiling behind the model Neighborhood of Make-Believe, celebrating the hometown legacy of the cherished host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

This road trip through Latrobe offers visitors a chance to explore 4 key locations tied to his personal and professional journey.

1. The Fred Rogers Center

The perfect starting point is the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College.

Wall display at the Fred M. Rogers Center in Latrobe, Pennsylvania featuring a portrait of Fred Rogers and a plaque recognizing donors who support the center’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of the beloved creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and buried in Latrobe.

This modern facility houses a permanent public exhibit that honors Fred’s enduring contributions to children’s media and education.

Exhibit at the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, Pennsylvania featuring a display of Fred Rogers’ iconic sweaters and sneakers alongside a tribute panel and large black-and-white portrait, honoring the legacy of the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” creator who was born and buried in his hometown.

Inside the free exhibit, you’ll find an inspiring display of Rogers’ signature sweaters and sneakers, along with familiar puppets like Daniel Striped Tiger and King Friday XIII.

Display of original puppets from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” including King Friday XIII, Queen Sara Saturday, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, Daniel Striped Tiger, and others, showcased in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to honor hometown hero Fred Rogers.

Photos, artifacts, and video clips help bring his story to life for visitors of all ages.

Exhibit panel in Latrobe, Pennsylvania highlighting Fred Rogers’ musical legacy as a composer and pianist, featuring album covers, photos from his television programs, and quotes about the importance of high-quality music in “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

The center is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, but keep in mind it’s closed on weekends.

Display case featuring a replica of the iconic red Neighborhood Trolley from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” set against a backdrop of the show’s model town, honoring Latrobe native Fred Rogers.

The Fred Rogers Center is located across the street from the amazing Saint Vincent Basilica, completed in 1905 using over a million bricks handmade on-site by early Benedictine monks.

Front view of the red-brick Saint Vincent Basilica in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is buried, with a statue of Saint Benedict standing in front of the twin-spired church.

2. James H. Rogers Park

A short drive from the college brings you to downtown Latrobe and James H. Rogers Park, named in honor of Fred’s father.

Bronze plaque at James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, dedicated in memory of Fred Rogers’ father by family and friends, located near a statue honoring the beloved children’s television host.

Tucked inside the park is a peaceful fountain surrounded by benches and trees.

Decorative fountain in James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a peaceful public space named in memory of Fred Rogers’ father and located near a statue honoring the beloved creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and buried in Latrobe.

Most notably, there is a bronze statue of Fred Rogers sitting on a bench, posed with a warm and welcoming expression.

Bronze statue of Fred Rogers seated on a bench in James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park in Latrobe, PA.

Sculpted by Jon Hair, the statue is a popular photo spot and a meaningful tribute.

Bronze statue of Fred Rogers seated on a bench in downtown Latrobe, Pennsylvania, honoring the beloved creator and host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and buried in the town.

A nearby Pennsylvania Historical Marker provides background on Rogers’ life and impact.

Pennsylvania historical marker in downtown Latrobe commemorating Fred McFeely Rogers, creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” highlighting his roots in Latrobe, his award-winning television career, and his enduring legacy of kindness, education, and service to generations of children.

3. Fred Rogers’ Childhood Home

Just a few blocks away is 737 Weldon Street, the house where Fred Rogers grew up.

Brick house with green shutters and a red front door in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the childhood home of Fred Rogers, beloved creator and host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and later buried in his hometown.

Although it’s a private residence today, a quiet drive or walk past offers a glimpse into the place where his imagination first took root.

Mister Rogers' childhood home in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

4. Fred Rogers’ Final Resting Place

To conclude your tour, visit Unity Cemetery, located just outside of town, where Fred Rogers is laid to rest in a hillside mausoleum marked “Given,” alongside his parents and his wife Joanne.

Mausoleum marked “Given” at Unity Cemetery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the final resting place of Fred Rogers, creator and host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and buried in his beloved hometown.

The peaceful setting offers a moment of reflection and appreciation for a man who spent his life nurturing kindness and empathy.

Close-up of Fred McFeely Rogers' burial vault at Unity Cemetery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, marking the final resting place of the beloved host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” who was born and buried in his hometown.

Final Thoughts

A road trip through Latrobe is a touching tribute to the legacy of Fred Rogers and the values he championed.

View of a highway overpass in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with the inscription “Welcome to Latrobe – It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” honoring native son Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” fame.

It’s a journey that invites you to slow down, reflect, and remember what it means to be a good neighbor.

Bronze statue of Fred Rogers sitting on a bench in James Hillis Rogers Memorial Park in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with the words “You Are Special” inscribed in a circle on the ground, celebrating the legacy of the beloved children’s television host born and buried in his hometown.

If you have young children in your life, treat them to a trolley ride through “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” the animated spin-off of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” at Idlewild Park.

Riding the trolley through Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood at Idlewild Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. — Riding the trolley through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

This combined amusement and water park is located in Ligonier, just 8 miles from Latrobe.

Daniel Tiger on stage at Idlewild Park in Ligonier Pennsylvania. — Daniel Tiger on stage at Idlewild Park.

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in neighboring Indiana County was owned by Fred Rogers’ grandfather, Fred McFeely, until 1956.

View of Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County from the top of the stairs.

As a child, Fred frequently spent time on the property, which once featured a cottage, horse stables, outbuildings, and a swimming spot in the creek above the waterfall.

Fred Rogers AKA Mister Rogers spent many childhood summers at his Grandfather Fred McFeely's house at Buttermilk Falls. — Fred Rogers, AKA Mister Rogers, spent many childhood summers at his Grandfather Fred McFeely’s house at Buttermilk Falls.

Fred often said his grandfather inspired his well-known phrase, “I like you just the way you are!”

The McFeely Trail named in honor of Fred Rogers' grandfather at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Indiana County PA. — The McFeely Trail named in honor of Fred Rogers’ grandfather at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Indiana County.

At the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood exhibit makes every day a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood memorabilia on display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh PA. — Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood memorabilia on display at the Heinz History Center.

Step into the “Neighborhood of Make-Believe” and view iconic artifacts from the cherished children’s show filmed in Pittsburgh.

Castle from the set of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh PA. — Castle from the set of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Nearby Attractions

26 Must-See Attractions in Westmoreland County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Latrobe.

A collection of four photos depicting attractions in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A large historic cannon displayed outside with the Fort Ligonier museum entrance in the background. Top right: A whimsical, large book-shaped mural with a fairy tale theme, inviting visitors to walk through to a park. Bottom left: A person stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning autumn forest vista. Bottom right: A lineup of colorful kayaks and canoes on the grassy shore of a tranquil lake with a dock in the background.

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