Tribute to Children - Mister Rogers on the Riverfront

Stop on Mister Rogers, a free self-guided tour.

Start where the city chose to remember him. This bronze memorial by sculptor Robert Berks shows Fred Rogers seated and tying his sneakers, the small ritual that opened every episode of his program. It was unveiled on November 5, 2009, and at roughly 7,000 pounds it is one of the larger figures on the North Shore.

Look at the setting as well as the sculpture. He sits inside the arch of a stone pier that once carried the Manchester Bridge across the Allegheny River, a piece of old Pittsburgh given a new job. The bridge itself came down decades ago, but the pier was kept, and the arch now frames him like a doorway.

Take a moment on the riverwalk. Joggers, cyclists and game-day crowds pass this spot every day, and many of them still stop to say hello.

Getting here: This is the first stop. It sits on the North Shore Trail along the river, a short walk from the stadiums, with paid parking lots nearby.

Did you know?: The pose echoes the opening of every episode, when he changed into sneakers and a cardigan as a signal to children that it was time to settle in together.

Photo op: Stand on the riverwalk a few steps to one side so the stone arch frames the statue, with the river and the downtown skyline behind him.

For kids: Ask children what they do to get ready for the day, the way he changed his shoes. Then see who can find the old bridge pier hiding in the design.

Hours and cost: Free, outdoors and open at all hours.