What Is Latrobe, PA Known For? 5 Surprising Claims to Fame

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For a relatively small town in western Pennsylvania, Latrobe has an impressive list of claims to fame. It’s the birthplace of the banana split, the hometown of Fred Rogers and golf legend Arnold Palmer, the summer training home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the original home of Rolling Rock beer.

Not bad for a town of around 8,000 people.

I probably wouldn’t have discovered Latrobe if I didn’t have family living here. But after spending quite a bit of time in town, I’ve learned there’s far more to this corner of Pennsylvania than I expected.

And yes, I’ve eaten the banana split. Research is important.

Where Is Latrobe, Pennsylvania?

Latrobe is located in Westmoreland County in western Pennsylvania, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It sits in the Laurel Highlands, making it a convenient stop if you’re exploring this part of the state.

Latrobe is also less than 40 miles from the Flight 93 National Memorial, so the two can easily be combined on the same trip.

Despite its relatively small population, Latrobe has contributed an almost ridiculous number of recognizable names, products, and traditions to American culture.

Here are five things Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is especially known for.

1. Latrobe Is the Birthplace of the Banana Split

Let’s begin with dessert, because priorities.

The banana split was invented in Latrobe in 1904 by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist working at Tassel Pharmacy. Like many pharmacies at the time, Tassel had a soda fountain, and Strickler experimented with creating new ice cream sundaes.

One of those experiments involved a banana sliced lengthwise, scoops of ice cream, sauces and toppings.

The banana split was born.

The original Tassel Pharmacy is gone, but Latrobe hasn’t forgotten its contribution to dessert history. The town celebrates its claim to fame each year with the Great American Banana Split Celebration.

You can also order a banana split while you’re in town. I’ve had one at Valley Dairy Restaurant, and 512 Coffee & Ice Cream is another local spot where you can celebrate Latrobe’s sweetest piece of history.

Here’s a fun bit of trivia for your next game night: The banana split and Fred Rogers share the same hometown—Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

That should be worth at least a pie wedge in Trivial Pursuit.

2. Latrobe Is Arnold Palmer’s Hometown

Long before Arnold Palmer became known around the world as “The King,” he was learning to play golf in Latrobe.

Palmer was born in Latrobe in 1929 and grew up around Latrobe Country Club, where his father worked as the club’s golf professional and groundskeeper. Palmer went on to become one of the most influential golfers in the history of the sport, winning seven major championships and 62 PGA Tour titles.

His connection to Latrobe remained strong throughout his life. Palmer purchased Latrobe Country Club in 1971, and his presence can still be felt throughout town.

Even the local airport bears his name: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.

And, of course, there’s the drink.

The combination of iced tea and lemonade that became known as an Arnold Palmer is now nearly as recognizable as the golfer himself.

You can also find a life-size bronze statue of Palmer in Latrobe—a fitting tribute to one of the town’s most famous sons.

3. Latrobe Was Fred Rogers’ Real Neighborhood

Before there was Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, there was Fred Rogers’ actual neighborhood: Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Fred McFeely Rogers was born in Latrobe in 1928 and grew up here before eventually becoming one of the most beloved figures in children’s television.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood debuted nationally in 1968 and continued until 2001. Rogers used the program to speak directly to children about feelings, friendships, fear, grief, divorce and other subjects adults didn’t always know how to explain.

He wrote music for the program, voiced many of its puppet characters and opened each episode with that familiar routine of changing into a cardigan and sneakers.

What some viewers didn’t know was that Fred Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister. He viewed his work in children’s television as a way of serving children and families, emphasizing kindness, dignity and compassion.

Today, you can find reminders of him throughout Latrobe.

One of my favorites is the bronze Fred Rogers sculpture in downtown Latrobe, where Mr. Rogers is seated on a bench. Yes, you can sit beside him for a picture. Obviously, I did.

You can also visit Unity Cemetery, where Rogers is buried in the Given family mausoleum.

Nearby, the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College continues work inspired by his approach to children, education and media.

If you grew up watching Mr. Rogers, visiting Latrobe gives the word “neighborhood” an entirely different meaning.

4. The Pittsburgh Steelers Hold Training Camp in Latrobe

For part of every summer, this little town becomes Steelers country in a very big way.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold their summer training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, a tradition that dates back decades.

Fans can attend select practices during training camp, giving them an opportunity to watch the team prepare for the upcoming NFL season in a setting considerably more intimate than a packed football stadium.

If you’re a Steelers fan, summer can be one of the most interesting times to plan a visit to Latrobe. Training camp dates, ticket requirements and practice schedules can change from year to year, so check the team’s current schedule before making plans.

And yes, bringing a Terrible Towel seems entirely appropriate.

5. Rolling Rock Beer Was Originally Brewed in Latrobe

Latrobe has another famous export: Rolling Rock beer.

Rolling Rock was first brewed in Latrobe in 1939 and became closely associated with the town and its brewing history.

If you’ve ever picked up one of those distinctive green bottles and wondered about the words “Old Latrobe” on the label, now you know.

The beer is no longer brewed in Latrobe, but its history remains part of the town’s story.

Fortunately, beer hasn’t disappeared from the local landscape. Craft breweries in the area include Four Seasons Brewing Company & Pub and Devout Brewing Company, giving beer lovers a chance to try something local while visiting.

Where To Eat in Latrobe

I have family in the area, so eating in Latrobe hasn’t exactly been a hardship.

Gino Gianelli’s is one local favorite. I’ve enjoyed their antipasto salad, and the steak and cheese sandwich is another solid choice when you arrive hungry.

Pizza deserves its own mention.

For a substantial pie, Carasella’s Pizzeria serves the appropriately named Mountains of Meat pizza. This is not a pizza pretending to be a salad. Come hungry.

And if your definition of “local” can stretch to nearby Greensburg, my brother is a fan of New City, a Chinese buffet. I tried it myself and understood the appeal. Sometimes you just want buffet comfort food, and that’s that.

Festivals & Events in Latrobe

Latrobe isn’t just history and good eats – there’s a festival for every season. Here’s what to mark on the calendar (if you plan ahead):

• The Great American Banana Split Celebration – August (dessert lovers, prepare).
• Mister Rogers Family Days -early June, perfect for families & nostalgia.
• Latrobe’s 4th of July Celebration – fireworks, parade, all the hometown festivity.
• Latrobe Italian Festival – September, all the pasta and community pride.
• Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival – crafts, food, art, music in Twin Lakes Park.

And there are smaller fairs, church festivals, and pop-ups during summer & fall that bring flavor and fun.

When Is the Best Time To Visit Latrobe?

There’s something to see throughout the year, but summer is an especially good time to visit Latrobe if you want to experience some of the town’s biggest traditions.

Pittsburgh Steelers training camp typically brings football fans to Saint Vincent College during the summer, while the Great American Banana Split Celebration takes place in August.

Fall is another good choice for visiting western Pennsylvania. Cooler temperatures and fall foliage make it a beautiful time to explore the Laurel Highlands and surrounding countryside.

If you’re planning your trip around a particular festival, check current dates before booking since schedules can change from year to year.

Where to Stay in Latrobe

I’ve stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Latrobe on Arnold Palmer Drive several times, so it’s the property I can personally speak to.

It’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown Latrobe and has comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast. There’s also an outdoor seating area with a fire pit, which is a nice spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Its location also works well if you’re using Latrobe as a home base for exploring more of western Pennsylvania.

Is Latrobe, Pennsylvania Worth Visiting?

I wouldn’t have discovered Latrobe if I didn’t have family here, and I suspect that’s true for a lot of travelers. It isn’t necessarily a town people build an entire Pennsylvania vacation around.

But that’s part of what makes it interesting.

Where else can you eat a banana split in the town where it was invented, sit beside Mr. Rogers, walk in Arnold Palmer’s footsteps, watch the Pittsburgh Steelers practice and learn about the hometown of Rolling Rock—all in one little Pennsylvania town?

Latrobe may be small, but its bragging rights are surprisingly big.

Which Latrobe claim to fame surprised you most—the banana split, Fred Rogers, Arnold Palmer, the Steelers, or Rolling Rock? Tell me in the comments!

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