Roam the Neighborhood: Latrobe and Beyond
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In This Section
Welcome to our neighborhood!
We are the birthplace of football and the banana split, the home of Arnold Palmer, the legacy of Mister Rogers, and the training ground for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just 60 miles east of Pittsburgh and less than 30 miles from the Laurel Highland Mountains, Latrobe offers the perfect blend of natural and urban attractions.
Student Life
Latrobe: Small Town Charm
Latrobe has been recognized as one of HGTV’s Most Charming Small Towns in America and Smithsonian Magazine’s 20 Best Small Towns to Visit. A hidden gem in rural Pennsylvania, Latrobe features a charming downtown filled with coffee shops, parks, bike trails, and breweries. Nearby towns like Ligonier and Greensburg add to the appeal with antique shops, trendy restaurants, entertainment venues, farmers markets, and more. Just a short drive from campus, students can explore all three towns and discover their favorite local spots.
During freshmen orientation, our students get to know the downtown area when they participate in a service project to help our neighborhood businesses and parks.
Coffee Break
Our area is brimming with cozy coffee spots! Check out The Coffee Bean or 512 Coffee and Ice Cream in Latrobe, or head to The White Rabbit or Cuties Coffee in Greensburg. Choose your favorite, grab a latte, and take a relaxing break off campus.
Travel by Air
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA, offers local college students hassle-free travel with direct flights to popular destinations and free parking. It's the perfect launchpad for your next adventure!
Entertainment Next Door
Greensburg offers a lively arts scene with The Palace Theater, your ticket to great entertainment. Catch a live concert, comedy show, or community event at this historic venue. Grab your friends, enjoy a performance, and take a break from campus life.
Community Traditions
Enjoy an appealing treat at the Great American Banana Split Celebration! Enjoy live music, a car show, a banana-eating contest, and family-friendly activities. Bring your friends, eat some bananas, and make a memory.
Walk in the Park
Explore the beauty of Latrobe at Legion Keener Park. Enjoy a stroll along the 3-mile fitness trail, play sports, or relax in the scenic picnic areas. Check out Keystone State Park. Rent a kayak, take a picnic, or walk a trail. These are the perfect spots to unwind- where fun is just a walk in the park.
Laurel Highlands: Mountain Escape
The Laurel Highlands which spans 3,000 square miles across three counties, offers outdoor recreation, historical attractions, and lots of unique shopping and restaurants. Whether you’re a science major with an eye toward environmental policy or research, a history buff who loves exploring museums and landmarks, or simply someone who looks outside for adventure and fun, the Laurel Highlands distinct natural character offers an environment of discovery.
Our students can enjoy weekend mountain adventures like skiing, hiking, and exploring, thanks to frequent trips organized by our active Outdoors Club.
Nature Escape
Looking for an outdoor escape? Head to Ohiopyle State Park. Just a short drive from campus, you can hike scenic trails, rent bikes, or go whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or just soaking up the views, Ohiopyle is the perfect spot for a day of adventure and fresh air.
Hit the Slopes
It snows in PA… a lot! Hit the slopes at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. These nearby resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing all winter long. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, it’s the perfect place to chill out and have some fun.
Go Back In Time
Step back in time at Fort Ligonier. This historic French and Indian War fort offers an incredible museum, reconstructed grounds, and special events throughout the year. Explore the past, snap some pics, and make history your next off-campus adventure.
Backyard Conservation
Discover, learn, and explore at Powdermill Nature Reserve. This environmental research center offers hands-on opportunities to study wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation. Visit the nature center, walk the trails, or dive into real-world science right in our own backyard.
History and Reflection
Experience a powerful piece of history at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Located less than an hour from campus, the memorial honors the passengers and crew of Flight 93 with a visitor center, memorial plaza, and walking trails. Learn about the events of September 11, reflect on their bravery, and connect with an important chapter of American history.
Pittsburgh: City Adventure
Located just 60 miles west of Saint Vincent, Pittsburgh, PA, which was recently featured on Lonely Planet’s 2025 Global Best in Travel, is a perfect weekend getaway for students. Whether exploring the Andy Warhol Museum, attending concerts at Heinz Hall, or riding the Incline for breathtaking views of the city, students will find no shortage of activities.
SVC’s Activities Programming Board regularly organizes trips to Pirates games at PNC Park and Broadway shows at the Benedum. The city's dynamic industry also provides students with valuable internship opportunities at places like The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, BNY Melon, Carnegie University Research, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Discover Downtown Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is packed with places to explore. Take a ride up the historic Duquesne or Monongahela Incline for some of the best views in the city, where you can see the three rivers meet and the skyline stretch out below you. Bike or walk along the river trails, grab a bite in Market Square, or just wander and find your own favorite spots. Whether you're looking for a place to hang out, take in the views, or just get a change of scenery, downtown Pittsburgh is the perfect quick escape.
Good Eats, Great City
Grab a famous sandwich piled high with fries and slaw at Primanti Brothers or start your weekend with the legendary pancakes at Pamela’s Diner. If you're looking for even more options, you’ll find everything from trendy coffee shops like Commonplace Coffee to late-night pizza spots and international eats scattered all over the city. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something new, Pittsburgh is full of places that feel like instant favorites.
Catch the Action in Pittsburgh
Head to PNC Park to watch the Pirates and take in one of baseball’s most beautiful stadiums. You’ll also be close to Steelers games at Acrisure Stadium and Penguins hockey at PPG Paints Arena—there’s always a team to cheer for in the city of champions!
Art, Music, and More
Just an hour from campus, Pittsburgh makes it easy to catch incredible shows, exhibits, and performances. Catch a Broadway show at the stunning Benedum Center, right in the heart of the city’s Cultural District. Spend an afternoon exploring renowned museums like The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Mattress Factory. From live performances to inspiring exhibits, Pittsburgh’s arts scene offers something for every creative spirit.
Your Soundtrack to College Life
Being so close to Pittsburgh means you’re never far from great live music. Stage AE brings a steady lineup of bands and artists that college students actually want to see, with both indoor and outdoor shows right by the river. Big names and major tours also roll through PPG Paints Arena, along with some surprise smaller shows around the city. Whether you’re into indie, rap, pop, or rock, there’s always a concert worth checking out nearby.
Find Your Way
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Find your way
We are located an hour east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 20 minutes from the Pennsylvania turnpike, and short drive from the neighboring towns of Greensburg and Ligonier. Flying? Latrobe has an airport too.
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Stay nearby
If you are travelling from out of town and need a place to stay, there are several local hotels conveniently located five minutes from campus to accommodate you and your family.
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Plan your visit
Plan your visit to Saint Vincent College. Meet with a member of our admission team, take a tour, sit in on a class, and feel at home in our neighborhood and beyond.