The Neill Log House
Due to the recent storms, the Neill Log House Opening has been delayed until WEDNESDAY May 7th at 3PM!
“Pittsburgh’s oldest Log House”
About the Neill Log House
The Neill Log House, located in Schenley Park, is the City of Pittsburgh’s oldest existing log residence. Built in 1795, it is one of only five residential structures in Pittsburgh remaining from the 18th century.
The log house was built by Robert Neill, a Revolutionary War veteran who made his living as a wagoner, after he laid claim to the original 262-acre tract of land that lies within Schenley Park. This signified a new era in Pittsburgh’s history, when settlers began building permanent residences instead of temporary log cabins. The log house’s detailed features, such as hewed logs, a wooden floor, and the addition of a loft, point to an abundance of time and attention when constructing the home.
Additionally, the Neill Log House is featured as a stop on the national Lewis & Clark Trail Experience, as research suggests that Meriwether Lewis stopped to water his horse at a spring now replaced by the Catahecassa Fountain, in 1803.
Address: 5229 East Circuit Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Friends of Neill Log House
In October 2021, the Squirrel Hill Historical Society and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition joined together to form Friends of Neill Log House, Inc. with the mission to restore and reopen the house for educational purposes.
After a historically accurate restoration, and the installation of steps, fencing, railings, and more, the grand opening took place in November 2024.
In partnership with Friends of Neill Log House, the Pittsburgh Park Rangers have since begun hosting tours, open hours, and recreational events to help share Schenley Park’s rich history with guests
Calendar of Events & Open Office Hours
Booking a Private/Group Tour
- Open visitation and 15- minute tours are available on the Open House dates listed in the monthly calendar of events.
- Private group tours of the Neill Log House can be scheduled in 30- or 60- minute increments. If interested, please submit a request here or reach out to neillloghouse@pittsburghpa.gov with any inquiries. If possible, please include multiple available dates under the “Preferred Date/Time of Tour” section.
- Please note that the Neill Log House is NOT handicap accessible. Participants must be comfortable walking stairs to the entrance.
- Bathroom accessibility: TBA
- Parking: Street parking will be available along E Circuit Rd.
- Please note that food and drink are not allowed in the Neill Log House. Picnic seating and waste disposal are available down the street on E. Circuit Road, adjacent to the log house.
Find out More
last updated: 02/05/2025