Overview & Orientation
Saltsburg is a small borough in southwestern Indiana County, where the Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek meet to form the Kiskiminetas River. It covers about a quarter of a square mile. Saltsburg is known for its historic canal-era district, Canal Park, the Stone House Museum, Historic Canal Days, its river trails, and The Kiski School.
Where Saltsburg Is
- County: Indiana County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated in 1838. See Saltsburg on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.24 square miles
- ZIP code: 15681
- Rivers: The Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek join at Saltsburg to form the Kiskiminetas River. Westmoreland County lies across the water.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Indiana, PA | 30–40 minutes |
| Greensburg | 30–40 minutes |
| Monroeville | 40–50 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 40–50 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 55–65 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 75–85 minutes |
A Brief History
Andrew and Jane Boggs laid out the town in 1816. Salt wells and salt works along the river gave Saltsburg its name. The Pennsylvania Main Line Canal arrived in 1829, and Saltsburg grew as a canal town, with Lock No. 8 nearby.
The Pennsylvania Railroad bought this section of the canal in 1857, and rail service replaced canal boats. The Saltsburg Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It covers 48 acres and 118 buildings in Federal, Late Victorian, and canal-era styles. Saltsburg was named a Preserve America Community in 2008. See Pennsylvania Historic Preservation for more.
Notable Landmarks
- Canal Park: A riverside park on the site of the old canal and Lock 8
- Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum: An 1830 stone house at 105 Point Street, open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sundays from May through September
- Altman’s Mill: A 1912 mill building
- The Kiski School: A boarding school founded in 1888
- Conemaugh Dam: A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam finished in 1952, about 7 miles east
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Historic district: Much of the borough is in the historic district, along Point, High, Washington, Market, Salt, Water, and Basin Streets.
- Canal-era homes: Many homes date from the 1800s, in Federal and Victorian styles.
- River areas: Check flood zone status for properties near the rivers.
- Surrounding area: The “Saltsburg Area” MLS search also includes homes in nearby townships.
Types of Homes
Saltsburg’s housing is mostly older homes in its historic district, with more rural properties in the surrounding townships.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in the Saltsburg area.
Schools
Public Schools
Saltsburg is served by the River Valley School District, with offices at 102 School Lane, Blairsville, (724) 459-5500. The district was formed as Blairsville-Saltsburg and took its current name in 2021.
- Saltsburg Elementary School (PreK–5), 199 Trojan Lane, Saltsburg, (724) 639-3556
- River Valley Middle and High Schools, in Blairsville
- A STEAM Academy in the former Saltsburg middle and high school building
School assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Other Schools Nearby
- The Kiski School, a boarding school in Saltsburg
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana)
- Saint Vincent College (Latrobe)
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 286: Toward Indiana to the northeast and Murrysville and Monroeville to the southwest
- PA Route 981: South toward Latrobe
- U.S. Route 22: Reached to the south, toward Pittsburgh and Blairsville
Public Transit
Most trips in Saltsburg are by car. Contact Indiana County transit providers for current service in the area.
Walkability & Bikeability
The historic district is compact and walkable, and the river trails offer long routes for walking and biking. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Canal Park
A riverside park in town on the site of the old canal.
West Penn Trail and Westmoreland Heritage Trail
Rail trails that run along the rivers near Saltsburg. Uncovering PA has a guide to visiting.
Conemaugh River Lake
The Army Corps of Engineers recreation area at the Conemaugh Dam, about 7 miles east. See Recreation.gov.
Recreation
- Paddling: Kayaking and canoeing on the Kiskiminetas, Conemaugh, and Loyalhanna
- Fishing: Along the rivers
- History: The Stone House Museum and the historic district
Annual Events
- Historic Canal Days (first weekend of June): A festival with a library duck race and fireworks
- Fall car show
Check local listings and the borough office for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Point Street and nearby streets: Small local shops and restaurants
- Indiana, Greensburg, and Monroeville: Larger shopping 30 to 50 minutes away
Library
The Saltsburg Free Library is at 417 Walnut Street, (724) 702-0261.
Local Services & Resources
Saltsburg Borough Office
320 Point Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681
Phone: (724) 639-9413
Council meetings: The first Monday of each month
Utilities
For water, sewer, and trash service at a specific address, contact the borough office at (724) 639-9413.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Saltsburg Borough Police, with support from the Pennsylvania State Police
- Fire: Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department (Station 131)
Hospitals Nearby
For the nearest hospitals, check the Indiana and Westmoreland County health systems. Indiana Regional Medical Center is in Indiana, and Excela Health has hospitals in Latrobe and Greensburg.
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the borough office. In the historic district, check with the borough before starting exterior work, a fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Saltsburg in?
Saltsburg is in Indiana County, along the Westmoreland County line.
Which rivers meet at Saltsburg?
The Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek meet at Saltsburg to form the Kiskiminetas River.
How did Saltsburg get its name?
The town was named for the salt wells and salt works along the river in the early 1800s.
What school district serves Saltsburg?
The River Valley School District, formerly Blairsville-Saltsburg. Saltsburg Elementary School is in town.
How long is the drive from Saltsburg to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 55 to 65 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
When is Historic Canal Days?
Historic Canal Days is held the first weekend of June.
Is there a trail in Saltsburg?
Yes. The West Penn Trail and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail are near town.
Where is the Saltsburg library?
The Saltsburg Free Library is at 417 Walnut Street, (724) 702-0261.
Where is the Saltsburg borough office?
The borough office is at 320 Point Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681. The phone number is (724) 639-9413.
Thinking About a Move to Saltsburg?
Whether you are buying in Saltsburg or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Saltsburg listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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