Fair Park

Built in 1886, Fair Park is home to the State Fair of Texas, one of the longest-running fairs in the nation that is held for three weeks in the fall, beginning the last weekend of September. But what many visitors may not realize is that the 277-acre complex also houses one of the nation's largest collection of Art Deco art and structures, many of which were erected for Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. The crowning jewel is The Hall of State, a stunning, limestone-clad building that contains an array of murals, statues and artifacts pertaining to the history of Texas. In addition to architectural eye-candy, the park features the Music Hall performing arts venue as well as the Children's Aquarium, the African American Museum and the Texas Discovery Gardens.