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. But what many visitors may not realize is that the 277-acre complex also houses one of the nation's largest collections of Art Deco art and structures, many of which were erected for the 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 African American Museum (free admission), and the Texas Discovery Gardens, which is open free to the public on Wednesdays.