HemisFair Park in San Antonio was originally built to host the 1968 World's Fair. The city decided to host the fair in honor of its 250th birthday celebration. At the time, the fair cost the city $156 million to build but was funded by private and public financing. The World Fair was the very first of its kind to ever be held in the Southwestern United States. Visitors from thirty different nations attended the World Fair. Some of the nations at the fair included Spain, France, Belgium, China, Columbia, West Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Venezuela. More than six million people visited the park during its first fair. The park sits on fifteen acres and features lush landscaping, fountains, waterfalls, playgrounds, and historical buildings. There are numerous shops that are also within the park and it is considered one of San Antonio's best attractions. The park is located in downtown and is adjacent to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The most well known attraction in HemisFair Park is the Tower of the Americas. The Tower was the theme structure in the park and is one of the tallest free-standing structures in the United States. The tower is over 750 feet and is taller than the famous Washington Monument or Seattle Space Needle. Visitors to the tower are able to gain an amazing birds-eye, panoramic view of San Antonio from the observation deck. At the base of the tower stands a tranquil garden with spraying water and spilling fountains. The fountains, water displays, and gardens are an integral part of HemisFair Park - they are what makes the attraction distinguishable among other local tourists spots.
HemisFair Park is also home to the University of Texas San Antonio's Institute of Texan Cultures. The facility provides information on science, technology, and cultural history. Through hands-on exhibits, volumes, and photographs Texas culture is celebrated. There are over 40,000 historic photographs and 6,000 volumes of history located in the Institute of Texan Cultures. The institute isn't the only educational facility located in HemisFair Park. The Mexican Cultural institute can also be found in the park and is an extension of the National University of Mexico. The facility promotes culture through photography, films, lectures, workshops, concerts, exhibits, theatre, and dance performances. Children also can receive their dose of educational history in the HemisFair Park by attending the Magik Theatre. The theatre is a great place to take kids for an educational and entertaining experience. Every educational facility in the HemisFair Park in San Antonio offers year round exhibits and tours on the history and people in Texas. The HemisFair Park is also sponsor to the Texas Folklife Festival on an annual basis.
The park is in a great location with easy access to downtown and only a short walk from the popular San Antonio River Walk. The park is owned by the State of Texas and the U.S. Federal Government. The city of San Antonio actually owns fifty acres of the park's site and thirty acres are occupied by the Convention Center. HemisFair Park was previously known simply as "HemisFair" prior to 1988, but was renamed "HemisFair Park" at a site re-christening.
