History trail

World’s Fair Trail

For 150 years, World’s Fairs gave America its boldest visions of the future — and a surprising number of their landmarks are still standing. The Space Needle, the Unisphere, the Sunsphere: monuments to the tomorrow that was, scattered across the country. This trail strings together the great surviving World’s Fair sites.

10 surviving sites · 8 states · 8 states

The futures we were promised, still standing.

Each is a time capsule of optimism — the architecture of an era that believed the future would be dazzling. They’re photogenic, mostly free or cheap, and each anchors a city park or museum worth an afternoon. Collect the futures we were promised.

Where to stop on the World’s Fair Trail.

Build your World’s Fair Trail trip.

Use the trail guide on the web now, then download Roamward for iPhone for verified check-ins, shared trips, badges, and your growing map.

Download on the App Store

Build a trip around a trail like this.

Save catalog-backed stops to My Trips on the web now. The iPhone app adds an on-road companion with verified check-ins, badges, shared trips, and your growing map of America.

More to explore in Washington

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