Amusement park at New York World’s Fair 1964

This authentic 1960s color photograph, captured in 1964, documents the lively amusement area of the New York World’s Fair at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. The archival image features the popular log flume ride, showing a boat carrying passengers through a water-filled wooden trough as it rounds a curve beneath a rustic timber pedestrian bridge. In the background, the diverse attractions of the fair’s Lake Amusement Area are visible, including a prominent “Orange Julius” refreshment stand and a red-and-white striped “Skycopter” tent. A large orange crane-like structure stands to the left, likely part of a nearby thrill ride or demonstration. The scene is filled with visitors in mid-sixties summer attire, capturing the excitement of an event that showcased global culture and futuristic technology. While the 1964-1965 World’s Fair was a temporary event and most of these structures were demolished shortly after its close, the site remains as Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to the iconic Unisphere. This factual record preserves a moment of mid-century leisure and the temporary architecture of one of the 20th century’s most significant international expositions. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.