Carillon Historical Park is a top Dayton destination worth a full day of exploration. The 65-acre park features multiple historic buildings, two full-service restaurants, train rides, a carousel, walking trails, and more.
The History Behind the Park
Carillon Park is a historical experience that tells the story of how Dayton changed the world. The park itself also has a long and storied history, beginning with the dream of a musician enchanted by carillon music.
In 1940, Edith Walton Deeds (an accomplished Dayton musician) and her husband, Col. Edward A. Deeds, established Educational & Musical Arts, Inc., to build Deeds Carillon. The 151-foot Deeds Carillon tower was built in only 2 years and debuted with 32 bells. In April, 1942, two Carillon traditions were born: The first Easter Sunrise Service and the tower’s first official concert. 
Carillon Park opened on June 3rd, 1950, with exhibits including Wright Hall, featuring the 1905 Wright Flyer III; the Grist Mill; Smith Covered Bridge; South Station (housing the oldest American-built locomotive); a replica of Deeds Barn, and more.
Throughout the 60s and 70s, various buildings and artifacts were dedicated to the park, including the Fireless Locomotive Building, housing the Rubicon locomotive; Newcom Tavern; a replica of the Wright Cycle Co.; and the Watchtower.
In 1985, the property was officially renamed Carillon Historical Park, and in 1988, a Golden Spike Ceremony was held to dedicate the park’s rideable miniature railroad.
During the 90s, the Wright Flyer III and the park were named historical landmarks. Throughout the early 2000s, the park and its exhibits grew into the massive park that Dayton residents and visitors flock to for a peek into history.
Now home to over 30 historic structures and more than 3 million artifacts, Carillon Historical Park continues to grow!
What You Can See and Do at Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Park offers a wide range of activities, events, and exhibits for guests to view and enjoy. Look for these popular sights and activities while exploring the park:
- The Early Settlement Area: Explore Newcom Tavern, the William Morris House, the Hetzel Summer Kitchen, Newcom House, Watervliet Shaker Building, and Locust Grove School.
- Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship: See highlights of the region’s legacy of innovation, industry, and invention spanning more than 150 years.
- History on the Hill & Moraine Trails: Learn the story of the park’s land and geological history, explore picturesque walking trails, and discover exhilarating tunnel slides.
- Carillon Brewing Company and Culp’s Cafe: Step into Carillon Brewing Company to witness 1850s-era brewery production and enjoy delicious barbecue. Visit Culp’s Cafe to eat in a restaurant that pays homage to the small soda fountains and lunch counters found throughout Dayton in the early nineteen hundreds.
- Wright Brothers National Museum: Visit the museum with more Wright artifacts than anywhere else in the world to see the 1905 Wright Flyer III and explore Wright Cycle Shop, a replica of the Wright brothers’ final store.
- The James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center: See the oldest existing American-built locomotive, a Barney & Smith parlor railcar, an authentic Conestoga Wagon, and many other transportation-themed artifacts.
- The Carillon Park Railroad: Tour park exhibits on a replica 1851 locomotive. The narrated tour covers Dixon & Shafor Junction, a 100-foot ConSpan Bridge, and a ride through the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
- Consider planning your trip around the park’s event schedule to enjoy concerts, festivals, train rides, survival camps, and more.
These sights and exhibits are only a handful of the things you can see and do at Carillon Historical Park. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, we recommend taking your time and exploring all the sights the park has to offer.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Whether you plan your visit around the park’s event schedule or hope to attend for a special occasion, you’ll have a wide range of options for visiting. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm, but some exhibits and buildings are only open on certain days of the week, so it’s a good idea to check the website for clarity.
Admission is only $14 for adults ($12 for seniors) and $10 for children, and tickets are available online and at the front desk. While the park is generally accessible, certain buildings and some areas of the park may have limited wheelchair access.
Visit Guaranteed Dispensary
Our Dayton cannabis dispensary is only a 10-minute drive from Carillon Park. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Shoppers can order online and pick up in-store for added convenience.
