Dayton History At Carillon Historical Park

Carillon Historical Park is a hard place to miss when visiting downtown Dayton, it's a place of history, heritage, and education but also fun. Over the years I have visited many times and I think my first was when I was a little girl on a school field trip to learn about some of the histories that Dayton holds. Garrett and I love the Carillon Park so much that we had our engagement photos taken around the park and in the buildings - see them in the video below.

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The 65-acre park and museum contains exhibits and historic buildings telling of the technological history of Dayton from 1796 to the present. Some of the most interesting things you will see is the wall of cash registers, the Wright Brothers Aviation Center which houses the 1905 Wright Flyer III, and the transportation center. The transportation center houses trolly buses, rail and passenger cars, and a Conestoga wagon. You can also explore an Early Settlement Area (circa 1796-1896) outside of the museum where you can see a tavern, homes, a shaker building, a summer kitchen, and a school building.

The park was built in 1950 to feature transportation achievements, industrial innovations, and Dayton's contributions to world progress. Construction on the park started in 1940 when Edith and Edward Deeds wanted their dreams to come true with a place to share Dayton's heritage and history. The 65-acre park actually was designed by the Olmsted Brothers - who were also responsible for Central Park. Along with the above exhibits, they just keep adding more to the park and museum to build on the history and innovation that has come from and to Dayton throughout the years.

One thing that isn't hard to miss at Carillon Park is the Carillon Bell Tower, this 151-foot tower is located on the front lawn of the park in front of the main building. There are 57 bells hanging in the tower and was built by Edward Deeds. It was built for Edward's wife Edith because she fell in love with the sound of carillon bells when they were traveling in Belgium in 1930.

My favorite part of the park is the railcar building because it shows you some of the train and railcar innovation through the years. It's so interesting to see the changes and how people used to travel back in the day. The one railcar that I absolutely love is the parlor railcar because it gives off extreme "Murder On The Orient Express" vibes; just the luxury and the beauty that was involved in these railcars and the comfort that it still possesses.

Carillon Historical Park is open during the winter months, they actually have Christmas lights for you to see and walk through. Carillon Park has what they call Carillon Christmas where they light up the outside trees, some of the buildings, the bridge, the clock tower and they have a huge light tree hanging from the bell tower. A Carillon Christmas is going on now until December 30th. Another event they hold a couple of times a year is Dayton Cars and Coffee. A car show featuring new and old cars and a coffee tent for you to get your caffeine while enjoying the cars.

I highly recommend taking a trip to the Carillon Historical Park. Take your family and kids and learn more about the history and heritage that Dayton has to offer. I have been many times and I plan on going many more; every time I visit there is always something new to explore and learn about. You won't regret going to Carillon Park!

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Hours Of Operation:

Monday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Admission:

$14 per adult (18-59 years old)

$12 senior (60+ years old)

$10 per child (3-17 years old)

Children 2 and under are FREE

Parking is also FREE

Location:

1000 Carillon Blvd.

Dayton, OH 45409

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