Carillon Park Railroad at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Dayton, Ohio · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Museum with a major rail exhibitTrain rides

The Carillon Park Railroad carries up to 120 riders on a narrated, nearly mile-long loop around Dayton's 65-acre open-air history museum, behind a replica 1851 locomotive that fulfills a dream of park founder Edward Deeds.

  • Replica 1851 locomotive
  • Nearly mile-long 3-foot gauge loop
  • Rides through historic Horse Barn No. 17
  • Miniature trains run since 1988
  • Railroad is fully accessible
  • Two-day Rail Festival

Carillon Park Railroad at Carillon Historical Park at a glance

Hours
Park Mon to Sat 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sun noon to 5 pm; railroad Mon to Sat 10 am to 4 pm, Sun noon to 4 pm
Admission
Park: adults $14, seniors $12, ages 3 to 17 $10, 2 and under and members free
Train rides
Carillon Park Railroad $5 per ride or $12 all-day pass; free for Train 151 members and above
Seasonal events
A Carillon Christmas, Rail Festival, Midnight Express miniature train rides
Plan for
Half a day to a full day for the whole park
Best for
Families with young kids and Dayton history fans
Best ages
Toddlers to age 12
Accessibility
Some historic buildings have limited access; the railroad and carousel are fully accessible; free manual wheelchairs when available.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Carillon Park Railroad at Carillon Historical Park? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Dayton.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Edward Deeds' locomotive, built at last

Carillon Historical Park opened in 1950 as the creation of Col. Edward A. Deeds, the NCR chairman who, with his wife Edith, first built Deeds Carillon in the early 1940s. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the sons of Central Park's Frederick Law Olmsted, the park grew into a 65-acre open-air museum with more than 30 historic structures and over three million artifacts telling how Dayton changed the world.

Deeds wanted a large mid-19th-century locomotive among the park's exhibits. In the 1940s he commissioned a miniature model of the idea, and that model eventually inspired the Carillon Park Railroad. Dayton History calls the railroad one of its most ambitious projects since the park opened, part of a campus-wide master plan, and like every major project at Carillon it was paid for by private donors who believed in it.

The new line did not push aside an older tradition. Since 1988, volunteers with the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society have run miniature trains in the park, and the full-size railroad was designed to complement those rides rather than replace them. The two groups now share the park, and each year they team up with Dayton History for a two-day Rail Festival.

Dayton History, the privately funded nonprofit that runs the park, is Montgomery County's official historical organization. Its mission is to connect visitors with the people, places and events that changed Dayton and the world, and the railroad also gives guests an easy way to get around the grounds.

A mile of narrow gauge through Dayton's history

The Carillon Park Railroad is a 3-foot narrow-gauge line almost a mile long. A replica 1851 locomotive pulls two open-air coaches, carrying up to 120 guests on a narrated tour past the park's exhibits. Along the way the train passes Dixon & Shafor Junction, crosses a 100-foot triple-cell ConSpan bridge, and rolls straight through the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds Horse Barn No. 17, with views of the park you cannot get on foot.

Off the train, the rest of the park fills a full day. The Wright Brothers National Museum holds the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the Carousel of Dayton Innovation lets kids ride a cash register or a DH-4 airplane, and the Great 1913 Flood exhibit tells how the city rebuilt after Ohio's worst natural disaster. A Transportation Center houses the Roundhouse Café during the holidays, and volunteers run miniature trains on their own track.

Don’t miss

  1. The replica 1851 locomotiveThe engine fulfills Edward Deeds' wish for a large mid-19th-century locomotive in the park, inspired by a model he commissioned in the 1940s.
  2. Horse Barn No. 17The train runs right through this historic barn from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, one of the highlights of the ride.
  3. The 100-foot ConSpan bridgeA triple-cell bridge carries the line across part of the park and gives riders views they will not see from the paths.
  4. Dixon & Shafor JunctionA named stop on the route that adds a working railroad feel to the narrated loop.
  5. Rail & Steam Society miniature trainsVolunteers have run these smaller trains in the park since 1988, and they remain a favorite with young riders.
  6. The 1905 Wright Flyer IIINot a train, but the world's first practical airplane is in the Wright Brothers National Museum on the same grounds.

Train rides, a carousel and a whole park to run around

The Carillon Park Railroad is the easy win: a $5 ride in open-air coaches behind an old-style locomotive, with a horse barn to roll through and a big bridge to cross. Little ones who want more can watch for the volunteer miniature trains, and the Carousel of Dayton Innovation lets them ride a pop can or a cash register for $1.

The park is mostly outdoors across 65 acres, so plan for walking and weather. The railroad and the carousel are both fully accessible, manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free when available, and children 2 and under get into the park free. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.

Plan your visit: tips for Carillon Park Railroad at Carillon Historical Park

  • The railroad stops an hour before the park closes, so ride early.
  • If kids will ride more than twice, the $12 all-day pass costs less than separate $5 rides.
  • Pets are not allowed in the park; service animals are welcome.
  • The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
  • School groups that reserve ahead get reduced admission and can add train rides.

From late November through December, A Carillon Christmas turns the park into a lit-up winter village with Santa, Deeds Carillon concerts, model train displays and the Carillon Park Railroad running in the evenings, plus Midnight Express miniature train rides. For more holiday rides around the state, see our guide to Christmas train rides in Ohio. Rail fans should also watch for the two-day Rail Festival, with free miniature train rides, live steam engines and model train layouts.

Donors, staff and the Rail & Steam volunteers

Dayton History is a privately funded nonprofit, so the railroad and everything else at Carillon exist because donors, members and visitors keep them going. Membership levels include free train rides at the Train 151 level and above, and the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society volunteers who run the miniature trains welcome new help. The park's contact form lets you reach the membership and volunteer teams directly.

Where to ride next from Dayton

The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad is about 21 miles south and runs full-size excursion trains. The Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum is about 30 miles northwest, and the Cincinnati Railway Museum is about 45 miles away. See train museums across Ohio to plan a longer trip.

Every train museum in Ohio

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of a conductor in a blue suit shaking Rally's paw on the train
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The Carillon Park Railroad is a narrated ride, and I love the idea of a voice up front telling everyone what they are rolling past. In our book, Mr. Conductor in his blue uniform holds out a hand to welcome Rally aboard, a small kindness my mom wanted in the story. A kind grown-up on a train makes it feel safe to be small. You can read why the book exists on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Carillon Park Railroad at Carillon Historical Park?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Carillon Park Railroad: 20 questions families ask

When is the Carillon Historical Park Rail Festival?

The Rail Festival is a two-day family event run by Dayton History and the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society. It features free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical exhibits, carousel rides and rail vendors. Dates change each year, so check the events calendar at daytonhistory.org or call (937) 293-2841.

What is the Carillon Park Railroad?

It is a 3-foot narrow-gauge railway almost a mile long inside Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. A replica 1851 locomotive pulls two open-air coaches carrying up to 120 guests on a narrated tour of the park's exhibits, passing Dixon & Shafor Junction and crossing a 100-foot triple-cell bridge.

How much is a ride on the Carillon Park Railroad?

As of October 2026, a ride costs $5 per rider, or $12 for an all-day pass. Rides are free for Dayton History members at the Train 151 level and above. Park admission is separate, so budget for both if you are not a member. Call (937) 293-2841 to confirm current prices.

What are the Carillon Park Railroad hours?

As of October 2026, the railroad runs Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. That is an hour shorter than the park day, which runs 9:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm Sunday, so plan your ride before late afternoon.

How much is admission to Carillon Historical Park?

As of October 2026, admission is $14 for adults ages 18 to 59, $12 for seniors and $10 for children ages 3 to 17. Children 2 and under and Dayton History members get in free. Train and carousel rides cost extra. Tickets can be bought online through daytonhistory.org.

Where is Carillon Historical Park?

Carillon Historical Park is at 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45409. The same address serves Culp's Café and Carillon Brewing Co., and Hawthorn Hill tours start there too. For directions or questions before your visit, call the main line at (937) 293-2841.

What locomotive pulls the Carillon Park Railroad?

The train is pulled by a replica 1851 locomotive. Park founder Col. Edward A. Deeds wanted a large mid-19th-century locomotive among the exhibits and commissioned a miniature model of one in the 1940s. That model inspired the modern railroad, which Dayton History built as part of its campus-wide master plan.

Does the Carillon Park train go through a barn?

Yes. One of the ride's highlights is passing through the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds Horse Barn No. 17, which now stands in the park. The route also crosses a 100-foot triple-cell ConSpan bridge and passes Dixon & Shafor Junction, giving riders views of the park that are hard to see on foot.

Are there miniature train rides at Carillon Park?

Yes. Volunteers with the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society have operated miniature trains in the park since 1988. The full-size railroad was built to complement those rides rather than replace them. Miniature rides are part of special events like the Rail Festival and the holiday Midnight Express, so check the events calendar.

Does Carillon Park do Christmas train rides?

Yes. During A Carillon Christmas, held November 24 to December 30, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), the Carillon Park Railroad runs in the evenings along with Midnight Express miniature train rides and model train displays. Event hours are 5 to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

How much are A Carillon Christmas tickets?

As of October 2026, A Carillon Christmas admission is $14 for adults ages 18 to 59, $12 for seniors 60 and up and $10 for children 3 to 17. Children 2 and under and Dayton History members are free. Proceeds benefit Dayton History, the nonprofit that runs the park.

Is the Carillon Park Railroad wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Dayton History says the Carillon Park Railroad and the Carousel of Dayton Innovation are fully accessible. Some historic buildings in the park have limited wheelchair access because of their age, and manual wheelchairs are available on site free of charge, based on availability.

Is Carillon Historical Park good for toddlers?

Yes, with a few short rides built in. A $5 train ride in open-air coaches and a $1 spin on the Carousel of Dayton Innovation suit small kids, and children 2 and under enter free. The park covers 65 acres, much of it outdoors, so bring a stroller and plan rest breaks.

Are dogs allowed at Carillon Historical Park?

No. Pets are not allowed at Carillon Historical Park. Service animals, meaning dogs individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, are welcome. They must stay under your control on a leash, behave appropriately, and be limited to one per guest, and staff cannot take custody of them.

How long should I spend at Carillon Historical Park?

Plan at least half a day. The train ride itself is a short narrated loop, but the park has more than 30 historic structures, the Wright Brothers National Museum, the carousel and the 1913 Flood exhibit. Families who want to see it all, eat at Culp's Café and ride twice often stay most of the day.

Can school groups ride the Carillon Park Railroad?

Yes. Field trip groups can add train rides at $5 per student when they book, or buy them at the front desk. With advance reservations, group admission is $7 per adult and $5 per child as of October 2026. Call (937) 293-2841 ext. 127 or email education1@daytonhistory.org to plan.

Who founded Carillon Historical Park?

Col. Edward A. Deeds, chairman of NCR, founded the park, which opened in 1950. He and his wife Edith first built Deeds Carillon after Edith heard carillon music in Bruges, Belgium in 1939. The grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers, and the park is now run by Dayton History.

What else is there to see at Carillon Historical Park?

Beyond the railroad, the park has the Wright Brothers National Museum with the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, the Great 1913 Flood exhibit, Newcom Tavern from 1796, and Carillon Brewing Co., the only working brewery inside an American museum. More than 30 historic structures fill the 65 acres.

How can I support or volunteer at Carillon Park?

Dayton History is a privately funded nonprofit, so memberships, donations and ticket sales keep it running. Members get free park admission, and Train 151 members and above ride the railroad free. To volunteer, including with the miniature train crew, use the contact form at daytonhistory.org or call (937) 293-2841 ext. 102.

What train museums are near Carillon Historical Park?

The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad is about 21 miles away, the Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum about 30 miles, and the Historic South Charleston Railroad Depot about 31 miles. Cincinnati's railway museums are roughly 45 miles south, and the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Indiana is about 50 miles west.

Keep exploring

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Kelsey Cecil
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