Carillon Park Rail Festival
Dayton, Ohio 45409
FREE parking is available at Carillon Historical Park
(937) 293-2841
Carillon Park Rail Festival
Typically held each June, Carillon Historical Park’s Rail Festival is a two-day family fun event featuring free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical displays, train merchandise, rail vendors, and much more.
Carillon Historical Park is home to B&O #1, John Quincy Adams (the oldest existing American-built locomotive), a Barney & Smith wooden parlor car, an Interurban, a train station, and more. Presented by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society, Rail Festival is a perfect complement to Carillon Historical Park’s rail-themed artifacts, many of which are located in the James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center.
Rail Festival Committee
Rail Festival Committee
Committee Members | Title |
David Oroszi | Committee Chair |
Dale Bartley | Committee Member |
Don Bigler | Committee Member |
Lois Bigler | Committee Member |
Curtis Caden | Committee Member |
William Carey | Committee Member |
Alex Heckman | Committee Member |
Ken Hemmelgarn | Committee Member |
Lataya Hill | Committee Member |
Don Honious | Committee Member |
Don Kreigbaum | Committee Member |
Rick Lach | Committee Member |
John Laugle | Committee Member |
Joe Mock | Committee Member |
Brad Norman | Committee Member |
Chris Schultz | Committee Member |
Jim Satterfield | Committee Member |
Dick Strous | Committee Member |
Robert Schwenke | Committee Member |
George Vergamini | Committee Member |
Lawrence Wassell | Committee Member |
Carillon Park Rail Festival
In June, Dayton History and the Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society present the annual Carillon Park Rail Festival. Enjoy free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical displays, train merchandise, rail vendors, and much more. (Fees Apply.)
Interested in attending the Carillon Park Rail Festival? Click here for more information.
Back to Photo GalleryRail & Steam Society Schedule
Rail & Steam Society Schedule
Held on Saturdays (and the occasional Sunday) from April–December, Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society miniature train rides are fun for the whole family. Established in 1984, CPRSS operates a 7.5 gauge (1/8th full-scale) miniature railroad at Carillon Historical Park.
Rides are $1 per person, per ride, and the funds directly support the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society. Ride passes are also available.
Held each June, the CPRSS’s main event is Carillon Historical Park’s Rail Festival—a two-day family fun event featuring free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical displays, train merchandise, rail vendors, and much more.
For more information about the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society, please visit cprss.org or contact the Education Scheduling Desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 and education1@daytonhistory.org.
2024 Train Run Schedule
April 6 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (TRAINing Day)
April 27 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
May 11 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
May 26 | 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Heritage Day)
June 22 | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Rail Festival)
June 23 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Rail Festival)
July 6 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
July 27 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 3 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 17 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
September 15 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Concours d’Elegance)
September 28 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
October 12 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
October 26 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
View our Calendar of Events!
Special Events & Festivals
Special Events & Festivals!
Dayton History offers fun-filled historical experiences through the year for the whole family to enjoy. Choose from our annual events & workshops, or create your own personalized historical experience that fits your unique educational needs. Our Education department will work closely with you to setup your perfect Dayton History experience. For more information, please call 937-293-2841 ext. 127 or email education1@daytonhistory.org.
View our Calendar of Events!
Easter Sunrise Service
The Easter Sunrise Service is Carillon Historical Park’s oldest event. Since 1942, this powerful display of faith has continued, unbroken—a ceaseless tradition in an ever-changing city.
Fleurs de Fête
Held each May, Fleurs de Fete is Carillon Historical Park’s original “party in the park.” Guests enjoy more than 400 wine samplings and delicious dishes from dozens of local restaurants.
Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
Held on Memorial Day weekend, Heritage Day at Carillon Historical Park celebrates Dayton’s unparalleled history through special activities, costumed interpreters, and more. Draped in patriotic decorations, the Park welcomes thousands of guests each year to this family friendly event!
Rail Festival at Carillon Park
In June, Dayton History and the Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society present the annual Carillon Park Rail Festival. Enjoy free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical displays, train merchandise, rail vendors, and much more.
Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park
Enjoy over 200 antique classic automobiles and motorcycles, live entertainment, an automotive art pavilion with nationally recognized automotive artists, and a variety of local food and beverages including a beer garden.
Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park
Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, Ringing in the Holidays is Carillon Historical Park’s annual holiday gala. Featuring live music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, delicious desserts, specialty cocktails, a silent auction, and more, this festive occasion is the perfect way to, well, ring in the holidays.
A Carillon Christmas
A Carillon Christmas kicks off the holidays season with a month of seasonal programming as Carillon Historical Park is turned into a winter wonderland of lights, music, food, and family fun!
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Credit: All photos should be credited to Carillon Historical Park except where otherwise noted. Thank you for your support of Dayton History!
A Carillon Christmas
- Aerial View of Carillon Tree of Light
- Underneath the Carillon Tree of Light
- Snowfall Upon A Carillon Christmas
- Victorian Carolers
- Wright Brothers National Museum Under Snow During A Carillon Christmas
- Carillon Historical Park Living History Specialist Rachael Zimmerman preparing chestnuts
- Carillon Historical Park Living History Specialist Rachael Zimmerman preparing chestnuts
- Roasted chestnuts at Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Park Rail Festival
- The 1903 Barney & Smith wooden parlor car
- Bowling Green Station with Rail Fest logo
- Luggage inside Bowling Green Station
- The 1835 B&O #1, John Quincy Adams, the oldest-existing American-built locomotive
- Miniature Train 1
- Miniature Train 2
- Kids watching model trains
Culp’s Café
Easter Sunrise Service
Fleurs de Fête
Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic
- High-wheel / historic bike riding. Photo: Skip Peterson.
- Clodbusters 19th century baseball
- Musket firing
- Heritage Day crowd
Old River Park Artifacts
- Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower Archival (Kodachrome)
- Old River Park Relics Moved to Carillon Historical Park
- Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower Modern
Wright Brothers National Museum
- The 1905 Wright Flyer III: The only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark, the first practical flying machine, and what Orville considered the brothers’ most important aircraft. Orville Wright gifted the airplane to the park. Photo credit: Dan Patterson.
- The Korona V: The camera used to take the famous first flight photo on Dec. 17, 1903. Photo credit: Dan Patterson.
- Two 1901 Van Cleve Bicycles: Only five original Wright bicycles exist in the world. Two are at Carillon Historical Park. Photo credit: Skip Peterson.
- Singer Sewing Machine: The sewing machine used to sew the muslin fabric on the Wrights’ early gliders and airplanes. Photo credit: Skip Peterson.
Wright at Home • Hawthorn Hill
Trivia
History Trivia
This Week’s Question
Previous Questions
You can find Flip & Flops and many other toys in the Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” led the procession, calling Dayton to remain steadfast during trying times. NCR Factory News reported on the concert: “Although not yet formally dedicated, it is well on its way to being an established part of our lives … and this community will continue to appreciate the social and cultural value of this architectural masterpiece for which we are most grateful.”
“Success four flights Thursday morning all against a twenty- one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through the air thirty-one miles – longest 57 seconds. XXX home Christmas. Orville Wright”
Carillon Historical Park’s special commemorative World War I exhibit, Over There: Dayton in the Great War, is on display for a limited time.
The Dayton Triangles locker room is located at Carillon Historical Park. The Park has future plans for the locker room.
Learn more about Ermal Fraze at Carillon Historical Park’s Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
In 1970, while filmed in Dayton, the show was syndicated nationally. In 1974, the show was moved to WGN Studios in Chicago; in 1984, it was moved to WNBC Studios in New York. Over its 29 years,
Donahue (the show’s title was shortened) won 19 Emmy awards. It is credited with being the longest running syndicated talk show in American history.
The Dayton Triangles locker room is located at Carillon Historical Park. The Park has future plans for the locker room.
Take a tour of Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family home, and learn how the Wright brothers and their family influenced the world.
You can learn more about the history of NCR and Dayton’s spirit of innovation at the Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
The school bell used by Katharine Wright while she was a Latin teacher at Steele High School is on display at the John W. Berry Wright Brothers National Museum.
Learn more about Carillon Historical Park.
Learn more about Charles F. Kettering at Carillon Historical Park’s Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship. Inside the barn where Kettering and the Barn Gang invented the starter motor is a 1912 Cadillac.
Learn more about Charles F. Kettering at Carillon Historical Park’s Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
The Barn Gang’s barn is located at Carillon Historical Park’s Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship.
The John W. Berry Wright Brothers National Museum tells the story of Orville Wright and the Wright brothers in great detail. The Wright Brothers National Museum has more Wright family artifacts than any place in the world, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III: the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark, the world’s first practical flying machine, and what the Wright brothers considered their most important aircraft.
After falling ill, Wilbur held on for three weeks before dying at the family’s 7 Hawthorn St. home in Dayton at 3:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 1912. Maurice E. Wilson, reverend of the First Presbyterian Church, officiated his brief service, reading “Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past,” Psalm 23 and several other hymns and scriptures.
The John W. Berry Wright Brothers National Museum tells the story of Wilbur Wright and the Wright brothers in great detail. The Wright Brothers National Museum has more Wright family artifacts than any place in the world, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III: the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark, the world’s first practical flying machine, and what the Wright brothers considered their most important aircraft.
The Colt .38 Super semiautomatic gun John Dillinger was carrying when he was arrested in Dayton is a highlight of the Dayton History Collections Department. Learn more about Dayton’s History by visiting us at Carillon Historical Park.
Lincoln spoke at Dayton’s Old Court House on September 17, 1859. The Daily Dayton Journal described the speech this way: “Old Abe …brought a large crowd of people to the appointed place and for nearly two hours the speaker was listened to with the utmost attention. Mr. Lincoln is one of the ‘self-made’ men; having, without the advantages of education, risen to the proud preeminence which he now occupies in his own state and in the United States.”
Want your children to learn more about the early history of Dayton? Enroll them today in Carillon Historical Park’s Settler Survival Camp the weeks of July 10–14, July 24–28, or July 30–August 4.
For more information, please contact the Education Scheduling Desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 or education1@daytonhistory.org.
Join us for a Deeds Carillon concert this Sunday, July 2. Typically held on Sundays and during Carillon Historical Park’s main events, Deeds Carillon concerts are performed by carilloneur Alan Bowman.
You can see the Rubicon and many more trains at Carillon Park Rail Festival this Saturday, June 24 from 9:30am–5:00pm and Sunday, June 25 from 11:00am–4:00pm.
Join us this Saturday, June 17 for a Patterson Homestead Open House.
By 1937, printing was the second largest industry in the United States. Due to the abundant water supply available, Dayton was heavily involved in the printing industry. In fact, as it was more cost-effective to print near the location of the paper mills, 25 of Ohio’s 36 paper mills were located right here in the Miami Valley.
The Carillon Historical Park Print Shop is the nation’s only fully operational 1930s letterpress job shop in a museum.
The Mind Your Ps & Qs Print Class is this Saturday, June 10 from 1:00–5:00pm. Taking place in Carillon Park’s 1930s Print Shop, the class explores Dayton’s printing history and teaches the art of letterpress printing. Registrants create their own personalized stationary using period techniques.
Space is limited to five registrants. Please contact the Education Scheduling Desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 or education1@daytonhistory.org for more information or to reserve your spot.
After auditioning to participate, students from across the greater Dayton region unite to form the Carillon Park Concert Band. Selections include everything from marches to Broadway tunes to movie music to light classics. The CPCB is currently under the direction of Kettering City School District Director of Bands Michael Berning.
The Carillon Park Concert Band performs this Sunday, June 4 at 2:00pm. The CPCB will also perform at 2:00pm on June 11, June 17, June 24, and June 25.
Carillon Historical Park preserves and celebrates Dayton’s unparalleled history from its founding to the modern day. Join us this Sunday, May 28th for Dayton Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra as we share the history of the Miami Valley through special activities, costumed interpreters, and much more.
Draped in patriotic decorations, the Park welcomes thousands of guests each year to this family friendly event! After a full day of historical demonstrations, miniature train rides, and general merriment, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra fills the air with beautiful music. Heritage Day is a festive and patriotic way to ring in summer.
Join us this Sunday, May 21 from 1:00pm–4:00pm for Fleurs de Fête. Guests enjoy more than 400 wine samplings and delicious dishes from dozens of local restaurants at Dayton’s original “party in the park.”
Many chapters of transportation history are celebrated at the James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center—from our nation’s rail history to Ohio’s pioneer history to Dayton’s unique spot in claiming the oldest, continuously-operating, electrically-propelled public transit system. Designed to resemble both a train station and a roundhouse, the Transportation Center houses many of Carillon Historical Park’s original artifacts, and guests are welcome to walk through many of the artifacts on display.
The Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society miniature trains will run this Saturday, May 13 from 1:00pm–4:00pm. Established in 1984, CPRSS operates a 7.5 gauge (1/8th full-scale) miniature railroad at Carillon Historical Park. Rides are $1 per person, per ride, and the funds directly support the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society. Ride passes are also available.
Train Schedule:
May 28 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Heritage Day)
June 24 | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Rail Festival)
June 25 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Rail Festival)
July 8 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
July 22 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 5 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 6 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
August 20 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
September 2 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
September 17 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Concours d’Elegance)
October 7 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
October 21 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
November 25 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
December 9 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
There will be a Mother’s Day Victorian Afternoon Tea at Patterson Homestead this Sunday, May 7. While this particular event may or may not be sold-out, the following Victorian afternoon teas will be held later this year:
Jane Austen Tea: June 4
Hallow’s Eve Tea: October 29
Christmas Teas: December 2, 3, 9 & 10
Join us for a Clodbuster Base Ball game at Carillon Historical Park on April 30 at 1:00pm. The Clodbuster Base Ball Club plays 1860s base ball (spelled using two words until the 1880s). Enjoying the game the “way it was meant to be played,” the Clodbusters dress in period uniforms and adhere to 1860s rules. Games are played against other vintage base ball teams in the area.
Join us this Sunday, April 23 from 12:00pm–5:00pm for Wright at Home, a special Hawthorn Hill open house.
“As dawn broke on Sunday morning, April 5, the first Easter Service was held at the Deeds Carillon. An estimated crowd of 10,000 made the pilgrimage by automobile, bus and on foot.” This detail was included on page 14 of the April 1942 edition of the NCR Factory News.
For years on end, the Easter Sunrise Service has continued. In fair weather and foul, during triumphant and trying times, people from all walks of life have gathered at Deeds Carillon, in Dayton’s early morning Easter light, for this powerful display of faith.
Join us this Easter Sunday, April 16 at 6:30am for the 76th annual Easter Sunrise Service.
Homeschool Day at Carillon Historical Park is this Tuesday, April 11. Reservations are not required. Please contact the Education Scheduling Desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 or education1@daytonhistory.org for more information.
Learn more about the Wright brothers’ printing endeavors at the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park.
The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit at Carillon Historical Park speaks to disaster, perseverance, and heroism. By bringing together numerous Flood-related artifacts, it tells the story of a grief-stricken city banding together to rise above adversity.
Learn more about The Great 1913 Flood by visiting Carillon Historical Park.
The first storms hit on Good Friday, March 21, and by Easter Sunday, March 23 the rains were coming down hard—the Miami Valley was hit with 8–11 inches of rain over a five day period. On March 24, the Great Miami River was rising at a rate of six inches an hour, and by March 25 the levee failed. The river crested on March 26 and gas lines broke; fires spread across town. On March 27, snow began to fall, and by March 28, the waters began to recede.
The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit at Carillon Historical Park speaks to disaster, perseverance, and heroism. By bringing together numerous Flood-related artifacts, it tells the story of a grief-stricken city banding together to rise above adversity.
Learn more about The Great 1913 Flood by visiting Carillon Historical Park.
The first impromptu race organized by Scott was such a success that her arranged for a second race on August 19, 1933. Hundreds of children showed up with their homemade cars to participate. Seeing the potential for this new sport, Scott signed Chevrolet as a sponsor and the first All-American race took place August 19th of the following year. The 1934 race was won by Robert Turner of Muncie, Indiana.
An original soap box derby car, which raced in the first Derby ever held, is on display at Carillon Historical Park. The Park is open seven days a week all year long!
Dunbar was born in Dayton in 1872 and spent his last years at his home in West Dayton before his death in 1906. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site still stands in celebration of his life and literary contributions at 219 Paul Laurence Dunbar Street and is open to the public, free of charge, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Plan your visit to learn more about this acclaimed son of Dayton.
Dayton History will bring Memorial Hall to life once again on Saturday, February 25th for our historically inspired charity boxing exhibition: FIGHT NIGHT! Doors open at 7:00pm and fights begin at 8:00pm. Make sure to stay for the after-party! Guests are invited to wear festive 1920s attire to match the theme. For ticket information and more, visit daytonfightnight.com.
Carillon Historical Park’s Tavern Dinner series features an authentic, three-course, hearth-cooked meal and historical entertainment in Newcom Tavern. With recipes pulled from 19th century receipt books, guests learn how Daytonians dined in the 1800s. Costumed interpreters bring 19th-century Dayton to life during this unique candlelit dinner experience. The End of Winter Feast Dinners are set for Fridays and Saturdays in March.
Carillon Park Concert Band
Carillon Park Concert Band
Tracing its roots back to the 1945 creation of the NCR Band, the Carillon Park Concert Band is a long-loved Dayton tradition. Conceived by famed musical director Clark Haines, this summertime ensemble of talented area high school students originally performed at NCR’s Old River Park.
After auditioning to participate, students from across the greater Dayton region unite to form the Carillon Park Concert Band. Selections include everything from marches to Broadway tunes to movie music to light classics. The CPCB is currently under the direction of Kettering City School District Director of Bands Michael Berning.
2024 Carillon Park Concert Band Schedule
Sunday, May 26 – 6:00 p.m. as an opener for the Dayton Philharmonic during Heritage Day Sunday, June 2 – 2:00 p.m. – at Carillon Park Sunday, June 9 – 2:00 p.m. – at Carillon Park Sunday, June 16 – 2:00 p.m. – at Patterson Homestead for a Father’s Day concert accompanying an Open House Saturday, June 22 – 2:00 p.m. – Rail Festival concert on the Town Greene near the loading area for the large railroad Sunday, June 23 – 2:00 p.m. – Rail Festival concert on the Town Greene near the loading area for the large railroad Sunday, June 30 – 2:00 p.m. – joint concert at Deeds Carillon with new carillonneur Alan Bowman