Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Historical Park
5
Historic Sites • Children's Museums • History Museums
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9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Carillon Historical Park inspires generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. With more than 30 museum exhibits onsite, Carillon Historical Park showcases Dayton’s rich heritage of creativity, invention, and milestones in innovation that changed the nation and the world! The park houses the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum featuring the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, an impressive collection of NCR cash registers, the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, Gem City Letterpress (NEW!), and so much more!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
965 reviews
Excellent
770
Very good
162
Average
29
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Dewayne P
Elizabethtown, KY1,818 contributions
May 2022
This was a neat place to visit, probably my favorite stop in Dayton. There is plenty of free parking and a nominal, $12 fee for adults to enter. They have exhibits inside the main visitor's center to include an old carousel and countless cash registers. Outside are a number of buildings from the later 18th Century to the 19th Century, replicas, originals, period interpreters performing tasks such as woodwork and of course the Wright Brother's original 1905 plan housed in Wright Hall. I took a docent led tour from John - who was phenomenal by the way - who brought me on a journey from their early life all the way through post-death, talked about the various artifacts in the museum, and provided some humor along the way. Worth going to see.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ellenbee56
Bechtelsville, PA708 contributions
Apr 2022
We visited here recently and enjoyed our time very much. As history buffs, we found lots of interesting things to see throughout the complex. Heritage Hall contained exhibits about items invented or manufactured in Dayton, OH, or nearby. The collection of cash registers (an item invented here) was truly impressive; they were works of art! Included here was an enjoyable 20-minute-long animatronic presentation about Dayton’s innovators and a very unusual carousel.
Outdoors, there are various buildings and structures spread out on their grounds, including historic houses, a church, a school, a covered bridge, etc.; some buildings had docents inside and others contained exhibits. The transportation barn contained a nice collection of historic vehicles such as a coach, Conestoga wagon, steam engine, passenger trains, a streetcar, caboose, etc. Another building contained rare and antique bicycles, all fascinating and fun to see.
A highlight for us was the National Park Service’s Wright Brothers National Museum. It displays the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and various exhibits about their accomplishments in the area of aviation. There was another (different) animatronics presentation in this building. Having visited the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Wright Cycle Company building that morning (see separate review), we found these additional exhibits a nice supplement; the information presented here was not at all redundant to the other site, so seeing both of these was worth doing. (If you have a NPS pass, tell them at admission and receive a small discount on your Carillon Park ticket.)
We did not hear the carillon in play during our visit and did not hear anything about when it can be heard (maybe we missed in while indoors). There was a bit of construction going on here as new exhibits are readied for opening; we were told a train will soon be added to give visitors a ride around the park. We had planned to eat lunch at Culp’s Café, but their website stated it was not open. (I would have rated this site 5 stars but deducted one star for the construction mess and the closed café.)
In all, we spent almost four hours here, enjoying the exhibits, the presentations, and the grounds. It was a very enjoyable time and a great site at which to wrap up our spring trip before heading home to eastern PA the following day. There was plentiful free parking and clean bathrooms.
Outdoors, there are various buildings and structures spread out on their grounds, including historic houses, a church, a school, a covered bridge, etc.; some buildings had docents inside and others contained exhibits. The transportation barn contained a nice collection of historic vehicles such as a coach, Conestoga wagon, steam engine, passenger trains, a streetcar, caboose, etc. Another building contained rare and antique bicycles, all fascinating and fun to see.
A highlight for us was the National Park Service’s Wright Brothers National Museum. It displays the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and various exhibits about their accomplishments in the area of aviation. There was another (different) animatronics presentation in this building. Having visited the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Wright Cycle Company building that morning (see separate review), we found these additional exhibits a nice supplement; the information presented here was not at all redundant to the other site, so seeing both of these was worth doing. (If you have a NPS pass, tell them at admission and receive a small discount on your Carillon Park ticket.)
We did not hear the carillon in play during our visit and did not hear anything about when it can be heard (maybe we missed in while indoors). There was a bit of construction going on here as new exhibits are readied for opening; we were told a train will soon be added to give visitors a ride around the park. We had planned to eat lunch at Culp’s Café, but their website stated it was not open. (I would have rated this site 5 stars but deducted one star for the construction mess and the closed café.)
In all, we spent almost four hours here, enjoying the exhibits, the presentations, and the grounds. It was a very enjoyable time and a great site at which to wrap up our spring trip before heading home to eastern PA the following day. There was plentiful free parking and clean bathrooms.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wireless_in_CA
United States4,741 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
We spent a couple hours here exploring both the inside and outdoor exhibits.
Until that day, I never realized how much manufacturing and industry was started here in Dayton. From NCR (cash registers), Delco (automotive), Frigidaire (refrigerators and home appliances) to aerospace, bicycles and more. The exhibits were through and detailed. Well designed and informative.
A working indoor carousel was located next to an indoor scale model train setup.
From the historical viewpoints there were a number of buildings relocated here from around d Dayton. A wooden covered bridge, an old clock tower (a climb up the 100+ stairs gave a good view of Dayton and the river), homes, cabins and so forth. Majority of them were open and decorated in the period.
One building contained just bicycles from the many manufacturers that used to be her in Dayton, I.e. Huffy, that I rode around as a youngster. Another building documented the effects and impacts of the the 1913 flood that destroyed a good part of Dayton. Trolley, trains and a bus were housed in a larger building and a docent was quite helpful in explaining the history of each before we were allowed to walk inside. A first class train coach was polished wood and quite plush for the day.
The 1905 Wright Flyer III was housed in its own museum building and amazingly restored from at least 80% of the recovered materials from storage in Kitty Hawk. Definitely worth seeing even if it’s not the first one that took flight. Other parts of the museum covered the Wright Brothers early days as printer and bicycle manufacturers. Guides here were helpful and gave good insight and details.
The Carillion Tower in front of the park is functioning but unfortunately we never heard it play during our visit.
Admission was reasonable for all that you get to see.
Until that day, I never realized how much manufacturing and industry was started here in Dayton. From NCR (cash registers), Delco (automotive), Frigidaire (refrigerators and home appliances) to aerospace, bicycles and more. The exhibits were through and detailed. Well designed and informative.
A working indoor carousel was located next to an indoor scale model train setup.
From the historical viewpoints there were a number of buildings relocated here from around d Dayton. A wooden covered bridge, an old clock tower (a climb up the 100+ stairs gave a good view of Dayton and the river), homes, cabins and so forth. Majority of them were open and decorated in the period.
One building contained just bicycles from the many manufacturers that used to be her in Dayton, I.e. Huffy, that I rode around as a youngster. Another building documented the effects and impacts of the the 1913 flood that destroyed a good part of Dayton. Trolley, trains and a bus were housed in a larger building and a docent was quite helpful in explaining the history of each before we were allowed to walk inside. A first class train coach was polished wood and quite plush for the day.
The 1905 Wright Flyer III was housed in its own museum building and amazingly restored from at least 80% of the recovered materials from storage in Kitty Hawk. Definitely worth seeing even if it’s not the first one that took flight. Other parts of the museum covered the Wright Brothers early days as printer and bicycle manufacturers. Guides here were helpful and gave good insight and details.
The Carillion Tower in front of the park is functioning but unfortunately we never heard it play during our visit.
Admission was reasonable for all that you get to see.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pasherry
United States1,023 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Visited this park on a Sunday. Admission is $12/adult with discounts for seniors and children. The main building was interesting with a vintage cash register exhibit and animatronics informative presentation about the early innovators of the Dayton area. The outside park area with old buildings was a bit of a disappointment as there was construction going on, no open food vendors and no living history demonstrations or train rides as advertised on their website. The place looked deserted and neglected. But the Wright museum building was interesting and the history of the Dayton flood was good. It was sad realizing that manufacturing in the US has declined so much. We walked around for about 2.5 hrs. Maybe it is slower during this time of year, but overall it was disappointing.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teardrop Trailer Traveler
United States731 contributions
Mar 2022
I went to Carillon Park specifically to see the Wright Flyer, but I ended up spending the better part of the afternoon there.
Carillon Park has lots to see. The park shows a variety of aspects of the local area's history. The main building features tons of interesting items, including a carousel, models, and the largest collection of old cash registers I've ever seen. (Dayton was home to the National Cash Register Company.)
The park has many other smaller buildings, ranging from an old tavern to bike shops and train stations. There is a lock and dam, a covered bridge, and a collection of old train cars. This is a great place to explore, with some true jewels in the collection. I was happily surprised with what I discovered at the park.
Carillon Park has lots to see. The park shows a variety of aspects of the local area's history. The main building features tons of interesting items, including a carousel, models, and the largest collection of old cash registers I've ever seen. (Dayton was home to the National Cash Register Company.)
The park has many other smaller buildings, ranging from an old tavern to bike shops and train stations. There is a lock and dam, a covered bridge, and a collection of old train cars. This is a great place to explore, with some true jewels in the collection. I was happily surprised with what I discovered at the park.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David S
Saint Louis, MO318 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This park is a treasure trove of history about it’s mother city, Dayton. The park runs tours of Hawthorn Hill, the “mansion” owned by Orville Wright. Both brothers Intended to live in the house however Wilbur died prior to the completion of Holmes construction. The docent/guide was excellent and had a deep and personal knowledge of everything Wright.
The home they call a “mansion” holds many pieces of the original furniture. As a guest I wished to see the park have more revenue so they could fund the complete restoration and show the entire home. The tour includes 1st & 2nd floors which appears, based on photographs, to be a very close approximation of the way that the home looked when it was occupied by the Wright family. There is a lower level and 3rd floor that is not open to the public that apparently has finished living spaces. It’s easy to see where the house and the history of the family could be a stand alone attraction.
The park holds more Wright history including one of their bike shops and one of the original planes. The Smithsonian has the 1st one flown at Kitty Hawk.
Additionally, there are several buildings that retrace the business and industrial history of Dayton and include the stories of the people who made this city famous.
There are more buildings under construction which will hold additional displays being built. We got a feeling that goal is to give visitors a similar feeling to what you experience when you visit historic Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. It is easy to see that they could dress people in costume who would be there to regale the stories and tell visitors about the history of Dayton.
If you are in Dayton or anywhere remotely close, and you have any curiosity about the Wright brothers and the history of flight, this park is a must see destination.
The home they call a “mansion” holds many pieces of the original furniture. As a guest I wished to see the park have more revenue so they could fund the complete restoration and show the entire home. The tour includes 1st & 2nd floors which appears, based on photographs, to be a very close approximation of the way that the home looked when it was occupied by the Wright family. There is a lower level and 3rd floor that is not open to the public that apparently has finished living spaces. It’s easy to see where the house and the history of the family could be a stand alone attraction.
The park holds more Wright history including one of their bike shops and one of the original planes. The Smithsonian has the 1st one flown at Kitty Hawk.
Additionally, there are several buildings that retrace the business and industrial history of Dayton and include the stories of the people who made this city famous.
There are more buildings under construction which will hold additional displays being built. We got a feeling that goal is to give visitors a similar feeling to what you experience when you visit historic Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. It is easy to see that they could dress people in costume who would be there to regale the stories and tell visitors about the history of Dayton.
If you are in Dayton or anywhere remotely close, and you have any curiosity about the Wright brothers and the history of flight, this park is a must see destination.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Britton G
Albuquerque, NM151 contributions
Mar 2021
I've visited Carillon with family and friends. The history of Dayton is presented in a fun & rememberable way, while not being overwhelming. Dayton is truly a great city that does not get the credit it deserves. You'll be amazed by what you'll learn here.
The carousel is unique and adorned with 'rides' representing Dayton. The outside is a replica of homes & stores in that area from the age of the Wright Brothers. You and your family will not be disappointed.
The carousel is unique and adorned with 'rides' representing Dayton. The outside is a replica of homes & stores in that area from the age of the Wright Brothers. You and your family will not be disappointed.
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debbie
32 contributions
Jul 2022
Got a real feel for the history of Dayton by visiting this park. Lots of separate buildings to go into. Don't miss the Wright Brothers museum with a replica of their plane - Orville oversaw the building of this replica, so it is very precise and has some of the original parts. Brewery onsite has a great lunch (and beer!) while also playing its part in history. Greatly enjoyed the NCR exhibits also.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travellintheusa
Lexington, KY137 contributions
Apr 2022
Sooo many NCR cash registers that all look like works of art instead of store machines. Beautiful carousel that was nostalgic to ride. Outdoor buildings are all staffed by knowledgeable guides in period costume. Lots of train cars and Wright Brothers memorabilia. Fun informative visit !!
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly Cathcart
Valparaiso, IN1,198 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a nice park where you can view, go into some historical buildings. The buildings are set up along a sidewalk and they each have a display inside.
The best part of this park is the Wright Brothers 1905 flyer is here. The actual one that was restored. I am not sure why this wasn't advertised better, perhaps I just missed it. We found out at the memorial from the ranger there. This was completely worth it.
The park area is nice, and parking was plentiful and free. There is. even a Bald Eagle nest here, and we saw the eagles.
The best part of this park is the Wright Brothers 1905 flyer is here. The actual one that was restored. I am not sure why this wasn't advertised better, perhaps I just missed it. We found out at the memorial from the ranger there. This was completely worth it.
The park area is nice, and parking was plentiful and free. There is. even a Bald Eagle nest here, and we saw the eagles.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Are there personal tours for a group available?
HaRounAlRashid
Dayton, OH27 contributions
Since it is primarily an outdoor venue, a park, it is doubtful that there are any guided tours of the facility. Now, if you want to dine, there is a fine restaurant on the premises, of the upscale variety. Also, starting in, I believe May, an outdoor facility called "Sunwatch," opens every year until late September, or early October, whenever it gets too cold to be outdoors for an extended period. You have to see this on a personal visit to experience all it offers. Check it out for yourself, as, it costs nothing. Don't take my word for it.
Can you take pictures?
Judy D
Chapel Hill, NC134 contributions
We took lots of pictures so I believe you can.
Is this park geared for young children
Experience&Enjoy
Dayton, OH79 contributions
The park has lots of hands-on exhibits for children to walk through and interact with history. There is a historic carousel, train cars, old cars to walk and play in. The historic village is perfect for a young child's imagination because they can go to school with a school teacher who often plays along with children and a house where they can play along with planting and weaving. It is very interactive.
Does it cost to get in
wanda w
Springfield, OH
Does it cost to drive through and look at Christmas lights
katiekat12016
Dayton, OH31 contributions
Do you take bank cards at the museum?
Jirecarol
Columbia, MO313 contributions
I think so, I know they did at restaurant that is attached.
MaryJo49
Vancouver Island102 contributions
Hi, it's my review and I have a big type-0 it was the big 1913 Dayton Flood , not 1923, I hope admins can edit my review?
jaimeglenn
Bellefontaine, OH28 contributions
It happens. At least you've acknowledged your typeo. I'll think TA needs to include an edit function to its comment section
Is there hot chocolate and what about a 🎅
Teresa B
Union, OH297 contributions
Yes, during the special holiday events in December, there is hot chocolate at the Cafe
Betty K
Celina, OH2 contributions
What are the hours and admission price?
For the latest information on hours and pricing, visit our website at daytonhistory. org
Hours of Operation*:
Monday – Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
(*Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day)
Admission:
$14 per adult (ages 18-59)
$12 per senior,
$10 per child (3 –17)
Children 2 and under and Dayton History members are FREE
937-293-2841
1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45409
Carillon Historical Park (Dayton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Carillon Historical Park
- Carillon Historical Park is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Carillon Historical Park:
- (0.27 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Dayton-University of Dayton
- (0.55 mi) Marriott at the University of Dayton
- (0.50 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton SW - University Area, an IHG Hotel
- (7.78 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North
- (2.40 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton
- Restaurants near Carillon Historical Park:
- (0.00 mi) Culp's Café
- (0.15 mi) Carillon Brewing
- (0.55 mi) Dewberry 1850
- (1.07 mi) Dewey's Pizza
- (0.93 mi) Pine Club