Among the Centerville-Washington Park District’s 1,060 acres, a unique nod to Ohio’s history of transportation lies among the trails! Within Iron Horse and Big Bend Parks, residents can find a preserved corridor of the once-bustling Dayton-Cincinnati Railroad from over 100 years ago. Whether park visitors are biking, hiking or taking a leisurely stroll on the paved or natural trails, the transformed rail bed offers a unique look into the history of transportation in the region.
Beginning operation in the 1850s, the Dayton-Cincinnati Railroad – also known as the Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Dayton Railway – consisted of 640 miles of railroad. Expanding and providing access to the region for over 50 years, the railroad was eventually taken over by Baltimore & Ohio, which continued to serve the region for 70 years through its Cincinnati-Toledo mainline. The Baltimore & Ohio lines were primarily running east-west. However, the original Dayton-Cincinnati Railroad, eventually named the Toledo Subdivision by Baltimore & Ohio, ran the north-south route still visible in your parks today.
Iron Horse Park
On the north end of the track bed, Iron Horse Park offers a paved trail from I-675 through the park and to Hempstead Station Road in Kettering. This paved trail is a gateway to the 19-mile Iron Horse Trail passing through Centerville, Kettering and Dayton. As part of the park’s playground, train-themed play equipment has been converted into a Little Free Library, providing even more ways for children and adults to enjoy their community’s BIG backyard, while offering a playful nod to its past.
Big Bend Park
Known for its sharp turn to the west, Big Bend Park marks the south end of the Cincinnati-Dayton Railroad that once crossed through our region. With several wooded areas to explore, park visitors can walk an old railroad track bed to experience the history of the park.
In 2026, the United States of America is commemorating its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of the celebration, America 250-Ohio is coordinating the unique events and experiences across Ohio’s 88 counties that play a role in crafting the state’s impact on American History. The Centerville-Washington Park District is joining the celebration by highlighting significant historical and community-building events within your park district that align with America 250-Ohio’s mission. April’s theme is Ohio Moves: Transportation. Ohio has impacted the world from canals to space and every mode of transportation in between.