Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time as Wilbur assists.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

National Memorial ยท North Carolina

Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and John Daniels

๐Ÿ“ StateNorth Carolina
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Memorial
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Entry$10
๐Ÿƒ Activities5
Official NPS Website โ†’
Wright Brothers National Memorial

Monument marking the location of the first airplane flight

Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, commemorates Wright Flyer; the first successful, sustained, powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine. From 1900 to 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright came to North Carolina from Dayton, Ohio, based on information from the U.S. Weather Bureau about the area's steady winds. They also valued the privacy provided by this location, which in the early twentieth century was remote from major population centers.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Wright Brothers National Memorial

Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of scientific experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.

Park Photos

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time as Wilbur assists.
Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.
The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.
View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.
Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Activities

Operating Hours

Hours of Operation

These are the times the park grounds and visitor center are open for visitors.

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9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Wright Brothers National Memorial?

Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. Fee is charged per-person, NOT per vehicle. Ages 15 and younger are free of charge. Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. $25 plus $7 per person. Sedans have a capacity of 1-6 people. Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00. A flat fee for all Van/ Small Bus with a seating capacity of 7-16 passengers Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40.00. Fee is charged for any commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16-25 individuals. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. Fees charged for commercial vehicles with a capacity of over 26 individuals. Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: $0.00. Structured educational visits that serve a curriculum need for a class may apply for a waiver for entrance fees in advance.

What are the best activities at Wright Brothers National Memorial?

Popular activities at Wright Brothers National Memorial include: Flying, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.

What is the weather like at Wright Brothers National Memorial?

Weather on the Outer Banks varies seasonally and daily. Summers can be very hot and sunny (wear sunscreen and drink water), while winters can be cold and wet. High winds are always a possibility any time of the year. It is not uncommon for a brief winter snow each year. Being on a barrier island, the memorial is susceptible to storm impacts, including hurricanes in the summer and nor'easters in the winter. No matter what time of year you visit, dress for the weather, and be ready for wind!

How do I get to Wright Brothers National Memorial?

Wright Brothers National Memorial is located along US 158 in the town of Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$10

Fee is charged per-person, NOT per vehicle. Ages 15 and younger are free of charge.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25

$25 plus $7 per person. Sedans have a capacity of 1-6 people.

Commercial Entrance - Van$40

A flat fee for all Van/ Small Bus with a seating capacity of 7-16 passengers

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$40

Fee is charged for any commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16-25 individuals.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100

Fees charged for commercial vehicles with a capacity of over 26 individuals.

Entrance - Education/Academic GroupsFree

Structured educational visits that serve a curriculum need for a class may apply for a waiver for entrance fees in advance.

Weather

Weather on the Outer Banks varies seasonally and daily. Summers can be very hot and sunny (wear sunscreen and drink water), while winters can be cold and wet. High winds are always a possibility any time of the year. It is not uncommon for a brief winter snow each year. Being on a barrier island, the memorial is susceptible to storm impacts, including hurricanes in the summer and nor'easters in the winter. No matter what time of year you visit, dress for the weather, and be ready for wind!

Directions

Wright Brothers National Memorial is located along US 158 in the town of Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates36.0164, -75.6700

Official Resources

NPS Official Website