Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

All clear. The managing agency, the National Weather Service and wildfire reporting show no current alerts.

Overview

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Flying
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Hours of Operation: These are the times the park grounds and visitor center are open for visitors.

Fees and passes

  • Entrance - Per Person — $10.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $25.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Van — $40.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $40.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $100.00
  • Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
  • Annual Entrance - Park — $35.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

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

Visitor centers

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!

Phone: 2524732111

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.
Busts and Moon · NPS Photo
The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
First Flight Boulder · NPS Photo
Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.
Walking Along History · NPS Photo
View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.
Wright Brothers Monument · NPS Photo
Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.
National Aviation Day · NPS Photo
Visitors moving along a sidewalk to the top of the hill where the monument stands.
Journey to the Top · NPS Photo

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