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.

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

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

  • Aviation
  • Birthplace
  • Engineering
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Transportation

First Flight

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

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time on December 17, 1903.

Busts and Moon

Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.

Copper busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright stand atop Big Kill Devil Hill.

First Flight Boulder

The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.

This boulder marks the spot where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.

Walking Along History

Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.

Visitors explore the landing spots of the Wright brothers' first flights.

Wright Brothers Monument

View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.

Black-and-white image of the Wright Brothers Monument

National Aviation Day

Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Visitors enjoy celebrating aviation where modern aviation was born.

Journey to the Top

Visitors moving along a sidewalk to the top of the hill where the monument stands.

Visitors climb Big Kill Devil Hill to visit the Wright Brothers Monument.