Wright Brothers National Memorial

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time on December 17, 1903.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Orville Wright takes off in the first flight of the 1903 flyer as Wilbur Wright assists.
Wright Brothers National Memorial hosts Dec. 17 first flight anniversary event and special unveiling of student-built airplane
On Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m., Wright Brothers National Memorial, Dare County Schools, the First Flight Society and Outer Banks Forever will celebrate the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright on the 122nd anniversary of their first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight. Park entrance fees are waived on this special day.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial Closures and Delayed Openings Due to Hurricane Erin
The National Park Service will delay opening Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial until 12pm on August 21, 2025 due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin. The Bodie Island Lighthouse will remain closed on August 21st, and will reopen once post-storm assessments are complete. All other facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) remain closed until further notice.
Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time as Wilbur assists.
Photo by Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and John Daniels
Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.
Photo by NPS Photo
The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
Photo by NPS Photo
Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.
Photo by NPS Photo
View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.
Photo by NPS Photo
Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Photo by NPS Photo
Visitors moving along a sidewalk to the top of the hill where the monument stands.
Photo by NPS Photo