Parks

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.

Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS and Wright Brothers NMEM Announce Visitor Facility Closures Ahead of Winter Storm

2026-01-30

Ahead of an impending winter storm, all National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed this weekend and will remain closed through at least the morning of Feb. 2. The Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke campgrounds are closing at 12 p.m. today.

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

2025-12-02

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.