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Memorial · Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The site where Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first controlled powered airplane flights in 1903, with the monument atop the dune, the flight markers and the visitor center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Wright Brothers National Memorial
Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright, bicycle makers from Dayton, Ohio, chose the dunes of Kill Devil Hills for their steady winds and soft sand for landings. Between 1900 and 1903 they tested gliders there and, on December 17, 1903, made four flights with the Wright Flyer, the first controlled powered airplane. The longest, by Wilbur, covered about 260 meters in 59 seconds.
The national memorial preserves the flight grounds. A large stone marks the takeoff point, and smaller markers show where each of the four flights ended. Nearby are reconstructed versions of the shed and the living quarters used by the brothers.
At the top of Big Kill Devil Hill, the dune where the gliders were tested, a 1932 granite monument about 18 meters tall commemorates the achievement. The dune has been stabilized with vegetation, and a trail climbs to the monument, offering views of the coast and the lagoon.
The visitor center, a modernist building from 1960, houses a full-size replica of the 1903 Flyer, a 1902 glider, and exhibits about the history of aviation. Park rangers give talks throughout the day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one and a half to three hours.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat and the crowds; the wind is often strong on the dune. On December 17, the anniversary of the flight, there is a ceremony.
How to get there
It is on US-158, in the middle of Kill Devil Hills, with parking by the visitor center and another lot near the monument.
Tip
There is a per-person fee, valid for a few days; those with the national parks annual pass do not pay separately. Bring a hat and water: the area is open and has no shade.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Wright Brothers National Memorial
What can you see at the Wright Brothers National Memorial?
The takeoff point of the first flight, the markers for the four 1903 flights, reconstructions of the encampment, the monument atop the dune, and the Flyer replica.
Do you have to pay to enter the Wright brothers memorial?
Yes, there is a per-person fee, and the national parks annual pass is accepted there. Check the current fee schedule.
How long was the Wright brothers’ first flight?
The first flight, by Orville, lasted about 12 seconds; the longest flight of the day, by Wilbur, about 59 seconds.