Wright Brothers National Memorial • North Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time on December 17, 1903.
Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and John Daniels

Copper busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright stand atop Big Kill Devil Hill.
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This boulder marks the spot where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
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Visitors explore the landing spots of the Wright brothers' first flights.
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Black-and-white image of the Wright Brothers Monument
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Visitors enjoy celebrating aviation where modern aviation was born.
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Visitors climb Big Kill Devil Hill to visit the Wright Brothers Monument.
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Wright Brothers Monument

You can explore the museum, the monument, and more at Wright Brothers!

Early bi-wing airplane taking off in a field of sand

Celebrating First Flight

Learn about the First Flight by watching out collection of videos about the Wright Flyer and more!

Large boulder marking the first flight's take off spot

Explore things to do while visiting Wright Brothers National Memorial

color photo of ranger on left and young girl on right wearing a ranger hat next to a statue of a man

Education Programs at Wright Brothers

Either in-person or virtual, coming with a class is a great way to experience the Wright brothers story!

A picture of a male ranger in front of a replica Wright Flyer with two visitors watching

Ranger Programs at Wright Brothers

Plan ahead by seeing when ranger programs are happening in the park

A group of people standing around a tactile map of Wright Brothers National Memorial

Information on Accessibility at Wright Brothers National Memorial

Last updated: June 20, 2025

Taking to the Air

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Wright Brothers National Memorial
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Phone:

252 473-2111

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