Learn About the Park

Visiting family gathers around tactile map in visitor center to decide what to explore at the park first.

NPS Photo, Eden Saunders

 

A Moment that Changed the World... the Place that Made it Possible

Wilbur and Orville Wright made history here on December 17, 1903 by piloting four successful flights with their powered, heavier-than-air flying machine. Orville and Wilbur had been visiting the Outer Banks for three years before their successful flights. They spent those trips learning how to fly by conducting gliding experiments from the sand dunes a few miles south of the town of Kitty Hawk. These sons of Ohio traveled all the way to the Outer Banks because it had all the elements that they needed to safely and secretly learn how to fly: wind, sand, and isolation.

Wright Brothers National Memorial encompasses the spot where Wilbur and Orville made their world-changing first flights, the historic sand dune where they did most of their gliding, and the location they lived while they were experimenting in the Outer Banks.

Use the links below to explore the rest of Orville and Wilbur's story, learn about how they unlocked the secrets of flight, or discover things you can do at the park with your friends, family, or school group.

 

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  News

  News Releases for Wright Brothers National Memorial

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  Photos and Multimedia

  Photos and Videos of Wright Brothers National Memorial

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  Researching the Wrights

  Learn about the Wright Brothers' Momentous Achievements at Kitty Hawk

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  Education

  Educational Programs at Wright Brothers National Memorial

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  Kids and Youth

  Programs for Children at Wright Brothers National Memorial

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  Management

  Management Practices and Policies at Wright Brothers National Memorial

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  Bookstore

  Visit the Eastern National Bookstore at Wright Brothers National Memorial