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

Wright Brothers National Memorial

National Historic Site · North Carolina · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
2524732111
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Aviation · Birthplace · Engineering · Monuments and Memorials · Science, Technology and Innovation · Transportation

Activities & features: Flying · Junior Ranger Program · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.
    NPS Photo
  • The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
    NPS Photo
  • Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.
    NPS Photo
  • View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.
    NPS Photo
  • Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.
    NPS Photo
  • Visitors moving along a sidewalk to the top of the hill where the monument stands.
    NPS Photo

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48 parks mapped in North Carolina

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12