Wright Brothers National Memorial
Designation: National Memorial
Location: North Carolina
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
Weather on the Outer Banks varies seasonally and daily. Summers can be very hot and sunny (wear sunscreen and drink water), while winters can be cold and wet. High winds are always a possibility any time of the year. It is not uncommon for a brief winter snow each year. Being on a barrier island, the memorial is susceptible to storm impacts, including hurricanes in the summer and nor'easters in the winter. No matter what time of year you visit, dress for the weather, and be ready for wind!
🚗 Directions
Wright Brothers National Memorial is located along US 158 in the town of Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Images
Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time on December 17, 1903.
Credit: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and John Daniels
Copper busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright stand atop Big Kill Devil Hill.
Credit: NPS Photo
This boulder marks the spot where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors explore the landing spots of the Wright brothers' first flights.
Credit: NPS Photo
Black-and-white image of the Wright Brothers Monument
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors enjoy celebrating aviation where modern aviation was born.
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors climb Big Kill Devil Hill to visit the Wright Brothers Monument.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 29
Sunny
High: 70.9°F | Low: 65.3°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.1
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 08:11 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 61.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 30
Patchy rain nearby
High: 68.9°F | Low: 60.9°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 25.3 mph
Rain Chance: 80%
UV Index: 8.3
Sunrise: 05:47 AM
Sunset: 08:12 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 59.9°F
Cloud Cover: 80%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 31
Sunny
High: 62.9°F | Low: 61°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 16.8 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9
Sunrise: 05:47 AM
Sunset: 08:13 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 54.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Wind and Sand
Step back in history during this short program at the site of the Wrights’ first powered flights! Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.
Program is weather-dependent and may be inside or outside. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.
Location: Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.
Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wind and Sand
Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights! Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.
Program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accomodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.
Location: Meet at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center.
Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wind and Sand
Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights! Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.
Program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accomodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.
Location: Meet on the back patio of the Visitor Center.
Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wind and Sand
Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wrights’ first powered flights! Discover why the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was like in the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day, and the lasting impact their first flight continues to have on the world today.
Program is weather-dependent and may be moved to accomodate wind/rain. Check in at the Visitor Center desk for the most updated information.
Location: Meet at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center.
Date: May 24, 2026 12:00am to May 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1000 North Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
🏤 Mailing Address:
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
📞 Voice Phone: 2524732111
✉️ Email: caha_public_affairs@nps.gov