Wright Brothers National Memorial
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.
Photo: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and John Daniels / NPS
About Wright Brothers National Memorial
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.
Pair it with another park
NCdrive time
NCdrive time
VAdrive time
VAdrive time
VAdrive time
VAdrive time
Driving times from Wright Brothers National Memorial, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Fee is charged per-person, NOT per vehicle. Ages 15 and younger are free of charge.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00$25 plus $7 per person. Sedans have a capacity of 1-6 people.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00A flat fee for all Van/ Small Bus with a seating capacity of 7-16 passengers
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Fee is charged for any commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16-25 individuals.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Fees charged for commercial vehicles with a capacity of over 26 individuals.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeStructured educational visits that serve a curriculum need for a class may apply for a waiver for entrance fees in advance.
Hours
Hours of Operation
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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!
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Wright Brothers National Memorial?
- Entrance to Wright Brothers National Memorial starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Wright Brothers National Memorial?
- Popular activities include Bookstore and Park Store, Flying, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Shopping.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Wright Brothers National Memorial?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (25 min), Cape Hatteras National Seashore (1 h 10 min), Fort Monroe National Monument (1 h 48 min), Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park (1 h 50 min), Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park (2 h 10 min), Colonial National Historical Park (2 h 12 min).