Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Park where visitors can see a replica of the Wright Brothers' plane and receive an entertaining history of flight.
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See what travelers are saying
- HarvestRecreationsPigeon Forge, Tennessee138 contributionsNice to visit.Lots of walking once you leave the museum. I enjoyed the pictures in the museum and the accounts of the first flight. The hill is a long way to walk but you can drive around. There is also a lot of walking if you want to visit the markers for the landing sights. There is a cost to enter the parking lot for the museum.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 30, 2024
- Michelle C49 contributionsWorth seeing when visiting OBX area!What a nice little memorial. It is a nice climb to the top of the hill to see the monument -view is lovely! The museum is full of information and history of the Brothers. My favorite is the wall of their family-many know the story of their flight vision but it is nice to see read about their parents and siblings. It is a good balance of things to see outside and inside.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 26, 2024
- MuskokaBarb53 contributionsAmazing Educational Historical Experience!!Very educational! An excellent museum with a visual story about how the Wright Brothers developed 'flight'. A replica of the flyer is displayed in the museum. [Their original flyer is in the Air & Space Museum in Washington DC.] On the grounds, there are distance markers and the very first runway. The monument is a true tribute to these men.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 16, 2024
- neesejoct11Combined Locks, Wisconsin209 contributionsWorth a visit.Listened to an informative ranger talk on Orville and Wilbur's beginning. Very interesting. Walked up to the memorial, and enjoyed the bronze plane and the moment their flight was captured on film all in bronze. Cool place. Was pleased to learn we could use our lifetime national Park pass there. Worth a visit.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2024
- TantalikaFort Lauderdale, Florida209 contributionsGreat Views and Awesome MuseumWe visited November 2023. We were traveling with the furbaby and all our activities had to be dog friendly. We all throughly enjoyed the Wright Brothers Memorial. The furbaby was welcome in all outdoor areas. We took turns visiting the excellent museum. My husband who initially wasn’t too excited about this selection found it particularly fascinating. It was probably his favorite excursion of the trip. Great views from the top of memorial hill. Note-there are signs warning about staying on the paths due to sharp vegetation. The signs aren’t lying. The one time the fur child stepped off the sidewalk he collected some sort of burr that had to be removed from his paw.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2024
- Michael AChesapeake, Virginia1,321 contributionsWalk where history happenedGreat place to learn about Orville and Wilbur Wright and the first powered flight. Beautiful full size replica of the flyer. One of the few places where you can stand right where history happened. If you can, listen to one of the ranger talks. They are always well done and I formative. Be sure to walk up to the Memorial for some great views and don't miss the life-size sculpture behind the memorial.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 8, 2024
- Tracy RBlanchard, Oklahoma205 contributionsEnjoyable! Just don't arrive early.We enjoyed our visit here! Just a heads up though, don't come too early because it's got a locked gate down by the busy road til right at 9AM. Cars were getting backed up there with nowhere to go. If you show up just after 9 it's fine.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 17, 2024
- Lindsayyy412New York City, New York197 contributionsVery interesting attraction!A very interesting attraction to see, learned so much here that I had not previously known about the history of flying. Wonderful what the Wright Brothers did, my family and I enjoyed both the memorial as well as the museum. Definitely something to check out while in town,Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 26, 2024
- Kristi SMooresville, North Carolina262 contributionsGreat history of Wrights BrothersInside the visitor center is great historical information about the Wrights Brothers. Outside are spaced markers of their first four flight attempts. You can walk to each one to see their speed, distance and who was flying. It is a long walk from the visitor center up to the monument. Great views from the top of the monument. Would suggest visiting on a cooler or cloudy day.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 2, 2024
- ArtsyGalBaltimore896 contributionsWright Brothers National Memorial: A Tribute two Remarkable Ohio InventorsAttended the Ranger talk offered three time daily. Despite humid and hot weather, well worth the half hour in the sun. Highlighted the Wrights’ perseverance in the face of daunting conditions of weather, environment, and the challenge of discovery. Well designed visitor center with effective modeling. This visit a good complement to one in Dayton, OhioVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jennifer W
Asheville, NC49 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a national park so bring your national park passport book for your stamp. The monument is neat be prepared to walk up a steep hill once there the view is amazing. The museum and gift shop don’t disappoint you can spend an hour at least in the museum reading about the Wright brothers childhood and journey to flight. The focus it took to built the first flying machine is incredible. Take the time to make a visit if you are a Senior don’t forget your park pass otherwise it is $10.00 per person.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody Smith
Charlotte, NC332 contributions
Oct 2020
One of the National Parks that you can experience even with Covid restrictions. The museum and gift stores are both open with the only restrictions being distancing and any interactive exhibits are closed or removed. The exhibits are very informative. There is sort of a bottle neck in the center due to social distancing and the bulk of the "reading" is at the very beginning of the tour. After the initial segment the area opens a little allowing people to pass through quickly. Make sure to take a look at the full sized replica of the first powered plane used by the Wright Brothers.
The remainder of the tour was outside. You can walk in whatever direction you like working towards the "launching point" and memorial at the top of the dune or to the markers showing the distances and time in flight for each of the flights recorded.
Alot of people don't know this but there is an active runway just behind the memorial. It's fun to see planes land and take of here if your timing is right.
One thing I recommend, especially if you have kids and frequent National Parks is to buy the passport book. It's a fun and engaging way to get some interest in visiting the parks and exploring more. You can get stamps for every NPS site visited and there are several in the Outer Banks.
The remainder of the tour was outside. You can walk in whatever direction you like working towards the "launching point" and memorial at the top of the dune or to the markers showing the distances and time in flight for each of the flights recorded.
Alot of people don't know this but there is an active runway just behind the memorial. It's fun to see planes land and take of here if your timing is right.
One thing I recommend, especially if you have kids and frequent National Parks is to buy the passport book. It's a fun and engaging way to get some interest in visiting the parks and exploring more. You can get stamps for every NPS site visited and there are several in the Outer Banks.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JerseyGirlSeesWorld
High Bridge, NJ223 contributions
Jul 2020
Definitely take the time to visit this memorial. It is $10 per person to enter, but worth the 40 minutes or so (visitor center closed due to COVID), it will take to tour the property. The view from the monument is breathtaking. The statue of the gentlemen on the historic day provides a great perspective.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou L
Long Island, NY143 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
When you’re in the Outer Banks, with so much to do, this place may seem like one to skip if you’re there to relax and take in the beach. Don’t make that mistake. This place exceeded my expectations and turned what I was planning a half hour detour into a nearly 2 hour adventure. Staring with the basics, you’ll pull into the Memorial and stop at the toll booth, either $10 for access or show your national parks annual pass. From there you park and can begin your journey. A piece of advice, the visitor center/museum/shop is limited capacity right now, so if you’re planning on getting your passport stamp (done in the gift shop) or want to read all the wonderful information they have available, plan accordingly. Restrooms are located on the side of the building. After checking out the visitor center, you will exit near some commemorative plaques and then make your way up to the memorial. There are markers that show the distance each of the 4 flights went with the dates on each, and then the hill. The monument is very well done, not over the top or gaudy but commemorates the achievements by the Wright Brothers here. Down the hill is a great Statue exhibit of what the first flight looked like from reconstructions. It’s a great photo spot. You can drive to each of these if you have trouble walking but there’s no way around the hill if you want to get to the top. Keep in mind there was vandalism at the monument recently so you may see a greater ranger presence than before. You’re also near an airport and may see military style helicopters taking off which is a whole parallel of cool next to where the Wright Brothers took flight. If you’ve got the time, definitely stop here while in the Outer Banks. It’s got an entirely different vibe than most of the spots but in a good way.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Cranbrook, Canada598 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited here while in the Outer Banks. Nice park outlining the history of the first flight of powered aircraft. A good replica of the plane in the visitor's center. Also be sure to walk up to the monument on the hill, good views from here.
There is a circular road around the hill, there is a really cool sculpture on the back side of the hill, of the plane starting to take off with a photographer and well wishers. Very well done.
It is $10 per person but worth the stop. We bought our new America the Beautiful annual pass here for $80 which is good for both of us. And gets you into all Federal Land parks across the country. It is a great value if you're going to several parks that charge entry fees.
Glad we stopped in here.
There is a circular road around the hill, there is a really cool sculpture on the back side of the hill, of the plane starting to take off with a photographer and well wishers. Very well done.
It is $10 per person but worth the stop. We bought our new America the Beautiful annual pass here for $80 which is good for both of us. And gets you into all Federal Land parks across the country. It is a great value if you're going to several parks that charge entry fees.
Glad we stopped in here.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJOYNC2CA
Charlotte, NC975 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
You cannot go wrong visiting Kitty Hawk. $10 per person to get in is well worth it. Everything is well done. The ranger tours are a not miss. Beautiful walking. History everywhere. Take the time to read everything and walk the hill. The visitor's center is excellent!
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric S
Kingsville, MD596 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Today was a bit cooler so we visited here to take advantage of the weather.
Upon arriving just off the highway, there's a small loop to the two admission kiosks to pay and a brief drive to park by the museum/gift shop. Restrooms are also located in that building as well as about halfway between that building and the dune where the huge monolith is located. You can also drive and park closer to the monolith if you can't make the quarter mile trek.
The dune can be a challenging walk up one of the sidewalks if you're not in shape, but the view of both ocean and the sound is nice.
There is a path from the bottom of the dune directly to where the Wright Brothers flew their plane in 1903. Along there, and especially by the museum, are some placards with pertinent information on their historic flights.
Upon arriving just off the highway, there's a small loop to the two admission kiosks to pay and a brief drive to park by the museum/gift shop. Restrooms are also located in that building as well as about halfway between that building and the dune where the huge monolith is located. You can also drive and park closer to the monolith if you can't make the quarter mile trek.
The dune can be a challenging walk up one of the sidewalks if you're not in shape, but the view of both ocean and the sound is nice.
There is a path from the bottom of the dune directly to where the Wright Brothers flew their plane in 1903. Along there, and especially by the museum, are some placards with pertinent information on their historic flights.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette B
Andover, MA689 contributions
Aug 2021
A must do for visitors of all ages while in the area! $10 entrance fee per vehicle and masks are required regardless of vaccination status. The visitors center is very well done and brings the Wright brothers and their family to life. Their endeavor to bring flight from fantasy to reality is very well documented as is the progress since. Tours are self guided but park rangers are ready for questions and know their stuff! Like Why do we always hear of Kitty Hawk as being the birthplace of aviation when this is in Kill Devil Hills? I also noticed kids with booklets...I think it was some sort of scavenger hunt but what ever it was they looked like they were really into learning. Go Out side and see where the actual flight took place then if you don't feel up for the walk up the hill to the monument there is a closer lot on the back side. You can walk all the way around the hill to see a life size sculpture of the first flight but this can be done in a car as well.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanna M
Grand Blanc, MI334 contributions
Aug 2020
We visited during Covid. It is $10 per adult. I thought it would have been free. They don’t take cash even if you have exact amount. Ridiculous! The inside of the museum is closed but everything outside is open. The guy at the front gate said 90% of the museum so do I only have to pay 90%? I didn’t think there was much to see for what we paid. After you visit it’s a been there, done that type of thing.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky P
Carlisle, PA306 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Only $10 per adult (16 +) and Free for kids 15 @ under!
Very friendly and helpful park rangers. The museum was air conditioned (thankfully!) Masks are required indoors, but not outdoors. Very informative and well organized displays. You get to see an exact replica of the first flight machine the Wright Bros built and used! There’s a nice store to buy souvenirs at. No bags to carry your purchases in except if you choose to buy one of two choices available. I bought the .80 bag for the t-shirt I bought. Loved that you can walk where they marked the distances of the 1st through the 4th flights. An all around enjoyable experience.
Very friendly and helpful park rangers. The museum was air conditioned (thankfully!) Masks are required indoors, but not outdoors. Very informative and well organized displays. You get to see an exact replica of the first flight machine the Wright Bros built and used! There’s a nice store to buy souvenirs at. No bags to carry your purchases in except if you choose to buy one of two choices available. I bought the .80 bag for the t-shirt I bought. Loved that you can walk where they marked the distances of the 1st through the 4th flights. An all around enjoyable experience.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an informational, historical film inside?
Written September 19, 2024
Can you bring bicycles and ride them around? Also, can you bring your own kites to fly?
Written August 19, 2021
Yes I m sure you could bring bikes. I would also think you could fly kites on the back side of the tall monument as that is very much like a park area environment. Heck bring the kits start to fly them and see if what happens.
Written August 20, 2021
how about wheelchairs for those who miight need them
Written June 23, 2020
That should not be a problem. Though much of the memorial is outside, and the actual memorial is atop a large dune, the museum is single story with easy access. I took my mother there often while she was using a walker, and later a wheel chair.
Written June 23, 2020
What is the activity level....
A lot of walking, stairs, etc.?
Written June 15, 2019
JayW
Charleston, South Carolina
There is a little walking, but it is mostly flat and takes little time during the tour. If you walk the hill to the monument, it can be steep in places, but a short distance. Elderly and kids can do it, no problem, just keep the heat and sun exposure in mind.
Written June 15, 2019
The visitor's center is open and operational. It looks exactly as it did before. I don't know what they did to "renovate" it but the admission has doubled.
Written May 13, 2019
I have a National Parks pass. Does that mean it is free to me (National Parks are free with pass) vs $10/pp
Written October 7, 2018
Yes...my husband pulled out his National Park Pass at the front gate and they waved us through. Once you park, there are no more fees beyond that.
Written March 26, 2019
It is all done at your leisure. When we went this summer, the visitors center was getting remodeled, so there is a smaller one that takes about 15 minutes to see. We drove to the statue and walked up and then walked to the model plane. That just took us about 30 minutes. We then drove to the markers, which again just took about 30 minutes. We didn't attend the talk.
Written August 21, 2018
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