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Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills

Must see · Historic Site · History Museum
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Learn how airplane travel got its start at Wright Brothers National Memorial. The site commemorates the first successful powered flight in 1903. Although Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, receives more attention, the site lies several miles south near the town of Kill Devil Hills. You can visit the memorial's granite monument, which pays tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright and other pioneers of aviation, as it stands more than 18 m (60 ft) tall on a hill above town. Go to the visitors center to view a full-size replica of the first aircraft, as well as models, tools, and a recreation of the aircraft hangar used in the endeavor. Plan your visit to Wright Brothers National Memorial and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Kill Devil Hills travel itinerary planner.
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Wright Brothers National Memorial reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
4,359 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • An American icon, that we have heard of our entire lives, was great! The replicas of the plane were great,,,the statues of the Wright Brothers and their friends were well done too! The visitor... 
    An American icon, that we have heard of our entire lives, was great! The replicas of the plane were great,,,the statues of the Wright Brothers and their friends were well done too! The visitor...  more »
  • I went in not knowing much about how man learned to fly and within 1-2 hours learned interesting history of the Wright brothers life and success in OH and NC. The 30 minute lecture was well worth the....  more
    I went in not knowing much about how man learned to fly and within 1-2 hours learned interesting history of the Wright brothers life and success in OH and NC. The 30 minute lecture was well worth the....  more »
  • Wright Brother’s Museum The Wright Brothers National Memorial Museum; this is situated in a State park, adequate parking spaces.. There are individual exhibits on the grounds The children were... 
    Wright Brother’s Museum The Wright Brothers National Memorial Museum; this is situated in a State park, adequate parking spaces.. There are individual exhibits on the grounds The children were...  more »
Google
  • Very busy but very awesome spot. A nice visitor center with gift shop. Highly recommended buying your park pass online before coming; it will save a little time at the ranger station (which usually has a wait to get in). If you go inside, they are still masking for COVID, but they do offer them at the door if you forgot yours. Outside, there is a good bit of walking that you can do all over the grounds to see the flight markers (note there is little shade). The parking lot fills fast, but they do have overflow parking in the field nearby (look for signs). There is a place to refill water bottles, which is nice. Definitely recommend the hike up to the monument for the view!
  • A great way to spend an hour or two when visiting the Outer Banks. I always enjoy learning about the history of major milestones in American and World history. The site is very handicapped accessible but it is important to note that if you have trouble walking, bring a wheelchair and a kind person who is willing to push you up the hill to see the monument up close. The paths up to the monument are paved and they have a ramp at the entrance of the museum. Inside the museum the exhibits are arranged to allow easy navigation with a wheelchair. Great place to enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise!
  • A lot to learn about the trials and tribulations that was involved with humans learning to fly. The overall site has a lot of walking and steep hills to see the monument but everything is accessible. You might need assistance getting up the hills as the slope exceeds ADA guidelines. The park rangers here are very helpful and willing to answer any questions you may have. There is a decent view of the site and kill devil hills from the monument.
  • Took our 10-year-old grandson and we thoroughly enjoyed this visit. There is a small museum with a detailed history of the family and lives of the Wright Brothers. It was very interesting and gives a great insight into the area and the lives of the brothers as well as the locals during that period. There is a replica of the plane and it was very interesting to see and try to comprehend how someone was able to visualize and build something that would prove to be the beginning of air travel. My grandson found it fascinating. When you leave the museum you can see a replica of the living quarters of Orville and Wilbur Wright and the hangar where they built the plane. There are markers that showed the lengths of the first four flights. There are well made walkways from one area to the other. You can take a short walk to Jockey's Ridge and climb the large sand dune (paved walkway) up to the Wright Brother's Memorial. It is beautiful and you have beautiful views of the area and the ocean. On the back side of Jockey's Ridge is a metal replica of the plane and children (and young-at-heart adults) can climb and play on it. There are life-size statues as well of the locals who assisted the brothers. When you go into the museum young children can get a Junior Rangers booklet and complete the "assignments" as they tour the area and earn a Junior Ranger's badge. There is something for all ages and a very interesting recap of a huge part of NC history. Well worth the $10 entrance fee, and that one fee is good for 7 days.
  • Nice spot to stop by if you are traveling in outer banks. It has entrance fee (I think $10) but if you beautiful America annual pass then it will be free The highlights are 1. The visiting center has very well information about Journey of how first flight was tested successfully. 2. There is gift shop to collect gifts or magnets 3. Outside you have many activities You can walk through the tracks where first flight tested 4. You can walk towards memorial or go bay car as there is parking near by memorial Rest you can enjoy and take photos

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