Wright Brothers National Memorial — Attraction in Kill Devil Hills

Update December 2023: • We visited around 4PM on a Thursday in late December 2023 (after Christmas). We’ve visited this place before but needed to come back because we had not started collecting NPS Passport Cancellation Stamp yet. They have a special stamp here is similar to that of the Manhattan project where it spread across multiple sites that you have to visit in the country in order to complete the stamp. See picture in my review. • We visited for the first time in 2021 during COVID and virtual schooling. Not much has changed other than there were a lot more people now and it’s the middle of winter. • This is a paid site so be prepared to pay at the gate when you enter if you don’t have a NPS annual pass. • Also the kids had not done the junior ranger before and wanted to get this badge. They were able to complete it in just over 30 mins but they have done many of these. You technically have to go out and read the markers but you could also google it or see the images other people have taken of the markers. • We would probably visit again as it’s a nice place to just walk around and hike. Also have a picnic, assuming you have a national park pass. I wouldn't pay the entrance fee just to go in and have a picnic. • The park does close at 5PM which is later than most NPS sites (typically 4PM) but the sunset as we were leaving were absolutely stunning. The tip was to do the monument first as the park will close from the monument area down.

Original Review Fall 2021: Fantastic visitor center and memorial. It cost $10/adult and our 3 kids were free. The visitor center is open with COVID and requires a mask. There are physical distancing signs and stickers all over the place. There were more people than I expected for a regular Fall Sunday afternoon. The gift shop is also open and they have bathrooms on the outside of the building which were open.

The exhibits in the visitor center were very well laid out and interesting even though a number of the interactive activities were closed or removed. My middle son (3rd grader) was just learning about the Write Brothers in school the week prior so it was perfect we just happened to be passing by. He was super excited to see a replica of the plane and learn so much more about this history.

We also walked out on the field and to each of the subsequent markers for their first flights. The kids had a blast racing each other down the path. There are cacti so be careful and don't stray too far off the paths.

We then got in the car and drove to the memorial (you can also walk from the visitor center but it's a long walk). The memorial is a giant loop around the monument. On the exact opposite side from where the visitor center, is another interesting park area with the recreation of the famous photo with a plaque explaining who was there when it all happened. Great place for photos of your own. My kids wanted to pretend to be the people in the photo so that was a fun exercise for them. To go up to the monument there are multiple paths. The most direct and steepest path is 3/4 the way around the loop. It looks like they designed the paths so that you could take it easy with a gradual incline but over a longer distance or very direct but also a steep ascend to the top. There were only 1 other group of people there when we visited so we got to take some amazing photos at the top. You could see the ocean and the sound from the top of the memorial.

Overall the $20 was totally worth it and the 60-90 minutes we spent there. We would recommend for anyone who's never been. Also your receipt is good for 7 days if you want to stop by it multiple times in a single trip. Great place to go for a walk or even have a picnic. There were a lot of picnic tables around and even many shaded in the trees. There were also bathrooms back behind the memorial in the one way circle and we didn't use them but they looked open. Also it looks like you could at one point go up the inside of the monument on the hill but it was closed while we were there (assuming due to small enclosed...

Amazing. Beautiful memorial. It shows in person the actual path of the first four powered controllable flights ever. And the distances.

Absolutely awesome. Also has recreations of the famous photo. And recreations of the two buildings the wright brothers stayed in and worked in.

The museum has lots of info. On how they solved the mystery of flight.

It's not a full day museum. Maybe and hour or two plus you have to walk up the big hill. Really really cool place to stop.

Every ranger or employee we talked to there was knowledgeable about whatever we were asking. Very nice people every one of they I wish I would have got all their names.

Coming in we were getting ready to pay and we're informed of a program the national parks have were permanently disabled people get in free and three guests with them. Literally never heard of that before. But she had us signed up in no time and we were free to go. Thankyou soooo much.

Also. The museum gift shop. Wow lots of cool stuff but what stood out was the two ladies there ... We asked about the national parks passport program. They knew EVERYTHING about it. So helpful. I love it. Their names were Kelly H and Lynne T according to my receipts. We bought one collector edition of the national parks passport. And two smaller ones for two 19 year old family members. I really think it'll start a lifetime obsession with getting cancelation stamps and stickers in their books. And make them go out of their way to go to all national parks. You lady's...

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is an absolute must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, aviation, or just a love for exploring iconic sites. Located in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, this memorial stands as a testament to human innovation and determination. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and as you walk through, you can feel the significance of the location where the Wright brothers made their first successful flight.

The visitor center offers a wealth of information about the history of flight and the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The exhibits are interactive and informative, making it a great experience for both adults and children. The reproduction of the Wright Flyer and the actual markers where the first four flights took place are highlights that really bring history to life.

The monument itself is striking and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the ocean. It’s a great spot for reflection on how far aviation has come since that historic day in 1903. The rangers and staff are knowledgeable and passionate, adding depth to the experience with their guided tours and talks.

Overall, the Wright Brothers National Memorial offers a unique and inspiring glimpse into one of the greatest achievements in human history. It’s an incredible destination for history buffs, families, and travelers alike. Highly...