A 60-foot granite pylon marking where the Wright brothers tested gliders before they ever flew
At the crest of Kill Devil Hill, a granite pylon roughly 60 feet tall marks the spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright spent years running glider tests before they ever built an engine. Dedicated in 1932, the Wright Brothers Monument is the centerpiece of Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and it deserves treatment as its own stop rather than a quick photo on the way to the flight line markers below. The hill itself was the brothers' proving ground for controlled gliding from 1900 through 1902; the actual powered flight on December 17, 1903 happened on the flatter ground beneath the hill, which makes the monument as much a marker of preparation as of the achievement itself. From the monument's base, the view opens out over the flats where the Wright Flyer first left the ground and across the memorial grounds toward town.
174 reviews
2 months ago
We visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial on a hot summer weekday. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water. There’s very little shade between the museum and the monument. The walk up the hill isn’t too steep, and the view from the top is worth it. Standing there made me reflect on the incredible contributions of Wilbur and Orville Wright and how their perseverance changed the world.
3 months ago
A nice monument for the Wright brothers. It is at the top of a fairly steep hill, so it may be hard for some people to climb. We were able to enter the monument, but it was only a small room. There were gated rooms that were inaccessible, so there may be opportunities to see more.
4 months ago
I enjoyed the monument celebrating the Wright brothers accomplishment of the first controlled, powered flight of a heavier-than-air plane. TIPS: The parking lot is not large enough for busy days, so go early. The area is not shaded so the sun can really cook you on hot days.
3 months ago
Welcome to the park where flight all started December 17, 1903, seconds and counting, Wilbur and Orville Wright surpassed a feat no one would have expected on this field. After many tries, the 2 brothers out of Dayton, Ohio never gave up coming to this sand dune and wind by the shoreline and to their miracle through much experimentation. After 30 years of this success, the governor of North Carolina decided to erect a monument to the discover and innovation of flying. Many came to see it including Amelia Earhart. Isn't that amazing? Well, the walking is not for the faint of heart especially during summer. Hydrate and stay determined, eventually you will conquer this park and the mound just many before and after me. Who knows? You might have doing it? I did and I certainly learned alot!
2 months ago
A must-see if you enjoy history or have any interest in aviation and flight technology. The museum is clean, informative, and highly interactive, making it enjoyable for both adults and kids. There is a great balance of historical information and hands-on exhibits that help bring the story to life. One note: there is limited shade in the area leading up to and around the monument. Obviously, this is not something that should be changed, but visitors should plan accordingly and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially during warmer months.