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The Outer Banks of North Carolina ®
Darrell Collins currently serves as chief historian and interpreter at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Collins is widely recognized as one of the top five authorities on the Wright Brothers and early aviation history. Collins grew up captivated by the story of the Wright Brothers' first flight, which occurred only miles from his boyhood home on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. He turned this passion into a career that has spanned more than 25 years. In addition to his work at the National Park Service, Collins engages audiences nationwide with his lectures on the Wright Brothers, and has authored numerous articles on this topic.


Wright Brothers National Memorial

Site of the world's first controlled powered flight on December 17, 1903. The Visitor Center features full-scale reproductions of the Wright 1903 Powered Flyer and interpretive presentations. A centennial pavilion boasts an exhibit hall with special exhibits, including a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider and a multipurpose auditorium.

The grounds include historical markers of each attempted powered flight, replica camp buildings and a 60-foot granite monument on top of Big Kill Devil Hill (a 90-foot dune) honoring the Wright brothers.

From top left clockwise: Wilbur and Orville Wright on the famed flight that changed history forever, Wright Brothers Monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill, Darrell Collins and friend standing atop one of the 12 concrete markers that mark the flight path of the Wright Brothers historic 12 second flight. Location
Milepost 8, Kill Devil Hills

Hours
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (hours are extended during summer months). Open year-round. Closed Christmas Day.



Entrance Fees
$4 per person - valid for 7 days
Free - 16 and under
$10 - Annual Park Pass
Free - Golden Age, Golden Access, or National Parks Pass

Commercial Vehicles
$40 - Vans / Small buses holding 7 - 25 people.
$100 - Commercial Tour Buses

National Park Service Passes
Golden Access - Free - Valid for a lifetime
Golden Age - $10 - Valid for a lifetime
National Parks Pass - $50 - Valid for one year
Golden Eagle holograms - $15 - valid for one year

Note
School sponsored programs may be eligible for a waiver of fees.

Services
Interpretive tours available.

Facilities
Visitor Center facilities include a bookstore, rest rooms, and telephones.

Contact Information
(252) 441-7430
Website

Air Tours of the Outer Banks

Along the Outer Banks, take a tour unlike any other. Air tours are provided by local businesses for you to experience the true beauty of the Outer Banks. Below are area air tour operators.

Barrier Island Aviation
(252) 473-4247. Manteo.
Scenic Air Tours of the Outer Banks. Ride the breeze over the sand and the seas on a magical aerial tour of the Outer Banks. Seating up to three passengers, our high wing aircraft offer you 30 minute or one hour flights with an unforgettable view of Roanoke Island, The Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey's Ridge State Park, lighthouses, all with the breathtaking view of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Do not miss seeing the barrier islands from your seat in the sky!
. See more in 30 minutes from the air than you can see all week on the ground.
. Gain a new perspective of the natural beauty and fragile geology of the Outer Banks.
. Experience the wonder of flight where the Wright Brothers first broke ground. Call us today to reserve your seat! Website

Outer Banks Air Charters
(252) 256-2322. Manteo.
Personalized air charter service for up to 5 passengers per aircraft flight, from your airport to the NC Outer Banks, any of our 5 airports. Standard air tours of the Outer Banks, up to 5 passengers, about 30 minutes. Specialized air tours of the Outer Banks, up to 5 passengers, length is your call. obxaircharters.com



Outer Banks Hang Gliding


Jockey's Ridge State Park is the spot for learning to fly. Lessons from qualified instructors are available.

Kitty Hawk Kites
(252) 441-4124 or (877) FLY-THIS. US 158 Bypass, across from Jockey's Ridge. Hang Glide over sand dunes or tandem to 2000 ft. Lessons, camps, packages, rock wall climbing, free stunt kite lessons, kiteboarding, kayak eco-tours and rentals, jet ski rentals and tours, parasailing, dolphin jet boat tours, surfing lessons and more. Book today with the Outer Banks only online recreation reservations system. Lessons taught year round.
Website
Online Reservations
Getaway Card Accepted

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, a public authority, is the lead marketing and promotional agency for The Outer Banks of North Carolina® and is funded by 1% occupancy and 1% prepared meals tax, collected in Dare County.

©1998- 2010 Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  Privacy Statement
Darrell Collins currently serves as chief historian and interpreter at the Wright Brothers National Memorial