Scavenger Hunt-Goose Chase

Historic & Coastal Landmark Challenges

• The Lighthouse Sentinel: Take a selfie with the unique "candy cane" stripes of the Bodie Island Lighthouse or find the exact number of steps it takes to reach the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

• Aviation Pioneer: Locate the commemorative marker at the Wright Brothers National Memorial that indicates the exact distance of the first successful flight.

• The Lost Colony Clue: Visit Roanoke Island and find the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post or tree—a nod to the oldest mystery in America.

Nature & Wildlife Quests

• Wild Mustang Spotting: Use your binoculars to safely spot a Corolla Wild Horse grazing in the 4x4 area, but remember to keep your distance to protect these majestic creatures.

• Ghost Crab Night Hunt: Head to the beach after sunset with a flashlight and count how many Ghost Crabs you can see scuttling across the sand in one minute.

• Shell Hunter’s Prize: Find a perfectly intact Scotch Bonnet (the state shell of North Carolina) or a piece of frosted sea glass tumbled by the Atlantic.

Local Secrets & Fun FindsHistoric & Coastal Landmark Challenges

• The Lighthouse Sentinel: Take a selfie with the unique "candy cane" stripes of the Bodie Island Lighthouse or find the exact number of steps it takes to reach the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

• Aviation Pioneer: Locate the commemorative marker at the Wright Brothers National Memorial that indicates the exact distance of the first successful flight.

• The Lost Colony Clue: Visit Roanoke Island and find the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post or tree—a nod to the oldest mystery in America.

Nature & Wildlife Quests

• Wild Mustang Spotting: Use your binoculars to safely spot a Corolla Wild Horse grazing in the 4x4 area, but remember to keep your distance to protect these majestic creatures.

• Ghost Crab Night Hunt: Head to the beach after sunset with a flashlight and count how many Ghost Crabs you can see scuttling across the sand in one minute.

• Shell Hunter’s Prize: Find a perfectly intact Scotch Bonnet (the state shell of North Carolina) or a piece of frosted sea glass tumbled by the Atlantic.

Local Secrets & Fun Finds

• The Mile Marker Trek: Locate a specific Highway 12 Mile Marker that corresponds to your favorite OBX town or beach access.

• Jockey’s Ridge Summit: Climb to the highest point of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast and capture a 360-degree photo of the ocean and the sound.

• Pier Master: Visit one of the iconic wooden fishing piers, like Jennette’s Pier, and identify three different types of fish being caught by local anglers.

• The Mile Marker Trek: Locate a specific Highway 12 Mile Marker that corresponds to your favorite OBX town or beach access.

• Jockey’s Ridge Summit: Climb to the highest point of the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast and capture a 360-degree photo of the ocean and the sound.

• Pier Master: Visit one of the iconic wooden fishing piers, like Jennette’s Pier, and identify three different types of fish being caught by local anglers.

The Wright Path: An Aviation History Quest

Step back in time to the dawn of the 20th century and walk in the footsteps of Orville and Wilbur Wright. This specialized scavenger hunt takes you deep into the heart of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, where the brothers conquered the skies. Your mission begins at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where you’ll need to locate the granite markers indicating the exact distance of those four historic first flights. Can you find the boulder that marks the takeoff spot of the 1903 Flyer, or the monument dedicated to the local coastal residents who helped the brothers haul their aircraft across the sand?

As you continue your quest, look for clues beyond the main memorial. Head toward the First Flight Airstrip to spot modern planes taking off from the same hallowed ground, or trek up the massive Big Kill Devil Hill to find the towering 60-foot pylon that anchors the site. To complete this legendary challenge, you’ll need to find the reconstructed living quarters and hangar where the brothers stayed, identifying three everyday items they used while living in the dunes. It’s not just a walk through history—it’s a chance to see exactly how "Twelve Seconds that Changed the World" really felt!

The Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Did You Know? Quick Flight Facts for Your Hunt

• The Power of Wind: On December 17, 1903, the brothers faced winds of about 27 miles per hour. Their first successful flight only lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet—less than the wingspan of a modern Boeing 747!

• A Toss of a Coin: Wilbur and Orville flipped a coin to see who would be the first to try the powered flyer. Wilbur won the toss but failed on his first attempt. It was Orville who officially made the first successful flight three days later.

• The "Hangar" Home: The brothers didn't just fly here; they lived here. Look for the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings to see the cramped conditions where they slept, cooked, and tinkered with their machines while battling the Outer Banks' elements and infamous mosquitoes.

• Local Help: The Wright brothers weren't alone! Members of the local Kill Devil Hills Life-Saving Station helped move the heavy aircraft and even witnessed the historic event. One of them, John T. Daniels, took the famous photograph of the first flight.

Scavenger Hunt Challenges: Aviation Edition

• Distance Detective: Find all four granite markers along the flight path. Each one marks the landing spot of their four successful flights on that historic morning. Which flight was the longest?

• The Monument's Message: Trek to the top of Big Kill Devil Hill and read the inscription on the base of the 60-foot pylon. Can you find the names of both brothers carved into the stone?

• First Flight Tools: Head to the visitor center or the reconstructed hangar and identify three specific tools or items the brothers used to maintain their aircraft. (Hint: Look for things you might still find in a modern garage!)