National Wrong Way Corrigan Day

Today, we celebrate unexpected journeys and the spirit of adventure that drives us forward.

JUL17

Saturday, July 17Every year on July 17

days to go

Roots: Established to honor Douglas Corrigan's flight in 1938
Vibe: A celebration of serendipity and exploration.
Also on Jul 17: Yellow Pig Day · World Emoji Day · Day for International Criminal Justice
Hashtag: #NationalWrongWayCorriganDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Take the long way

Drive a new route home tonight and see what you find.

WITH FRIENDS

Plan a wrong turn

Pick a direction, drive, and stop wherever looks interesting.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Share a detour story

Tell the group about a wrong turn that worked out great.

Plan ahead

National Wrong Way Corrigan Day is observed on July 17 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Fri, Jul 17this year

2027Sat, Jul 17

2028Mon, Jul 17

2029Tue, Jul 17

2030Wed, Jul 17

2031Thu, Jul 17

2032Sat, Jul 17

2033Sun, Jul 17

2034Mon, Jul 17

2035Tue, Jul 17

2036Thu, Jul 17

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Corrigan flew from New York to California but landed in Dublin.

His flight covered over 2,800 miles.

The story

Douglas Corrigan, affectionately known as 'Wrong Way' Corrigan, took off on July 17, 1938, with plans to fly from New York to Los Angeles. Instead, a series of navigation mishaps led him to land in Dublin, Ireland, turning an intended cross-country trip into an international escapade. His unintentional journey captured the imagination of the American public and became a symbol of adventure and resilience.

Read the full story

Born on January 22, 1907, in Galveston, Texas, Corrigan developed a passion for flying at a young age. After earning his pilot's license in 1927, he worked various jobs in the aviation industry, all while dreaming of long-distance flights. His determination paid off when he attempted a transcontinental flight, only to find himself in Dublin instead of Los Angeles, making headlines across the nation.

Corrigan's unconventional route earned him both admiration and skepticism. Many questioned whether his flight was a genuine mistake or a clever publicity stunt. Nonetheless, the incident solidified his place in aviation history, and he became a beloved figure, representing the adventurous spirit of the era. His story encourages us all to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the journey, regardless of the destination.

Today, National Wrong Way Corrigan Day serves as a reminder that life is often about the experiences we have along the way. Whether we face detours or take the scenic route, each path offers lessons and new perspectives. As we commemorate this day, we celebrate not just Corrigan's flight but the spirit of exploration that lives within us all.