Wheelchair-Accessible State Parks Across the US
Variety is the keyword when it comes to America’s diverse state parks. The good news is, access hasn’t been overlooked with the facility development at these scenic natural treasures. Check out these these favorite wheelchair-accessible state parks that offer everything from accessible boat excursions and hikes, to scenic drives, rustic cabins and even upscale lodges for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Itasca State Park
Located in the far north, some 200 miles from Minneapolis, this Minnesota state park is home to the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi. An accessible trail leads over to the headwaters, while a scenic drives winds through a large portion of the park. Douglas Lodge also offers an accessible two-room suite, that includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Top it off with rustic pine furniture, a fully equipped kitchen and a private screened porch, and you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Stay and Play in Itasca State Park
Lake Bemidji State Park
Next up on the wheelchair-accessible state parks list – Lake Bemidji, which is also located in Minnesota. This park offers a pleasant wheelchair-accessible trail around a bog that’s home to the insect-eating pitcher plant. Accessible overnight accommodations are available in a comfortable camping cabin in a tamarack forest, just a short walk from an accessible shower house. A great park to get out and enjoy Mother Nature.
Stop and Smell the Flowers in Lake Bemidji State Park/
Kodachrome Basin State Park
This Utah state park boasts sweeping desert views with sandstone chimneys rising up from the earth. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible trail, and a drop dead gorgeous scenic drive. And if you want to overnight under the stars, there’s a wheelchair-accessible campsite with a raised tent platform, near a shower house with a roll-in shower in the Basin Campground. Enjoy the dark night sky in this remote campground.
Kodachrome State Park – Utah’s Hidden Gem
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Continuing with our favorite wheelchair-accessible state parks, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers a slightly different recreational experience. Unlike the other parks on the list, this one is largely underwater – on the coral reef. There is a small visitor center and a 30,000 gallon aquarium on the terra-firma, but the big attraction is in and on the water. A wheelchair-accessible glass bottom boats allows non-snorkelers to enjoy the reef; while a wheelchair-accessible vessel takes wheelchair-users and slow walkers snorkeling. It’s a great park to enjoy some fun on and in the water.
Post Irma Update John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Morro Bay State Park
This California coastal state park is a bird watchers delight, as it offers 2,700 acres of woodlands and wetlands habitat. It’s located on the Pacific Flyway, so it attracts a good number of migrants; but there’s also a heron rookery in the park. There’s barrier-free access to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, where you can learn about the flora and fauna in the area, before you hit the trail. The .7-mile Marina Peninsula Trail is a must-do, as this wide level trail skirts the marina and offers plentiful birding opportunities. Take you binoculars and see what you can spot.
Birders of All Abilities Flock to Morro Bay State Park
Eisenhower State Park
Named for the 34th president, Eisenhower State Park is located 30 miles from Topeka on the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills. Not only does it boast several trails for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, but the 1785-acre park also has a nice – and accessible – arboretum. Top it off with a comfortable cabin that can sleep six, that has a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower, and you have the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin in Eastern Kansas State Park
Tonto Natural Bridges State Park
To round out our list of wheelchair-accessible state parks, Tonto Natural Bridges State Park offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers the opportunity to explore a unique natural feature. The massive limestone natural bridge, which was sculpted by wind and water, is located just a short walk from the visitor center. And you can get a good gander at it from several accessible viewpoints. Nearby Goodfellow lodge also offers a wheelchair-accessible suite, which has a bathroom equipped with a transfer-type shower. And since the park closes at 5 pm, lodge guests can enjoy exclusive use of the natural bridge viewpoints to enjoy a scenic sunset.
Historic Arizona State Park Lodge Unveils Access Upgrades
