Favorite Wheelchair-Accessible Attractions and Lodging Options Across the US
Hotel
The Broadmoor
Enjoy The Broadmoor — The Place to Stay in Colorado Springs
Although I’ve stayed at hundreds of accessible hotels over my career, the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs tops my list. Not only do I love their spacious accessible rooms, but there are also paved accessible pathways around the lake on their beautiful grounds. And of course both pools are lift-equipped.
Restaurant
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
Get Your Kicks at These Route 66 Kingman Restaurants
Located in Kingman Arizona, this small Thai restaurant serves up some of the best food I’ve every had. Good access, friendly staff and reasonable prices too.
Campground
Jedediah Smith Campground
www.parks.ca.gov
I love to camp out, but sometimes the campsites are so close that it’s really hard to enjoy that peaceful outdoor experience. That’s why the Jedediah Smith Campground up in Northern California is one of my favorites. They have some nice accessible campsites and showers, and you are literally surrounded by the redwoods in this beautiful state park. A great pick for nature lovers.
National Park
Glacier National Park
Accessible Glacier National Park Sans Car — It is Possible!
Having written a number of access guides to US national parks, I visit them often. And my top pick for access is Glacier National Park. Not only do they have accessible red bus tours, boat excursions, a shuttle system, lodgings and trails there; but it’s one park that wheelchair-users can visit without a car.
Beach
Daytona Beach
www.daytonabeach.com
Although a lot of beaches have sand wheelchairs, beach mats and even power beach wheelchairs available, I’m picking Daytona Beach because the sand is so firm you don’t need any of those adaptations. Not only can you drive your car on the beach, but even the heaviest wheelchairs roll along without any problem.
Cabin
Lake Namakagon Retreat
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin on Scenic Lake Namakagon
Owned by a wheelchair-user, this Wisconsin cabin includes all the basic access features however it also includes some fun water toys. An accessible pontoon boat, kayaks and even an ice fishing house are available, so everyone can have fun on the water (or ice).
Yurt
South Beach State Park
Wheelchair-Accessible Yurts Galore at Oregon’s South Beach State Park
Yurts are all the rage in campgrounds today. These round canvas structures have wood floors and many are wheelchair-accessible. This Oregon pick is one of my favorites because unlike many others, it has an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower, so you don’t have to walk to a nearby showerhouse.
Glamping Experience
Russian River Auto Camp
A Redwood Retreat to Remember
Glamping can take many forms, but this lovely space in a redwood forest in Northern California offers a custom built luxury trailer as well as a large glamping tent. And they both have great wheelchair access.
Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park
Access Upgrades Abound at Mammoth Cave National Park
Caves by their very nature aren’t very wheelchair-accessible, but the folks at Mammoth Cave National Park added an elevator for wheelchair tours. Additionally there are a few accessible trails to enjoy above ground, and the lodge has a nice accessible room.
Museum
Olympic & Paralympic Museum
The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum — Inclusion with a Capital I
I’ve visited many great museums over my career, but this Colorado Springs pick tops my list because of its inclusive nature. While most museums may devote a small gallery or exhibit to disability issues, this museum gives equal time to both the Olympics and the Paralympics. And of course the whole building is wheelchair-accessible.
Rail Excursion
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
www.cvsr.org
Lots of railways offer accessible seating in their cars, but the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad goes one step further. All of the 60 seats in their accessible car can be flipped up to accommodate wheelchair-users. That’s right, a whole car of accessible seats. And the scenic ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great experience — complete with bald eagle sightings.
Inn
Little River Inn
A Romantic Retreat on the Mendocino Coast
If you looking for a romantic getaway on the Northern California coast, then look no further than the Little River Inn. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this Mendocino inn features a spacious accessible room with a roll-in shower, a Jacuzzi tub and a fireplace. And there’s plenty of room to roll out on the large balcony to enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
Historic Hotel
Castaneda
Historic Castaneda Hotel Harvey House Reopens
I’m a huge Harvey House fan, so it’s no surprise that my favorite historic hotel was once a bustling Harvey House. Sadly, over the years the Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, NM fell into disrepair and was abandoned. Today this jewel has been loving restored to it’s former splendor, and it now boasts a nice accessible room with a roll-in shower. And the site of the former Harvey Girls dorm is located just across the street.
Road Trip
Route 66
Route 66 Road Trip
Although I’ve traveled across Interstate 40 (Route 66s replacement) numerous times, my favorite road trip is along one of the still intact original chunks of Route 66. It runs from Topock, Arizona and travels through Oatman, Cool Springs, Hackberry, Kingman, Valentine, Peach Springs and Grand Canyon Caverns, before it ends in historic Seligman. Lots of fun — and accessible — stops along the way, and there’s no shortage of photo ops.
State Park
Itasca State Park
Stay and Play in Itasca State Park
I’ve visited a lot of state parks, but Itasca State Park tops my list for both access and variety. Located in northern Minnesota, it’s the site of the headwaters of the Mississippi River. And not only is there good wheelchair access to that point, but there are a few other trails, a scenic drive and a lodge with a spacious accessible suite.
Quirky Roadside Attraction
National Mustard Museum
mustardmuseum.com
Who would of thought that a museum about mustard could be so much fun? Well, for starters, it was founded by a former Wisconsin Attorney General who carried a small jar of mustard in his pocket as a good luck charm, while he presented his winning argument to the Supreme Court. Need I say more? Today the museum has thousands of jars of mustard from around the world and lots of fun exhibits. And don’t miss the tasting bar.
Favorite Fishing Spot
WOW Boardwalk
Wheelchair-Accessible Colorado Cabins, Boardwalks and Fishing
Next up on my list of favorite wheelchair-accessible attractions and lodging options across the US is the WOW Boardwalk near Kenosha Pass, Colorado. There’s no charge for disabled visitors to fish in the stocked pond or take a hike on the accessible boardwalk. And if you want to spend the night, there’s a minimal charge for the accessible campsites and cabins.
Favorite Fast Food Joint
El Pollo Loco
www.elpolloloco.com
I’m not a huge fast food person, but when I go on the road I love to stop at El Pollo Loco, or as I call it, Crazy Chicken. Unfortunately there are no franchises even close to where I live so this is truly a road trip delight. And they all have accessible parking, barrier-free access and large accessible bathrooms. The food is also pretty tasty.
Viewpoint
Tunnel View
www.nps.gov/yose/
Since I grew up in the mountains close to Yosemite National Park, my favorite viewpoint is located in that park — Tunnel View. It’s located along Wawona Road, right after you exit the tunnel (hence the name). There’s accessible parking and level access to the viewpoint, which offers an expansive view of Yosemite Valley, including one of the best views of Bridal Veil Falls.
Boat Excursion
Spirit of Pennekamp Glass Bottom Boat
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Offers Wheelchair-Accessible Cruises
If you’d like to see the marine life on a coral reef, but don’t want to get wet, then head over to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Spirit of Pennekamp glass bottom boat offers ramp access to the first deck, where wheelchair-users can peer into the ocean through the windows on the bottom of the boat. And there’s also a marine biologist aboard to field questions and point out interesting finds.
Historic Site
Minuteman National Historic Site
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Offers a Glimpse of the Cold War
I was able to check out the Minuteman National Historic Site on a South Dakota road trip. There are actually three separate stops, but I think the silo itself was the most interesting to me. This is where we could of launched those missiles during the Cold War. Glad it didn’t come down to that.
Scenic Drive
Pikes Peak Highway
Drive the Pikes Peak Highway
This Colorado drive is just 19 miles long, but it’s packed full of jaw-dropping views. There are several accessible stops along the route, as it climbs 6,700 feet to the top of Pikes Peak, which has an elevation of 14,115 feet. And on the way down there’s a mandatory brake check station.
Event
Custer Buffalo Roundup
Head Over to the Custer Buffalo Roundup
Held on the last Friday in September, the Custer Buffalo Roundup is a fun fall event. Volunteer wranglers round-up the buffalo herd in Custer State Park for their annual vet check and branding, as the crowd gathers to observe. Throw in a pancake breakfast, an arts fair and live music and you have a fun-filled weekend, You can even spend the night in an accessible cabin in Custer State Park.
Scenic Rest Stop
Orientation Pullout
www.nps.gov/care/
This scenic pullout is located at the East Entrance to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. The facilities are pretty basic — accessible vault toilets and a few interpretive panels — but you just can’t beat the red rock views. You are literally surrounded by the pinnacles, domes and sandstone formations that make this national park a must-stop. And you’ll probably have it all to yourself.
Picnic Area
Navajo Nation Welcome Center Picnic Area
This small picnic area is located next to the Navajo Nation Welcome Center near Monument Valley, on the southeast corner of Highway 163 and Monument Valley Road. There’s level access to the covered picnic tables which offer a panoramic view of Monument Valley, and accessible restrooms are located next door. You can enjoy lunch and get a great Monument Valley view, without having to pay a park entrance fee.
Small Town
Landrum, SC
Small Towns — Landrum, South Carolina
I love small towns, and this little gem is located smack dab in the heart of covered bridge country. You can search out the bridges during the day and then spend the night at the accessible Red Horse Inn. What could possibly be better?
Live Entertainment
Carter Family Fold
Small Towns — Hiltons, Virginia
Last but not least on my list of favorite wheelchair-accessible attractions and lodging options is the category of live entertainment. And the winner is, the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. Located on the AP and Sara Carter homestead, this concert venue only allows acoustic instruments at the Saturday night performances. And there’s plenty of accessible seating up front.
