As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
If a road trip takes you along Highway 281 in Southern Kansa, then be sure and stop for a quick photo op in Pratt. Although there’s not much to the town, they do have have a unique set of water towers. The Hot & Cold Water Towers are located at the intersection of Highway 281 (Main Street) and Green Street. You can get a good view of them from the Pratt Community Center parking lot (which has accessible parking), located just across the street. What supposedly began as a high school prank when students graffitied the towers in the 1940s, led to the town formally adopting — and accepting — the designations, and repainting the towers in a more formal and permanent way. Yes, other towns in Kansas also have similar water towers, but the story behind these sends them to the top of the list.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The Cawker City Twine Ball is definitely off the beaten path, but that’s part of the charm of it all. Located about an hour-and-a-half northwest of Salina, you definitely have to go out of your way to visit this Kansas roadside attraction. It was started by Frank Stoeber in 1953 with sisal twine from his hay bales. Frank had been a bit under the weather and he thought twine winding would be a good way to pass the time. After he recovered, he found he had a new hobby, so he decided to keep it up.
Today this massive twine ball sits in an open-air pavilion on Highway 24 between Maple Street and Lake Drive. Accessible street parking is available on the corner of Highway 24 and Lake Street. There are steps up to the twine pavilion from Highway 24, so it’s best to head up Lake Street and cross over the grassy area next to the building with the mural on front, to get to the twine ball. And depending on the upkeep of the grounds, some wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance bumping up the cement slab where the twine ball sits. Still you can get a good view of it from anywhere on the grass.
And this isn’t a static exhibit — it’s still growing. Every August there’s a twine-a-thon, where visitors are encouraged to add to the twine ball. So if you’re in the area during that time, make plans to become an official twine winder.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If you’re a Kevin Costner fan, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at the Field of Dreams Filming Site on your next road trip to Chicago. The site is located in rural Iowa, about 25 miles west of Dubuque off of Highway 20. It’s pretty easy to find with GPS, and it’s only five miles off the highway, but if you get lost just follow the signs.
There’s good access to the site, which is located on the Lansing family farm. Accessible parking is available near the entrance with level access over to the large gift shop. There’s also good access over to a vantage point of the field itself, and to the restaurant, concession stand and ice cream stand. Admission is free and for the most part, everything is flat, level and accessible. And although this site has been developed a bit since the filming of the 1989 movie, the nearby cornfield helps put it all into perspective. It’s a good stop for movie buffs or anyone who likes baseball.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Most Trekkies know that Captain James T. Kirk hails from Riverside, Iowa; but few folks realize that there’s already a commemorative plaque marking his future birth in this sleepy little Midwestern town. And I say “future”, because as we all know, Star Trek is set in the future, and the popular Enterprise Captain won’t make his blessed appearance until March 22, 2228 (according to The Making of Star Trek, by Gene Roddenberry).
A plaque commemorating the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk is located to the left of City Hall on Greene Street. It was relocated from nearby First Street in 2021. There’s accessible parking in front of City Hall, with a paved pathway over to the plaque,
Trekkies should also visit the Voyage Home Riverside History Center (www.voyagehomemuseum.org), which features a mixture of displays about Star Trek and Riverside. You can’t miss it as there’s a model of the Constitution-class USS Riverside on a trailer in the parking lot. There’s level access to this combination museum and gift shop, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. And while you’re in the area, check out Railroad Park, which is across the street from the museum. Not only does this green space boast a bronze statue of Captain Kirk, but it’s also a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Most folks know that potatoes are the number one crop in Idaho; however many visitors completely pass up an unusual museum that celebrates the origin and versatility of this ubiquitous cash crop. Located in a 1912 railroad station off Interstate 15, this roadside attraction makes a nice diversion on the route between Pocatello and Idaho Falls. You can’t miss it — it’s the only building on Main Street with a giant potato in the front.
There’s accessible parking near the front door, and level access over to the main entrance of the Idaho Potato Museum. Inside there’s plenty room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and ample space for wheelchair seating in the adjacent restaurant.
The exhibits present an excellent history of the spud, tracing its origins back to South America, and illustrating the factors that make Idaho an excellent place to cultivate the crop. Interestingly enough, the timeline also notes that it took western cultures 450 years to realize the advantage of dehydrated potatoes — something that the Incas knew all along. The museum is also filled with display cases that contain collections of potato peelers, potato mashers and even potato sack clothing. And if you’d like a little more education about taters, there’s room for a wheelchair in the small theater where you can view an interesting selection of potato themed videos.
There’s ramped access — although some folks may need a bit of assistance because of the steep pitch — to the second gallery, which includes a collection of machinery, including a potato sorter, a tractor, a potato sack sewing machine and a number of scales. There is also a small children’s hands-on area, but there are five steps up to it. And don’t miss the world’s largest potato crisp, which is 25 inches long and weighs in at 5.4 ounces.
The Idaho Potato Museum also makes a good lunch stop as the cafe serves up a baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, and sandwiches on potato rolls. And if that’s not enough to lure you in, the restored railroad depot is a hidden gem, and certainly worth more than a cursory a drive-by glance.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Tickets are now available for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, which is slated for Saturday June 14, 2025. A eclectic mixture of classical music and cowboy culture, this day-long event celebrates the history, ecology and culture of the last stand of native tallgrass prairie. This years concert will be held at the Evans Family Ranch in Chase County, Kansas. Although the venue changes yearly, great care is always taken to insure this popular event is accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Wheelchair Access at 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills
The Evans Family Ranch is large, and the concert site is located a good distance from the ticket gate. That said, accessible parking will be available to anyone who has a placard, and there will be limited golf cart transportation to the front gate for folks who cannot manage the walk. A special entrance lane will be designated for disabled patrons, where wristbands that allow access to accessible seating and transportation will be available.
Most attendees walk over the rock and dirt covered prairie to the concert site; however accommodations will be in place for folks who can’t manage the walk. A lift-equipped shuttle bus will transport wheelchair-users and slow walkers to the concert site. From there, a separate shuttle will be available to transfer folks with special assistance wristbands between the waiting area, the Patron Tent and the ADA concert area. Accessible porta-potties will also be located throughout the venue.
The Grand Finale
Now in its 20th year, the Symphony in the Flint Hills will celebrate its Grand Finale in 2025. Says Mary Ice, Board Chair of Symphony in the Flint Hills, “This 20th anniversary represents a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and the many possibilities ahead for sharing our mission.”
Gates will open at 1 PM. During the afternoon, lectures and activities will be presented in the tents near the concert site. There will be level access to all tents, where you’ll also find a silent art auction, adult libations, and a scrumptious BBQ dinner with all the trimmings. The sunset concert is the highlight of the day, but plan to arrive in the early afternoon so you can enjoy the other activities.
You’ll never forget the experience of listening to the music of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra set against the backdrop of the tallgrass prairie. As the sun sets, cowboys appear on horseback on the horizon, and then slowly make their way down to the stage area. And when the show nears an end they ride off into the distance. It’s probably the only symphony performance where you’ll feel comfortable in blue jeans and cowboy boots.
And in keeping with tradition, the performance concludes with a rousing sing along of Home on the Range. Afterwards, guests are welcome to linger on and enjoy the night sky, or maybe listen in on the story circle, or indulge in a little dancing. Whatever you choice, you’ll have a full day of fun on the beautiful Kansas prairie.
Advance tickets are required for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, and they can be purchased at symphonyintheflinthills.org. Plan ahead though as tickets go like hotcakes, and this popular event always sells out.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park (www.nps.gov/voya/) was named for the Canadian oarsmen who once navigated the nearby waterways with beaver pelts in tow, on their way to the remote northern trading posts. Largely undeveloped, this secluded national park has a wide variety of natural environments, from hardwood forests and marshes, to rocky outcroppings and pristine lakeshores. The good news is, that even though there are physical obstacles in some areas, it’s still possible to enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National Park getaway.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Voyageurs National Park Cruise
Boarding the cruise boat at Voyageurs National Park, Michigan
Since 40% of the park is composed of water, a good way to see Voyageurs National Park is on a cruise. And although there are several day cruise choices, the Grand Tour, is the best option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
This cruise departs from Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Accessible parking is available at the visitor center, with ramp access up to the front door. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the ticket counter, ranger information desk, gift shop and interpretive exhibits. There’s also barrier-free access to the theater, where a film about the park is shown. Accessible restrooms are located at the far end of the building, and there’s level access to the back deck, which is outfitted with several standard picnic tables.
The dock is located behind the visitor center, at the end of a short level path. There’s ramp access up to the first deck of the boat, but only stairway access to the top deck. Still you get a great view from below as large picture windows line both sides of the boat. There’s also a large accessible head (restroom) on the lower deck.
The 2.5-hour cruise includes lots of wildlife viewing, as the captain cruises close to the shore near bald eagle nests. There’s also a short stop on Little America Island, where gold was discovered in the 1890s. There’s one step down from the boat, and although most of the quarter-mile crushed gravel trail is wide and level, there is a steep section near the end. That said, if you’d like to sit out the short hike, shaded benches are available near the dock.
The Ethnobotanical Garden Trail at Voyageurs National Park
Another way to enjoy a slice of wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National park is to take a hike on one of several accessible trails. The Ethnobotanical Garden Trail, which is just a quarter-mile long, is the shortest accessible trail in the park. This hard-packed dirt trail is located between the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the dock, so it’s a good post-cruise option. This pleasant trail, which is lined with native plants, has a few undulations, but for the most part is fairly level. Best of all, there are several shady nooks along the route, which offer a welcome respite from the midday sun.
The longer Rainy Lake Recreation Trail begins across the street from the visitor center. This 1.7-mile paved multiuse trail parallels County Road 96, and connects to the bicycle trail at the intersection of Highway 11. From there it’s about a 10-mile hike to International Falls. That said, you can get a perfectly lovely view of Rainy Lake from the quarter-mile point, so give it a try even if you can’t do the whole length.
The final accessible trail is located just south of the Ash River Visitor Center on Kabetogama Lake. There’s accessible parking in the small lot, with barrier-free access to the hard-packed dirt trail that leads out to the Kabetogama Lake Overlook. This undulating trail has plenty of level patches, and there are several benches to sit and rest along the way. It’s a beautiful northwoods jaunt along a fern-lined route, and it just a .3-mile round trip hike. You just can’t beat the serene lake view at the overlook; and as an added bonus the drive along County Road 129 out to the trailhead is quite scenic. It’s the perfect way to top off a wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National Park visit.
View from Kabetogama Lake Overlook at Voyageurs National Park
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Population 27,008
Located just off Highway 55 in Northern Mississippi, Oxford is an excellent place to get a little dose of art and culture. As the former home of William Faulkner, the author’s Rowan Oak (www.rowanoak.com) mansion tops the list of Oxford, Mississippi must-sees. Although parking is usually not allowed on the grounds, an exception is made for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And the house itself features barrier-free access on the first floor. Next up is the University of Mississippi Museum which also offers barrier-free access, and is home to the David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Last but not least, plan to stop at the L.Q.C. Lamar House — the former home of the famous congressman who is known for his post Civil War reconciliation efforts. There’s ramp access to the restored home, which includes exhibits about the statesman and his politics. It’s a good way to top off any Oxford cultural visit.
Population 1,307
Fanning Springs is a great place to get away from the city. And there’s no better place to stay than in the Fanning Springs State Park (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park) cabins. One two bedroom cabin is wheelchair-accessible, and it includes a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It also has a large wrap around screened porch that’s furnished with a picnic table, a swing, three rocking chairs and a small side table. And for added comfort on warm evenings, it’s also equipped with ceiling fans. There’s also an accessible boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp, just a short walk from the cabin. The Palmetto Nature Trail, which winds through the forest, may also be doable for some wheelchair-users. And don’t’ miss the 32-mile Nature Coast Trail, which features barrier-free access along its length, with a trailhead just across the street for the state park.
Because of increased visitation to many popular US National Parks, advance entrance reservations are now required during peak visitation periods. These reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov, or by using the mobile app (https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app) or calling (877) 444-6777. They will not be available for purchase at the parks; and visitors who arrive without national park entrance reservations will be turned away. It’s a good idea to print or save a digital copy of your reservation on your phone, as cell service is not available at many national park entrance stations. A photo ID is also required, and it must match the name on the reservation.
Entrance reservations are not required if you have lodging, camping or tour reservations; however you must show confirmation of those reservations at the park entrance. Entrance reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. And if you don’t have a national park pass, you will still need to pay the entrance fee even if you have an entrance reservation. Questions about the entrance reservations can be directed to the specific national park you intend to visit.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 national park entrance reservations.
Mount Rainier National Park
Timed entry reservations are required for visits to the Sunrise Corridor of Mount Rainier National Park, between July 11, 2025 and September 1, 2025 from 7 AM to 5 PM. Reservations will also be required on weekends and holidays from September 2 until the end of the season, (usually mid-October), from 7 AM to 5 PM. Timed entry reservations are good for one day, and they are required in addition to any park passes or entry fees. Reservations are valid for a 2-hour arrival window. You may not enter the area prior to or after your reservation time slot. Once entered, you may stay the entire day and re-enter.
The Sunrise Corridor is located in the northeast corner of the park. It can be accessed by the White River Entrance, which is located on State Route 410. It connects Enumclaw in the north to Yakima in the east. Timed entry reservations for this area of the park are available beginning on May 16, 2025 at the following times listed below.
Booking Window Opens
Arrival Dates
May 16, 2025
July 11 to July 31, 2025
June 6, 2025
August 1 to September 1, 2025
For weekends and holidays after September 2, 2025, reservations will be available seven days in advance. It’s also important to note that road construction in September 2025 may cause delays and closures on Highway 123 (https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/park-construction.htm).
Reservations cost $2. A limited number of timed entry reservations will also be available at 7:00 PM Pacific Time the day prior to the visit. Reservations are only available at www.recreation.gov. They are not available at park entrances. It’s best to print a copy of your reservation, as cell service may not be available at the park entrances.
The Paradise Corridor timed entry program will be paused in 2025, due to construction along that route.
Yosemite National Park
National park entrance reservations are required for peak season in Yosemite National Park in 2025. They are required for visits on the following dates:
May 24, 2025 to May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 15, 2025 to August 15, 2025
August 30, 2025 to September 1, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
These reservations are required for visitors who enter the park between 6 AM and 2 PM. Reservations cost $2 each. They are available at www.recreation.gov, beginning on May 6, 2025 at 8 AM. Additional reservations will be released seven days before the arrival date. These reservations are limited, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. If you don’t have computer access you can call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.
Each reservation is valid for a three-day period, so if you plan to visit the park for more than three days, you will need multiple reservations. Each user is limited to two three-day reservations. Unlike past years, in 2025 you do not need to use the reservation on the first day in order for it to be valid for the whole three days. If you don’t use the reservation until the last day, it’s still valid.
Reservations are also required for everyone who passes through the park, even if you don’t stop in the park.
Visitors who have lodging reservations in the park, or private lodging reservations in Wawona, Yosemite West or Foresta do not need reservations. Visitors who arrive on YARTS or with an authorized tour group do not require reservations. Visitors with a wilderness permit or a Half Dome permit do not need reservations.
Entrance reservations are not required at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance, which is open from sunrise to sunset.
Reservations cannot be sold or given away. The person who made the reservation must be in the vehicle in order to gain entrance. A valid photo ID will be required.
Visitors who have reservations will also have to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid national park pass. A national park pass by itself does not replace the entrance reservation requirement. All visitors will need reservations during the required times.
The number of peak-hours reservations is determined by the number of parking spaces in Yosemite Valley coupled with roadway capacity in the Valley; and correlated with entrance station data from previous years to estimate number of vehicles going to other areas of the park. This is a pilot program and will be adjusted next year.
For more information about Yosemite entrance reservations, visit www.recreation.gov.
Arches National Park
After reviewing the 2024 Arches Timed Entry Reservation Program, some modifications have been made. A Timed Entry Reservation will be required for visitors who enter the park from April 1 to July 6, 2025 and from August 28 to October 31, 2025. Reservations are required between 7 AM and 4 PM during these periods. Reservations will be released in blocks beginning at 8 AM MST on January 2, 2025. They cost $2 each. The reservation blocks are listed below.
April 1-June 30 reservations open January 2 at 8 AM MST
July 1-6 reservations open on February 1 at 8 AM MST
August 28-31 reservations open on March 1 at 8 AM MST
September 1-30 reservations open on April 1 at 8 AM MST
October 1-31 reservations open on May 1 at 8 AM MST
Beginning on March 31, 2025, a limited number of next-day tickets will be available after 7 PM MDT on the day prior to the visit.
Reservations can be made in hourly increments and are only valid for entrance during that hour. Visitors who want to visit the park on two different days will need two different timed entry reservations. Once visitors enter the park, they can stay for the entire day. Ticket holders may also exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket.
Glacier National Park
As in previous years, advance vehicle reservations are required for the most congested areas in Glacier National Park. The 2025 system requires vehicle entrance reservations for visitors traveling over the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road between June 13 and September 28, 2025. These reservations will be required for visits between 7 AM and 3 PM.
Vehicle entrance reservations cost $2. A portion of the vehicle entrance reservations for the West Entrance and the North Fork entrance will be available 120 days in advance beginning February 12, 2025 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time. Beginning on June 12, 2025 the remaining vehicle entrance reservations will be released at 7 PM, the day prior to the visit.
As in 2024, vehicle reservations will not be required to enter Two Medicine Valley or the St. Mary entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2025. Entry may however be restricted (metered) during peak times if the roads become too congested. This usually occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM. Visitors with lodging or tour reservations will be admitted during these restricted times.
The Swiftcurrent area of Many Glacier Valley will be closed to the public in 2025, due to construction projects.
It’s important to note that although visitors with lodging or tour reservations do not need vehicle entrance reservations to enter the park, the lodging or tour reservation must be made for the specific area of the park you plan to visit. For example if you have a reservation in the Apgar Campground, you will be allowed to access that campground; however you will not be allowed to access Going-to-the-Sun Road without a vehicle entrance reservation.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are required to have a timed entry permit to enter the park beginning May 23, 2025. There are two Rocky Mountain Entry Permits.
The Timed Entry Permit will allow access to all areas of the park, except the Bear Lake Corridor. It will be valid from 9 AM to 2 PM. It is required until October 13, 20254. All permits will be timed, and will require the permit holder to enter the park within a 2 hour window.
The Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Permit will allow entry to the Bear Lake Corridor, as well as the rest of the park. It will be valid from 5 AM to 6 PM. It is required until October 19, 2025.
Reservations for the majority of the permits will be released on 8 AM Mountain Time on the following dates.
May 1, 2025 for permits from May 26 to June 30
June 1, 2025 for permits for the month of July
July 1, 2025 for permits for the month of August
August 1, 2025 for permits for the month of September
September 1, 2025 for permits for the month of October
The remaining entry permits will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. the day before the planned visit. Entry reservations cost $2, and if you plan to visit the park more than one day you will need an entry permit for each day.
Carlsbad Caverns
Last but not least on the list of national park entrance reservations is Carlsbad Caverns. Although technically you don’t need a reservation to get in to the park, you do need one if you actually want to see the famous caverns.
Every person — even children — needs a timed ticket to enter the caves. Tickets are good for entrance within the hour specified on the ticket. Late comers will not be admitted, so give yourself plenty of time to travel to the caverns and park.
These tickets are priced at $1 each, and like the park entrance reservations they are only available at www.recreation.gov. And again, make sure you print out your tickets or save a screen shot of them, as cell service is spotty in the park.
Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and get your national park entrance reservations as soon as you make your travel plans.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Main Street
