Candy B. Harrington

About Candy B. Harrington

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.

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european-disability-card

What is a European Disability Card and How Can I Get One?

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What is a European Disability Card and How Can I Get One?

I was reading about a new European Disability Card that offers free admission to museums and other discounts for disabled people. I live in the US but plan to travel to Europe next year. Can you tell me more about this card and give me details on how I can get one?

European Disability Card History

The European Disability Card has been in the news a lot lately, as the European Commission is moving forward with a proposal to create a disability card that is valid throughout the European Union. It’s still a work in progress, but here’s a little history on the project. The European Disability Card was first introduced in 2015. This card, which serves as proof of disability, grants cardholders free or reduced fares on public transport, as well as discounted admission to select cultural events, museums, amusement parks and other attractions. It is currently available in seven European Union countries — Malta, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Slovenia and Romania. It is issued by national authorities and is recognized in the other countries that have a European Disability Card.

Fast forward to 2023. The European Commission introduced a proposal to create a European Disability Card that would be recognized in all European Union countries. This card will be issued by national authorities and will compliment any existing national cards or certificates. This proposal builds on the initial disability card pilot project that was introduced in 2015. A copy of the proposal can be found at:

3445-17288-1-PB Download

Future Plans

In mid-2024 this proposal will be discussed by the European Union Council and the European Parliament. And once adopted it’s estimated that the government will call for the implementation of the national disability card within 2.5 years. So best estimate is that they will be available near the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. And of course if more discussion and changes are required, that time line will be extended. These cards will only be available to European Union residents, so they are not an option for Americans who travel to Europe.

Although policies vary throughout the European Union, most museums and attractions will offer their “disability discount” to people with a visible disability — meaning people who use a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device. That said, some places are sticklers for the rules and require official proof of disability. Many folks have reported success with showing their accessible parking placard, but the US doesn’t have an official “national disability card”. Check with your state to see if they have some sort of certification available. And if they don’t, you may want to ask your doctor for a note certifying the degree of your disability for travel purposes. Keep in mind that this certification is not required for you to travel, but it may give you access to more discounts. For more information on the status of the European Disability Card project, visit ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1139  

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Barrier-Free TravelUtah National Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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america-the-beautiful-access-pass

How to get a Lifetime National Park Pass 

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The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.

It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.

A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass

This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.

This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Military Pass

Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.

Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.

Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.

So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.

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emergy-medical

Emergency Medical Travel — Where Do You Stay When a Loved One is Hospitalized?

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Whenever the word “travel” is mentioned, visions of luxury hotels, family vacations, road trips and maybe even cruises spring to mind. And for that type of travel adventure, advance planning and copious research is essential for anyone with access needs. But there is another type of travel — one that comes around somewhat unexpectedly — where it’s not so easy to make advance plans. It’s called emergency medical travel.

Emergency medical travel may be necessary in the blink of an eye, as you never know when unforeseen medical issues can arise. Where do you stay when a loved one is transported hundreds of miles away from home with a life threatening medical condition? Unfortunately that’s something most folks – myself included – don’t make plans for in advance. That said, it certainly deserves some forethought, especially if you’re a wheelchair-user or slow walker who requires accessible overnight accommodations. Think about it for a moment – what would you do if an unexpected medical emergency befell a loved one and you had to travel with them to seek medical attention?

It All Began With an Ambulance Ride

My story is a pretty typical emergency medical travel saga. My husband required treatment in our local emergency room, and before we knew it we were transported by ambulance to a hospital staffed with the specialists he required, over an hour away. I had the forethought to grab my phone charger, but other than that all I had were the clothes on my back.

The first night was a blur. I slept – or tried to sleep – in a chair beside my husband in the Intensive Care Unit. Suffice it to say, it was a very long night. The next morning a caring nurse asked if I had a place to stay, and I said no. She then referred me the hospital social worker, who connected me to Walden House (kh.org/family-support-services/hospitality-center/).

Walden House is part of the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities of the Inland Northwest; and they offer affordable overnight lodging to people who have loved ones undergoing treatment at Kootenai Health Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It’s just a half-mile from the main hospital building, with free shuttle service back and forth. And the guest rooms are large, comfortable and private; and they even have a closet filled with toiletries. Add in a community kitchen, a spacious great room with a fireplace, and a patio with a bbq and you have some very comfortable digs. All for just $65 per night.

Access-wise, there’s level access to the public areas, a lowered check-in desk, elevator access to the second floor and even an accessible shuttle. Some standard rooms have low step showers with grab bars, and toilet grab bars around the toilet; but they also have an accessible room that’s equipped with a roll-in shower. Truly they thought of everything.

Beyond Walden House

Of course, not everyone will find themselves undergoing emergency treatment in Coeur d’Alene; so as wonderful as Walden House is, you may have to find other options. And in that respect, the first place to look for emergency medical travel lodging options is on the hospital website. Many large hospitals list nearby choices, and although access isn’t mentioned, many times they do take that into consideration when choosing appropriate recommendations.

It’s also a good idea to search the Ronald McDonald House Programs website for a nearby chapter (rmhc.org/find-a-chapter). They generally provide housing for the immediate families of pediatric patients, but they also have adult housing in some locations. The social workers at the hospitals are also good resources. Not only can they direct you to on-campus housing options, but they usually also have a list of nearby hotels that offer discounts. And many of those hotels have their access information online.

And if you need temporary housing because of cancer treatments, Hope Lodge (cancer.org), and Joe’s House (https://www.joeshouse.org/) also have local referrals. Although they don’t list access details on the website, they do have photos.

Finally, a little advance preparation goes a long way. In retrospect I was ill prepared for my husband’s situation; in fact I was lucky I grabbed my phone charger as the EMTs carted him out the door. Ironically I have a detailed emergency fire evacuation list on my refrigerator, should we ever be evacuated (again). That said, I now have an emergency medical “bug-out kit”. It’s a gallon Ziploc bag filed with essential toiletries, meds, and some clean socks and underwear. It’s in my nightstand drawer, and although I hope I never have to use it, it’s there if I do. As they say — better safe than sorry.

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Glacier, Yellowstone
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Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

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If you’ve thought of visiting a Minnesota State Park, but felt you couldn’t navigate the terrain, then check out these loaner track chairs available at Minnesota State Parks. Unlike standard wheelchairs, these power track chairs have tank tracks rather than wheels, and they are excellent for use on inaccessible trails.

There’s no charge to borrow a track chair, but track chair-users will be required to sign a liability waiver. No verification of disability — such as an accessible parking placard or doctor’s note — is required. Although all locations have a transfer board, park staff are not allowed to assist with transfers, so if you can’t transfer independently you’ll need to bring along assistance. And don’t forget to pack along a water bottle and some snacks, as they are not usually available along the more rugged trails.

Advance reservations are required, so call the park directly to make sure the track chair is available on your desired date. Track chairs are available at the following Minnesota State Parks.

Blue Mounds State Park
Luverne, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00121#homepage

Camden State Park
Lynd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00127#homepage

Crow Wing State Park
Brainerd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00139#homepage

Father Hennepin State Park
Isle, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00142#homepage

Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#homepage

Frontenac State Park
Frontenac, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00160#homepage

Itasca State Park
Park Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00205#homepage

Lake Carlos State Park
Carlos, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00211#homepage

McCarthy Beach State Park
Side Lake, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00226#homepage

Maplewood State Park
Pelican Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00229#homepage

Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00175#homepage

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Two Harbors, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00266#homepage

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Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
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ancients-visitor-center-pit

Explore Canyons of the Ancients in a Wheelchair

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Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

Located in Southwestern Colorado, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients) is home to a high density of archeological sites filled with well preserved Native American artifacts. Although many sites on the 170,000 acre preserve lack wheelchair access and are located along dirt and gravel roads, it’s still possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore part of this national treasure.

In fact the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/CANM-visitor-center-museum) is home to a substantial collection of artifacts and interpretive exhibits, as well as two excavated pueblos. And not only is it reachable without a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it also boasts excellent wheelchair access. So pack a picnic lunch, hit the road and enjoy a day immersed in the Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Learn About the Ancestral Puebloans

Pit House exhibit in the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is located on Highway 184 in Dolores, which is about 10 miles northeast of Cortez. There’s accessible parking in the large lot, with ramp access up to the museum. A wheelchair is available for loan at the front desk, and there are also wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the building. And although there’s a small admission fee, there’s no charge for folks with an America the Beautiful Access Pass.

There’s level access to the theater, with plenty of room for wheelchairs on the sides. Two films are shown throughout the day. One presents two perspectives of the Four Corners area — from both archaeologists and Native Americans; while the other focuses on how to visit the sites with respect.

The bulk of the exhibits in this excellent archaeological museum focus on the Ancestral Puebloans and the historic cultures of the Four Corners Area. Once called the Anasazi, their civilization flourished for about 700 years and then mysteriously disappeared around the late 1200s. Exhibits include a large collection of baskets, pottery, weapons and knife blades, along with a large model of a two story pithouse. There’s barrier-free access throughout the galleries, and lift access to both levels of the pithouse.

A good chunk of the exhibits are devoted to archeological digs done in the area, and they include descriptions of the work at the sites, and artifacts excavated from them. There are lots of hands-on exhibits about the general work of archaeologists, and displays about how sites are excavated. And there are even real artifacts excavated from Ancestral Puebloan sites that you can pick up and touch. It’s a very comprehensive museum, with excellent wheelchair access.

Visit the Pueblos

The Escalante Pueblo Ruins

In addition to the museum, there are also two pueblos to explore at this site. These multi-room units sometimes had more than one story, and included a subterranean ceremonial chamber, or kiva.

The Dominguez Pueblo is located along an accessible level path, right outside the museum. Although it dates back to 1123, it wasn’t excavated until the 1970s. It’s named for one of a pair of Spanish explorers who discovered other Puebloan ruins in the area. This four-room structure is believed to have been home to two families. A kiva was also discovered during the excavation, however it was later backfilled in order to protect the integrity of that fragile structure.

The Escalante Pueblo is located about a half-mile from the museum, along a paved trail. Although the trail was built to ADA standards, it’s uphill with level stretches to rest along the way. Benches and interpretive plaques dot the trail, and there’s level access to several ramadas which have standard picnic tables near the beginning of the trail. The trail is quite doable for power wheelchair-users, but manual wheelchair-users may need some assistance in a few places. The trail gradually climbs to the top of the hill, and offers some nice views of the countryside along the way.

There are level trails around the Escalante Pueblo, and a number of interpretive plaques offer insight to the former residents. This larger communal dwelling was also excavated in the 1970s, and it contains at least 20 rooms and a kiva. It’s believed to have been constructed in 1129, but it was subsequently occupied by two other groups in 1150 and 1200. There’s level access over to a nearby shade structure, and there’s also an excellent view of the reservoir from this hilltop perch. It’s a great way to end a Canyons of the Ancients visit!

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Wondering about Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks? Check Out This Comprehensive Access Guide

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If you’re planning a Western States road trip and are wondering about wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, then be sure and pick up a copy of Candy B. Harrington’s newest access guide, Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Be it a three-day getaway to a single park, or a two-week adventure to all three national parks, this handy resource includes the detailed information and authoritative resources needed to help slow walkers and wheelchair-users plan the perfect visit.

Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton

This comprehensive second edition includes:

  • Accessible trail and attraction information
  • Photos and access details of all in-park lodges
  • Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
  • Barrier-free campgrounds
  • Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
  • Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
  • Insider access tips
  • Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
  • National park discounted pass information

This inclusive title is the most recent addition to Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, stroller moms will also appreciate the access information in this guide. It will help everyone plan a truly accessible Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Park road trip.

Says Harrington, “I’m especially excited about the accessible lodging improvements since the first edition of this title. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside of the parks, there are some excellent accessible choices at two new properties — William Bridger Cabins in Gardiner and West Glacier Cabin Village.”

According to Harrington, park concessionaires are placing an increased emphasis on accessibility. “From Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating, there really are a lot of options for slow walkers and wheelchair-users in the parks,” she notes.

For more information wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, visit emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/ and order your copy of Harrington’s newest access guide today.

Barrier-Free TravelYosemite, Sequoia and Kings CanyonNational Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
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budapest

Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation in Budapest

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If you’re looking for wheelchair-accessible transportation in Budapest, then look no further than Paratrans (paratrans.hu/en). This local company can provide an accessible vehicle with a driver who is familiar with the city, for airport or rail station transfers as well as city excursions. Their Renault Master is outfitted with a ramp and tie downs, and it can accommodate three wheelchair-users and five additional passengers. And if you need room for another wheelchair, it can be reconfigured to accommodate four wheelchair-users and four additional passengers. For more information about wheelchair-accessible transportation options in Budapest, call Paratrans at +36 30 900 1603 or e-mail them at info@paratrans.hu.

netherlandss-garden

Wheelchair-Accessible Netherlands Tours

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Wheelchair-accessible Netherlands tours are available through AmsterdaMobile (amsterdamobile.com/en/), a Dutch travel agency that was established in 2019. These tours are customized to each participant’s needs and interests, and many tours utilize wheelchair-accessible taxis. Other tours are barrier-free walking and rolling tours, which meet at agreed upon starting points. The agency can also arrange for accessible transfers, hotel reservations and the rental of mobility aids. Favorite accessible Amsterdam tours include a visit to the Van Gough Museum or an Amsterdam Canal cruise. Accessible tours to neighboring cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Delft and Leiden are also available. And they can also arrange an accessible tour to the colorful Keukenhof Gardens, in season. The AmsterdaMobile website includes a full description of all the wheelchair-accessible Netherlands tours, along with detailed access information. For more information about AmsterdaMobile call +31 6 15204812 or fill out the form on their website.

Cpl. Allison Beiswanger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How Can I Train My Dog to be a Service Animal?

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I use a manual wheelchair and I’d like to train my dog to be a service animal so I can travel with him. There are so many places that offer training, certification and registration online, and I really have no idea of where to go. Can you recommend some certified trainers or schools, and also direct me to the official place to register my dog as a service animal?

Service Animal Training Resources

Service dogs help people in wheelchairs do a number of things. They can pick up things, open and close automatic doors, carry items, turn on lights and even retrieve a wheelchair that’s out of reach. That said, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no official training, certification or registration is required for a dog to be considered a service animal. The only requirement is that the animal must perform a task or tasks to assist a person with a disability.

You can certainly self-train your dog to perform tasks to assist you — at home and when you travel. A good way to find an experienced trainer to work with you is to contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) and ask them for referrals to trainers that have worked with their clients. CILs are located throughout the US and they offer excellent disability-related resources. Here’s a directory to find one near you. ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory

There are also a number of reputable organizations that train service dogs and then pair them with folks who need them. These organizations usually begin with puppies and the training takes almost two years. After graduation each dog is paired with a person with a disability, and the team then undergoes additional training at the organization’s facility. Financial aid is usually available, and some service dog organizations operate as non-profits and provide the animals to qualified applicants at no charge. The wait for these animals can be several years; however since you want to train your own dog, these organizations aren’t a viable option for you.

Red Flags!

Finally, there are a number of websites that offer service dog certification, registration and equipment. In most cases you should steer clear of these sites, which are more commonly known as card mills. For a fee they will give you a card that says your dog is a service animal, add them to their registry and even send them a vest or a harness. Although there’s nothing technically illegal about this, it’s an unnecessary expense because in most cases you don’t need any official certification, registration or even a card for your dog to be classified as a service animal. Some of these websites also offer to certify dogs as emotional support animals, which are not recognized under the ADA or the Air Carrier Access Act (which governs accessible air travel).

It should also be noted that under the ADA, service animals are not required to wear tags, vests or harnesses that identify them as service animals. All that’s needed is the verbal assurance that the animal preforms tasks for an individual with a disability. Finally, be especially skeptical of any site that claims they are the “official service animal registry”, because according to the ADA there is no such thing.

I’m sure you’ll do a good job training your dog, and in the end you’ll have a great helper.

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Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

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Museum of Colorado Prisons

There’s something more than a bit unsettling about visiting a museum that’s located within spitting distance of a territorial prison. Be it the razor wire, the guard towers or the overly secure gates, it just doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Add in some of the grizzly artifacts in the Museum of Colorado Prisons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Museum%20of%20Colorado%20Prisons/255235554627336/), and you’ll get a definite chill up your spine. That said this Canon City favorite is definitely worth a visit, as not only does it present a comprehensive history of the Colorado prison system, but it also manages to inject a bit of humanity into the mix.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons

Located in historic Cell House 4, the museum building once housed female inmates. And although it’s a historic building that dates back to 1935, they’ve done a pretty good job with access. There’s stairway access in front, but there’s a ramped entrance and accessible parking in back. Just ring the buzzer and someone will open the door. To view the downstairs gallery, go out the back entrance and roll around the building on the level sidewalk to the accessible lower front entrance. And while you’re in front, don’t forget to have a look at the vintage gas chamber exhibit.

Gas Chamber at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Upstairs there’s level access down the cellblock corridor, where there are artifacts from the old prison system, vintage prison garb, inmate art, and lots of photos. Some of the cells also contain themed exhibits, and although they may be a bit tight for power wheelchair-users, you can still get a pretty good overview of the exhibits from the hallway. Some of the themed exhibits feature details about escape attempts, behavioral control, executions, and the prison section of the public cemetery known as Woodpecker Hill. There’s also a large collection of contraband, skillfully crafted prison weapons, and more than a few creepy prisoner creations.

Inmate Artwork on display at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Downstairs there’s barrier-free access to most of the former kitchen and dining hall, which is filled with more exhibits. The exception is the small laundry area which has a few steps up; although you can still peer into it. Perhaps the most memorable artifact is the jumpsuit worn by an inmate in the Labor Day 2018 escape, that took place while people were visiting the museum. Imagine looking at a collection of prison weapons, then glancing up to see a prisoner scaling the adjoining prison wall. Fortunately the escapees were caught a few hours later.

Haunted or Haunting?

To be honest, it’s hard to go through this museum without having a chill or two run up your spine. And if you think you may be overreacting or perhaps the victim of an overactive imagination, then think again. The Museum of Colorado Prisons has been singled out as one of the most haunted sites in the state by many paranormal organizations. And in fact ghost hunts and haunted tours are held there throughout the year.

So why is it haunted? Well first off, it’s in close proximity to an active prison that dates back to 1871, where torture, floggings and other brutal practices were commonplace. And then there were the executions, which were far from humane. Take the automatic hangman for example. This tool was designed to relieve the guards of guilt from pulling the trap door lever at hangings. Instead, the device was activated when the prisoner stepped on the platform, and a weight slowly triggered the mechanism that controlled the trap door.

And of course there’s no shortage of weapons on display in the museum, many of which were possibly used to brutally end a person’s life – be it an inmate or a guard.

Is the Museum of Colorado Prisons haunted or just haunting? Who knows; but as one museum employee shared, “I’m sure there are some spirits here. I often hear noises, footsteps and sometimes whistling when I’m here alone. And I know I’m not imagining that.“ Either way, this often overlooked attraction is definitely worth a stop. Is it really haunted? Judge for yourself on your next Canon City visit.

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