Despite its foreboding name, Dead Horse Ranch State Park (https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse) is a pleasant place to visit. The unfortunate moniker comes from the Ireys family who came west in search of a better life in the 1940s. After several days of hunting for the perfect ranch, Mr. Ireys asked his kids which place they liked best. The children excitedly replied, “The one with the dead horse in front of it, dad.” And with that response, the family found a new home, and subsequently renamed it to mark the momentous occasion.
Thirty years later, when Arizona State Parks acquired the parcel, retention of the colorful name was a condition of the sale. Today there’s nary a dead horse in sight at this northern Arizona State Park. Instead you’ll find 423 acres filled with accessible trails, fishing and birding opportunities, and comfortable camping cabins. And since it’s just a one-hour hop off Interstate 40 from Flagstaff, it also makes a nice stop on a Grand Canyon visit, or even on a longer western national park road trip (emerginghorizons.com/western-national-park-road-trip-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/).
A Birding Hot Spot
Juvenile American Bittern at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a prime birding spot in the spring and fall, and the headquarters for the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival in late April. A word of warning though — it’s too hot for birds or humans during the stifling summer months, so plan your visit accordingly. On the plus side, 180 bird species have been spotted in the park during the prime seasons, including loons, herons, egrets, eagles, hawks, hummingbirds, kingfishers, swallows and ducks.
The best place to get a glance of the avian residents is on the Canopy Trail, which begins in the day use area. Accessible parking is located near the trailhead, and although it’s a short walk from the cabins, there are stairs and other obstacles along the way, so it’s best to drive.
Canopy Trail at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
The quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail has a hard-packed dirt surface and is covered in crushed granite. The wide level trail winds under a cottonwood canopy, so there’s also plenty of shade along the way. About half-way along the loop there’s a picnic table and a large collection of chairs under an enormous cottonwood tree. There are also a number of hummingbird feeders in the area, so it’s the ideal place to just sit back and wait for the birds to appear. And if you’d like to pack along a picnic lunch, there are also sheltered picnic tables on a cement pad near the accessible restrooms in the parking lot.
Visit the Lagoons
Fishing Pier on the Lagoon at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Another must-see in the park are the three lagoons located near the end of the main park road. Filled with water from the Verde River, these lagoons are stocked with catfish and trout, and feature accessible trails around them. The trail around the west lagoon is a third-mile long, while the trail around the middle lagoon measures nearly a half-mile. And if you’d prefer a three-quarter mile scenic stroll, then the trail around the east lagoon is just what the doctor ordered.
There’s plenty of accessible parking around all of the lagoons, with barrier-free access to the lagoon trails, which also act as levees. The trails are wide, level and composed of hard-packed dirt, and they are shaded by the trees along the shore. There are also several accessible fishing piers on each lagoon, that offer roll-on access and lowered rails. Additionally if you’d like a longer walk, the trails connect, so you can plan a round-trip hike around all three lagoons.
Spend the Night at Dead Horse Ranch
Antelope Cabin at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
If you’d like to spend the night in the park, the camping cabins are a nice wheelchair-accessible choice. The cabins are pretty basic, but a definite step up from pitching a tent. Cabin 1 has a paved parking area in front, with level access up to the front porch.
There’s a wide doorway and adequate wheelchair clearance inside the cabin. It’s furnished with a set of bunk beds and a double bed, a chest of drawers, a table and four chairs. The bunk bed is 17 inches high, while the double bed is 23 inches high; and they both offer wheelchair access on one side. Additionally, the chairs can be easily stowed on hooks when not in use, which frees up more floor space. The cabin also has electricity, overhead lights and an air conditioner.
Inside the Cabin 1 at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Outside there’s a picnic table on a level grassy area next to the cabin. There is also a fire grill near the table, and a bench on the porch. Cabins 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 also have the same accessibility features.
The bathhouse is located a short walk away along the paved road. The large family restroom includes a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench and grab bars, plus a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink. . There’s no hand-held showerhead; and as a water conservation measure a one-to-two minute water spurt is released when the shower knob is pressed. Still it’s doable for most folks.
Bathhouse near Cabin 1 in Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
In the end, no matter if you overnight or just stop by for the day, this often overlooked Arizona state park is a definite must-see.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Route 66 — which ran from Chicago to Los Angeles — was given its official numerical designation in 1927. Back then it was just a new moniker for a network of roads that crisscrossed the nation. As Americans embraced road trips in the early 1930s, the route blossomed. Motor courts, diners and roadside attractions sprung up along the way, and business was booming. Nicknamed the Mother Road by John Steinbeck, Route 66 also beckoned Dust Bowl residents to head west in search of prosperity.
Today this historic route has been largely replaced by Interstate 40, however it’s still possible to drive along a few sections of the original Mother Road in Arizona. And although it’s a historic route, it’s still a viable option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So hop off the interstate on your next drive through the Grand Canyon State, and experience a taste of a wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip.
The Oatman Highway
Burro in Oatman, Arizona
This historic route begins on the Oatman Highway. Just take the Topock exit from Interstate 40 after you cross over the Colorado River and enter Arizona. This part of your wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip winds through the Black Mountains, crosses Sitgreaves Pass and offers remnants of a bygone era.
Oatman (www.oatmangoldroad.org), which was founded in 1906 to support nearby gold mining camps, is located 35 miles up the road. Today the town celebrates its rough and tumble past and retains a distinctive wild west flavor. Daily gunfights are held in front of the Oatman Hotel (check the town website for times). Accessible parking is located near the Post Office and there are accessible public restrooms on the east end of town.
And then there are the burros. Years ago the miners used burros to work the gold mines, and today their descendants roam the streets of Oatman. A word of warning — watch were you walk or roll because there are a lot of them. And if you’d like to feed them, there’s no shortage of places that sell burro food. All in all, Oatman is a fun stop, and although some of the shops have steps, there are also restaurants, stores and attractions that have level access.
After you leave town, the narrow road winds up to Sitgreaves Pass. Hairpin turns and sheer drop-offs are the norm on this stretch of the route, and there’s also a noticeable lack of guard rails along the way. On the plus side, there’s no shortage of spectacular windshield views, including one at the summit, and another on the way down near the Mile-30 marker.
Cool Springs
Cool Springs, Arizona
As you continue on this wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip, the road winds down Gold Hill and passes the remnants of Ed’s Camp, before it reaches Cool Springs. Barely a wide spot in the road, this rest stop was a welcome sight to road weary travelers back in the day. Hollywood also discovered it in 1992, when it was used as a filming location for Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Universal Soldier. Sadly it was demolished in the final scenes of the movie; however it was later sold and rebuilt to resemble the original 1926 incarnation.
Parking is available in a level dirt area, with barrier-free access to the main entrance of the gift shop and museum. And even though there is one step inside, there’s also access to the raised area of the building from a second accessible entrance.
The makeshift museum offers up a quirky collection of found objects that includes everything from an old gas pump and tools, to oil cans, photos, toys and even vintage post cards. There’s also a t-shirt shop, jewelry counter and a decent selection of Route 66 souvenirs peppered around the memorabilia. Outside, there’s an old 1935 rusted out Nash Sedan to the left of the store. And of course the old gas pump which rests under a restored stone canopy.
Kingman
The Powerhouse Museum in Kingman, Arizona
It’s about a 25-minute drive from Cool Springs to Kingman — the largest city on this wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip. The road straightens out and parallels Interstate 40 before it enters town. After that, it turns to the right at the Powerhouse, and becomes Andy Devine Avenue.
The Powerhouse is definitely worth a stop as it’s home to the Powerhouse Route 66 Museum (www.explorekingman.com/attraction-Powerhouse-Route-66-Museum).
There’s elevator access to this kitschy museum, which is located on the second floor. Highlights include information on the Dust Bowl immigrants and the origin of the ubiquitous Burma shave signs. The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona also has a room filled with exhibits and information about the era. Top it all off with a 1950 Studebaker, and some vintage storefronts, and you get a real feel for the era.
And if you’d like to grab a bit to eat in a nostalgic diner, then stop in at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, which is just across the street. Accessible parking is on the side with level access to this retro eatery, which is famous for their burgers and ice cream confections.
After lunch, continue east on Andy Devine Avenue. After you pass the airport, the road narrows to two lanes and transitions to the remnants of Route 66. Along the way you’ll pass vintage Burma Shave billboards, roadside attractions and some fun photo ops. As an added bonus, this section of your wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip is fairly level and straight.
Hackberry
The Hackberry General Store
About a half-hour down the road you’ll come upon Hackberry, home of the Hackberry General Store (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043125116622). This restored building features a vintage gas station, a souvenir shop and another great photo opportunity. There’s just a dirt parking area in front, but it is level and there’s usually plenty of room to parallel park an adapted vehicle.
Outside, there’s a treasure trove of memorabilia including some rusted out old cars, signs, tools and even a mock-up of a vintage garage. There’s level access to the store which offers souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks. And although the restrooms are not accessible, the men’s room is worth a look as it’s tastefully decorated with vintage pinup posters. Even if you can’t go all the way in, take a gander at the interior from the doorway.
Valentine
Accessible Tram at Keepers of the Wild Animal Park
The tiny hamlet of Valentine is just five miles up the road. If the landscape along this stretch of the road looks familiar, it’s because the tire change scene from Easy Rider was filmed there. Although there are a few remnants of an old hotel and gas station in Valentine, the big attraction is Keepers of the Wild (www.keepersofthewild.org).
Keepers of the Wild houses over 150 exotic and indigenous animals that were rescued or abandoned. This non-profit animal sanctuary has a strict no breeding policy, with a strong focus on advocacy, education and protection. As part of their educational outreach, the facility is open to the public, and all admission fees go directly to the care of the animals.
Although visitors are welcome to walk around the sanctuary and check out all the habitats, the best way to learn about the animal residents is to also book a Guided Safari Tour. The standard safari tour vehicles are not wheelchair-accessible, but an open-air wheelchair accessible tram is used for wheelchair-users. There’s room for two wheelchairs aboard the the tram, and it’s also a good option for slow walkers who can’t access the traditional safari vehicle.
The tram tours are conducted several times each day; however the prime tour time is at 3:30, as that’s feeding time for the animals. The tour guides are great about pointing out natural animal behaviors and answering questions, but they also tell fascinating tales about how some of the current residents came to the facility. Save some time to explore the sanctuary on your own too. Some of the lower dirt pathways are accessible in good weather. It’s a great attraction, and the staff is well versed in access issues.
Peach Springs
Hualapai Cultural Center in Peach Springs, Arizona
Next up on your wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip is Peach Springs, which is just 20 minutes east of Valentine. Located on Hualapai land, it boasts a hotel, a restaurant, a gas station, a cultural center, and a few vintage buildings.
Built on the site of the Qumacho Cafe, the Hualapai Cultural Center may be of interest to some folks. Accessible parking is available on a concrete slab on the left of the building, with level access to the front door. Although there’s no formal tour, the receptionist is happy to show visitors around and answer questions. The cultural center features a nice collection of native artwork, as well as baskets, pottery and other items created by the young people of the tribe.
Remnants of the past can be seen at the Osterman Gas Station, which is located between the Hualapai Cultural Center and Hualapai Lodge. This former Shell station, which was built by Oscar Osterman in the 1920s, did a robust business during the boom days of Route 66. Sadly when the Mother Road was decommissioned, business died off and eventually the business was closed. The building was placed on the National Register in 2012.
Located across the street from the historic Osterman Gas Station, Walapai Market features level access and includes a deli, a bakery and a wide selection of grocery items. And, if you’d prefer to sit down and take a break, the Diamond Creek Restaurant at nearby Hualapai Lodge offers a menu filled with Native American specialties and traditional American favorites. Either way, you won’t go away hungry.
Grand Canyon Caverns
Grand Canyon Caverns
Grand Canyon Caverns (gccaverns.com) which is just 10 minutes down the road is also worth a stop. A large sign marks the entrance to the mile-long flag-lined road that leads to this family-owned attraction. Take a few minutes to have a look at the vintage automobiles near the beginning of the road that’s aptly named Radiator Springs.
Although there’s no accessible parking at Grand Canyon Caverns, the large lot is paved, and there’s usually plenty of room to parallel park an adapted van. And don’t forget to snap a photo of the large dinosaur that guards the entrance to this vintage attraction. From the parking area, there’s level access over to the ramped entry to the restaurant, and barrier-free access to the ticket counter next door.
Although none of the cavern tours are technically wheelchair-accessible, the 45-minute guided tour may work for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This tour travels about a quarter-mile on paved trails, and although manual wheelchair-users may need some assistance with some of the grades, it’s doable for some folks. There’s elevator access down to the cavern entrance, and although there are 15 steps at the beginning of the tour, there’s also an alternate step-free route. It’s best to check the website before making plans as the tours are not always offered, but it’s still a fun stop without the tour.
Even if you don’t do the tour, be sure and stop in for a bite to eat at The Caverns Grill, which offers a nice selection of homestyle meals and of course cheeseburgers, fries and yummy desserts.
Seligman
“Downtown” Seligman, Arizona
Known as the birthplace of the “preserve Route 66 movement”, Seligman (seligmanazchamber.com/visit-seligman) is located about a half-hour from Grand Canyon Caverns, at the end of the east section of Route 66. It’s the home town of Angel Delgadillo, the founder of the Historic Route 66 Association, and the man who spearheaded efforts to restore part of the Mother Road.
Street parking is the norm in Seligman; but the good news is that sidewalks and curb-cuts have been added for better access. Many of the historic buildings have been converted to gift shops, and although a few have a step or two at the entrance, a good number of them also offer level access. It’s fun to just stroll down the street and look at the different storefronts. Make sure and stop in at Degadillo’s Snow Cap (www.facebook.com/p/Delgadillos-Snow-Cap-100063560350919/) which was built from scrap lumber by Juan Delgadillo in 1953. There’s level access from the street to the counter — where you can place your order — and plenty of room for a wheelchair or scooter on the large patio dining area.
There’s also a nice collection of vintage cars behind the restaurant in a level area, as well as more tables for overflow dining. From Seligman, you can easily hop back on Interstate 40 and continue your drive through Arizona. And if you’re headed to the Grand Canyon (emerginghorizons.com/grand-canyon-national-park/), it’s less than two hours away from the end of this wheelchair-accessible Route 66 road trip detour.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
In 1993 Artist Olin Calk crafted this Recycled Roadrunner at the Las Cruces Foothills Landfill, out of junk salvaged from the dump. It was meant to call attention to “consumption, recycling, and just looking at stuff we throw away.” In 2001 the old junk was stripped away and replaced with new junk, and the bird was relocated to a rest area off Interstate 10. Sadly the harsh desert climate took a toll on the old bird, and in 2014 it was once again refurbished. This time the bird was covered with “new salvage” from recycling centers and thrift stores.
Today the 20-foot tall and 40-foot long Recycled Roadrunner is once again an icon along Interstate 10. Although you can see it from the highway, you can only get a closer look at it from the eastbound rest area. Just take exit 135 and follow the road around to the picnic shelters. Accessible parking is available near the restrooms, and the best view of the roadrunner can be had from the first picnic shelter. Alternatively you can roll out on the dirt for a better view (watch for rattle snakes), but the optimal view of this work of art is actually from afar.
This well curated little museum, which is located along historic Route 66, is well worth a stop on any Interstate 40 road trip. There’s accessible parking next to the museum, with level access to the building. Inside, there’s plenty of room to wheel around the large gallery filled with vintage cars, old signs, Route 66 memorabilia and the largest public collection of Route 66 photographs in the US. Photographer Michael Campanelli’s images line the walls, and take visitors on a virtual Route 66 tour from California to Illinois. The cars, which are from local collections, are rotated throughout the season; and the volunteers that staff the museum are very knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – about Route 66. This nostalgic roadside attraction is open limited, so check the website for the current operating schedule to avoid disappointment.
19 Carlsbad Cavern Highway Whites City, New Mexico
Although they seem a bit out of place, these Green Aliens sit in front of Whites City Information Center, just off Highway 7, on the way to Carlsbad Caverns. There’s no interpretive plaque at the site; however locals say that the they are a tribute to the old Million Dollar Museum which formerly occupied the space, and had an “alien baby” on display. Today the aliens offer a good photo op on the way to New Mexico’s only national park. Accessible parking is located in front of the post office, with level access over to the aliens next door. It’s a fun stop, especially if you have kids in tow.
A must-stop along Interstate 40 is the Giant Kachina in Gallup, NM. At one time this classic Route 66 icon welcomed weary travelers to Gallup, but sadly the welcome signs are gone today. Just take exit 22 from Interstate 40, drive north on Ford Drive, then make a left on Montoya Boulevard. The statue is on the right, next door to the Fire Prevention Office, There’s plenty of room to park, and a nice level area to get out and take in this beauty. There are even a few covered picnic tables in the parking lot if you’d like to take a longer break. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the historic El Rancho Hotel.
1000 E. Route 66 Gallup, NM elranchohotelgallup.com
Built in 1936, the El Rancho Hotel entices prospective guests with the phrase “The charm of yesterday and the conveniences of tomorrow” emblazoned across its front portal. The main building is constructed largely of brick, with stone and wood finishing touches. Inside it’s like a step back into another century – from the vintage shoe shine stand to the cigarette machine near the front door. Add in the lush bordello-like furnishings and the massive wood staircase, and you have a real blast from the past.
And even though access wasn’t an issue when the property was built, there’s an accessible parking space near the front entrance, with curb-cut access up to the porch. From there, it’s an easy roll inside the lobby. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant on site, if you’d like to extend your stay. Unfortunately the elevator up to the mezzanine gallery looks like it hasn’t worked for decades, so the only way to view the portraits of the stars that stayed there is to climb the stairs. Still, it’s worth a quick stop just to see the outside of the building and the front lobby, which has a few display cases filled with film memorabilia. And it goes without saying, that it’s a must-see for movie buffs, as the El Rancho Hotel was once home bas to the movie stars that filmed westerns in the area. .
This life-size Brontosaurus Family can be found just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Believed to be the work of the late Larry Wilson who made a name for himself by crafting dinosaurs out of polyurethane foam, this out-of-the-way roadside attraction is a bit tricky to find, but well worth the effort.
From Interstate 25, take exit 278, then go south on Highway 14. Turn left at the first light (Rancho Viejo Boulevard), then go left at the Bureau of Land Management sign on Dinosaur Way. The family is located about a mile down the road on the right, next to a green metal building at M&M Garage Door & Gates. The sculptures are located on private property but there is a level grassy pullout along the road where you can get a good look at them. There’s no accessible parking or pathway to the sculptures, but truly there’s a great windshield view from the pullout. As an added bonus, there’s also a T-rex busting out of the adjacent metal building, which made the news in 2001, when the sculptor put an Osama bin Laden dummy in its jaw. This roadside attraction is just a short detour off the highway, and a definite must-see on the drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Located just outside Omaha, Boys Town was the dream-come-true of Father Flanagan. He began his home for orphaned and neglected boys with just $90 of borrowed capital in 1917. Today the Omaha campus is just one of many across America.
The campus itself is open for self-guided tours, but the real roadside attraction draw at this stop is located in the Visitor Center. That’s where you’ll find the World’s Largest Ball of Stamps in the Leon Myers Stamp Center.
There’s accessible parking in the Visitor Center lot, with ramp access up to the building. Inside, there’s barrier-free access to the information desk, and the sizable gift shop. The small stamp museum is located inside the gift shop, but if you can’t find it, just ask, as the employees are very helpful.
The stamp museum contains a number of themed displays that highlight stamps depicting children from around the world; but the piece de resistance is located in a small alcove in the back of the museum. The 600-pound stamp ball, which was crafted by students, is composed of over 4 million stamps and is recognized by Guinness as the World’s Largest Stamp Ball. The stamp collage in the background is an impressive piece on its own, but the stamp ball definitely takes center stage.
As an added bonus, if you are collector you can pick up foreign and domestic stamps for just a penny a piece at a small table near the stamp ball. Of course there is one caveat – “Please don’t add stamps to the stamp ball.”
Located near the eastern terminus of the Outlaw Scenic Byway, this collection of vintage windmills is must-see on any Cornhusker State road trip. The open-air museum features nearly 30 windmills that date back to 1880 – 1930, many of which are in working condition. This quirky roadside attraction was made possible by the local Leonard Gill Family, in an effort to preserve a piece of prairie heritage.
Most of the windmills are from the Howard and Barvetla McLain Collection of Carroll, Nebraska. They were moved to the site and restored by Marvin Baker of Pender, Nebraska. In some cases restoration was an arduous process, as parts had to be fabricated, because they were no longer available commercially. The result is an impressive and very rare exhibition of what’s billed as one of the finest collections of vintage windmills in the world.
The windmills are located on the south side of Highway 20, in front of the LP Gill Landfill. There’s no real parking area, but there is a wide level dirt space where you can pull over to get a better view of the site. In dry weather it’s possible to walk around the grassy area where the windmills are planted, but after a rain it can get pretty muddy. Even if you can’t manage the walk over the grass, it’s still worth a stop to catch a panoramic view of the windmills on the horizon. It’s an impressive sight indeed.
Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Lee’s Restaurant first opened in 1945 as a twelve-seat beer joint. Apparently one of the regulars got a hankering for fried chicken, so Alice Lee went out back, slaughtered one and fried it up. And although they’ve added burgers, sandwiches and even lobster to the menu over the years, people still come for miles for their yummy fried chicken. No matter when you go, you’ll find the place filled with locals — a sure sign you’ve made the right dining choice. To add to the quaint atmosphere. there’s even a piano player who takes requests. There’s accessible parking in the lot, with level access to the building. Just take exit 397 off Highway 77, drive two miles west and look for the big chicken. You can’t miss it!
No trip through the Cornhusker State is complete without a stop at Carhenge, located about three miles north of Alliance on County Road 59. Not to be confused with Cadillac Ranch <link to Cadillac ranch entry>, this structure was built to replicate Stonehenge in England. It was erected at a 1987 family reunion, as a memorial to Jim Reinders’ father, and was appropriately dedicated during the summer solstice later that year.
The cars that comprise the sculpture are largely from the 50s and 60s and they are all American made. Previously there were three foreign models included, but they have since been removed and buried at the site. The circle of implanted cars replicates the placement of 38 of the major stones at Stonehenge. Originally Carhenge was unpainted, but it was subsequently painted flat gray to more closely resemble the British structure. In contrast, the Car Art Preserve, which is also located at the site, features a variety of colorful sculptures made from old cars and car parts.
There’s no striped parking at the site, but the lot is level, and is made of hard-packed dirt with bits of large gravel on top. The best place to park is over near the concrete pad at the Pit Stop, as it’s easier to access the level dirt trails around Carhenge from there. The pathways that lead through the Carhenge site are made of hard-packed dirt, and they are mostly doable in dry weather. There’s also level access to the Pit Stop, which sells souvenirs during the summer months. It’s a fun road trip stop.
If you’re heading up to the Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park, be sure and stop in at East Glacier Park Village to see the World’s Largest Purple Spoon. Located next to the Spiral Spoon (www.thespiralspoon) on MT 49, this local landmark is affectionately known as Big Martha. Crafted by Charlie and Jo Wagner, the 25-foot high utensil, which is made of plywood and Styrofoam, was unveiled on May 20, 2005.
There’s level parking in a dirt area next to the spoon, and a level path over to the Spiral Spoon. The shop itself has two small steps up into it, and if you can manage those, it’s definitely worth a look inside. This quaint shop offers a good selection of spoons and other implements carved by local artists. And in the back room, there’s an interesting display of vintage spoons on the ceiling, and a prop spoon that was used on the television show Bonanza in a case on the back wall.
All in all it’s a fun stop, if only for the photo op. It may or may not be the world’s largest purple spoon (hence the “maybe” etched on the plaque) but it’s definitely the largest one in this tiny village.
Not to be confused with the Cawker City Twine Ball <insert link> the Darwin Twine Ball is the largest ball of twine made by one person. While the Cawker City Twine Ball has visitors continually adding twine, the Darwin Twine Ball was made entirely by Francis Johnson. Johnson began work on the twine ball in 1950, and worked on it for the next 39 years. After his death in 1989 it was moved in a Plexiglas kiosk on the corner of William and I Streets. The finished product weighs 17,400 pounds and stands 13 feet tall. You can’t miss it — just look for the water tower.
There’s no parking lot, but it’s not a busy town so you can usually snag a parallel spot on the street. There’s curb-cut access up to the sidewalk which leads to the twine ball. There’s also a small museum in the former railroad station, which is located right behind the twine ball. There’s ramp access up to the building, which features information about Francis Johnson, and includes some of his prized possessions. It also houses some old town artifacts, railroad timetables and photos. And don’t forget to pick up a twine ball hoodie in the gift shop.
22275 Highway 36 Abita Springs, LA https://abitamysteryhouse.com/
Located across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the Abita Mystery House is a must-see on any Big Easy visit. Although it began as the UCM Museum, it’s now grown; and with that growth came the new name. Housed in an odd assemblage of old buildings the collection includes found objects, hand-made inventions and even a miniature town. Highlights include Curator John Preble’s collection of handmade animated scenes constructed from recycled objects, the world famous Bassagator, a collection of paint-by-number treasures, the bicycle house, and the RV for aliens. Patterned after Tinkertown in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Abita Mystery House also features a vintage service station, a hand crank organ, a comb collection and the much photographed House of Shards. And although there are a few tight spaces, the majority of the museum is doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And don’t miss the gift shop, as that’s almost an exhibit by itself.
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.
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.
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.
Although there are many contenders for the World’s Largest Peanut, the true winner resides in Ashburn, GA. You can spy the stately goober from I 75, just south of exit 82 on the west side of the highway. And if you’d fancy a closer look, then take the Washington Drive exit and turn west, then make a left on Sylvia/Whittle, between Zaxby’s and the Pizza Hut. The big nut can be found on a small service road on the left, about a half-mile from the turn. Although it was knocked from its perch in Hurricane Michael in 2018, it was replaced and renovated in 2023. During that interim phase, several other peanuts claimed “largest” status, but after the replacement the Ashburn giant regained the title.
There’s a small paved parking lot, and although it’s not striped it is level and seems adequate for the amount of traffic the peanut gets. There’s level access over to the nut, but if you are expecting a big peanut gift shop filled with tasty treats, coffee cups and t-shirts, you will be sorely disappointed, as the only thing at this stop is a commemorative plaque, and the World’s Largest Peanut. Still it’s a fun stop, and there’s a journalistic twist to the nut too, as it was erected in memory of Nora Lawrence Smith, the former editor and co-publisher of the Wiregrass Farmer, Turner County’s award-winning newspaper. So why a peanut? It is of course Turner County’s most important agricultural product. As an added bonus, if you hit this site after dark, it’s also lighted.
This vintage Route 66 attraction lies along one of the few intact strips of the Arizona Mother Road. Located in Peach Springs, you can’t miss this kitschy attraction as a flag-lined driveway leads to the official entrance marked by a giant dinosaur. Although none of the tours are technically wheelchair-accessible, the 45-minute guided tour may be doable for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers. There’s elevator access down the the cavern entrance, and although there’s a short stairway, there’s also an alternative step-free pathway. The trails through the cave are paved, but manual wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance in a few of the steeper sections. And if you can’t manage the tour, there’s level access to the restaurant which serves up “The Best Burgers on Route 66”.
This modest 9-11 memorial is located at the east end of town, along historic Route 66. There’s accessible parking on both sides of the memorial, with a level sidewalk over to the viewing area, which contains two pieces from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. There’s ample evidence of the reverence of the site, as past visitors have left flags, messages and notes at the memorial. There’s also a medallion from the former Winslow Bridge which once spanned the Little Colorado River on Route 66, at the site.
Located on the corner of 2nd Street (Route 66) and Kinsley, this roadside attraction brings the lyrics of the Eagles 1970 hit — Take it Easy — to life. It features a mural by John Pugh, which depicts the famous lyrics. “a girl, my lord, in a flat bed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me.” There is also a bronze sculpture by Ron Adamson of a musician with a guitar “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” in front of the mural. There’s level access along the walkway in front of the mural, and barrier-free access to the surrounding stores which hawk some kitschy Route 66 souvenirs. And if you’re lucky, you’ll also hear strains of the hit tune coming from one of the stores.
Opened in 1996 by Dan Wright and Jake Raeney, this compact museum measures in at a tiny 134 square feet. It’s more of a gimmick to get passing motorists to stop at the adjacent Buckboard City Cafe; but it’s still a fun and quirky roadside attraction, regardless of your dining plans. The museum is located about a half-mile west of the rest area on Highway 60, in Superior, Arizona
There’s one accessible parking spot in the unstriped dirt parking lot, with level access over to the museum, which is housed in a small shed. There’s level access to the museum, and room for a wheelchair to maneuver down the single aisle that’s lined with glass display cases on each side. Exhibits include a collection of items curated by the founders, including a 1984 Compaq home computer, a Beatles concert poster, a 1960 letter from president-elect John F. Kennedy, and the world’s largest fake Zippo lighter. And don’t miss the tire sculpture and wheelbarrow fountain in front Even if it’s closed, there’s still an impressive collection of junk in the yard. It’s not something to go our of your way to visit, but it makes a good rest stop on they way to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Located along Highway 89A near Mile Post 538, Navajo Bridge is a must-stop on the way to Grand Canyon North. This Northern Arizona landmark is easy to spot, as the historic bridge parallels the current model along the main road. There’s accessible parking near the old bridge — which was replaced with the current incarnation in 1995 — and level access to the accessible restrooms, visitor center and gift shop. There’s also an accessible picnic table in the shaded picnic area near the historic bridge.
Access is excellent at this roadside stop, and it’s easy to roll across the 834-foot — now pedestrian — bridge which was constructed in 1928. And although bridge buffs will love this site, it also offers an impressive view of the canyon with the Colorado River below. The far side of the bridge is located on Navajo land, and it features a few trinket stands.
Over in Holbrook, Arizona, the Wigwam Motel is also worth a stop. Just take exit 285 and head east on Hopi Drive — trust me you can’t miss it. This hotel, which features 15 individual “wigwams”, first opened in the 1950s and was very popular in they heyday of Route 66. Although the Wigwam Motel is still in operation, they don’t have any accessible rooms. That said, it’s still worth a stop for the photo op, as there’s a nice collection of vintage cars parked in front of the wigwams. Access is good around the property too, as it’s all level. Additionally, the property is still owned by the same family that built it, and they love to chat about Route 66 history.
Although there’s no shortage of rock and petrified wood shops in Holbrook, the Rainbow Rock Shop is worth a stop, just for the photo op. Although the fenced yard is filled to the brim with rocks of every size and shape, the real stars at this stop are the giant fiberglass dinosaurs.
The best place to park is on the right side of the shop, which has a small paved unstriped lot, but parking is also available in a level gravel area in front. It doesn’t matter if the shop is open or not, because the real photo ops are from outside. Unfortunately the shop and the yard are so filled with rocks and petrified wood, that it’s not even remotely wheelchair-accessible. Still you can just roll up to the front to catch a glimpse of the dinosaur collection – you don’t even have to get out of your car. It’s easy to find too – just take exit 286 off of Interstate 40 and head south. The rock shop is located on the west side of the road just south of Hopi Drive.
Cano’s Castle is constructed almost entirely of beer cans. Owner Donald “Cano” Espinoza actually claims that God constructed this masterpiece. The main structure — a four story house (the king) — was damaged by a fire in 2022. The towers (the queen and the rook) survived undamaged, and they are covered in beer cans, hubcaps and scrap metal. The whole property is surrounded by a structure called the crown, and everything is covered in shiny — sometimes blinding — scrap metal. According to Espinoza this monument serves as a thank-you to the powers-that-be for sparing his life during the Vietnam War. He also notes that he received his inspiration for the structures from Vitamin Mary Jane and Jesus. It gets pretty strange after that, and let’s just say that if you happen to run into Cano, he will give you an earful. Cano’s Castle is located on State Street, between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue, about three blocks east of Highway 285. Although it’s not wheelchair-accessible, there’s room to pull of and take a few photos.
Opened in 1911, Casa Del Desierto was considered the crown jewel of the infamous Harvey House chain. This Barstow icon provided elegant meals and comfortable overnight accommodations for passengers of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway; and also housed an elegant ballroom for dances and other social events. Today this stately structure not only offers visitors a glimpse into the past, but it also houses the Western America Railroad Museum.
The museum’s collection is comprehensive — some claim it borders on eclectic — while a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers eagerly await the opportunity to share their collective railroad knowledge with visitors. Exhibits include everything from railroad tools and machines, to vintage schedules, uniforms, dinnerware and signs. And then there’s the model railroad. Access is excellent at the museum too, with accessible parking in the adjacent lot and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair throughout the galleries.
There’s also a nice collection of rolling stock out in the yard, with level access around the cars. Highlights include an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe caboose and diesel engine, a 1968 Cline wheel truck, and a Union Pacific caboose. There’s also a large Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe horse car, that was used to transport race horses and their owners across the country. And although the cars themselves do not offer wheelchair access, most of them are better admired from afar.
Although this Southern California artistic creation is located about 35 miles off Interstate 8, it’s definitely worth the detour. Just take exit 118 B, east of El Centro, and follow Highway 111 north. When you hit Niland, make a right on Main Street, which soon turns into Beal Road. Once out in the desert, you’ll pass the city dump and the makeshift community of Slab City, before you spot Salvation Mountain on the right.
This colorful masterpiece was crafted by Leonard Knight, who sadly passed away in 2014. His vision was to create a piece that reflected God’s love; and the 100-foot wide concrete mountain colorfully announces that belief to all who visit. And although age has taken it toll on this desert masterpiece, it’s still worth a visit. There’s no striped parking at the site, but there’s plenty of room to parallel park an adapted vehicle in the dirt parking lot. Although there are steps up to the top of the mountain, you can get an excellent view of the entire piece from below.
If you happen to be driving around Northern California on Highway 101, then plan to stop in for a brief photo op with Paul Bunyan and Babe. These massive sculptures are located in the Trees of Mystery (emerginghorizons.com/explore-californias-wheelchair-accessible-coastal-redwoods/) parking lot; and although there is a charge to visit the forest, you can take a selfie with the larger-than-life duo for free. Paul stands over 49 feet high, and Babe measures 35 feet between her horns. You definitely can’t miss them. And for added entertainment, Paul Bunyan waves his hand and says hello, tells a variety of jokes and even asks kids questions. All in all it’s a fun stop, and there’s plenty of accessible parking with ample room to roll over to the iconic duo.
Built in 1924 Kelso Depot was more than just a train depot, a it also included employee sleeping quarters as well as a full-service restaurant. The Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad constructed the facility in order to compete with the popular Harvey Houses operated by the Santa Fe Railroad. Kelso Depot was upscale for the time, and it even had a billiard room and a library. The depot ceased functioning in 1962, although the restaurant remained open until 1985. Today it houses the visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve.
Kelso Depot is pretty easy to find — just take Kelebaker Road from Baker, and continue on through the desert for 34 miles until you reach the historic site. Accessible parking is located in front of the depot, with level access over to the visitor center and the nearby accessible restrooms. Inside there’s barrier-free access throughout the facility, which includes interpretive exhibits about the Mojave National Preserve. Additionally the baggage room, ticket office and two dormitory rooms are furnished as they would have been in the 1920s. Even if the visitor center is closed, you can still get a gander at the lunch counter, vintage desks and old equipment through the large front windows. It’s definitely worth a stop while exploring the Mojave National Preserve.
36005 Highway 99 Traver, CA www.bravofarms.com Located in sleepy little Traver, Bravo Farms offers a much needed break from California’s monotonous Highway 99. To be fair, this gift shop-restaurant-farm-cheese factory has three other locations; but since the Traver one is the flagship, it’s also the kitschiest.
Accessible parking is located near the restaurant, and there’s level access to the restaurant, ice cream shop, gift shop, fudge shop and saloon. The gift shop has a wide selection of local products including Bravo Farms Cheese, (they have samples) and there’s even a wine tasting bar at the far end. And if you arrive at the right time you can also get a gander at the cheese-making process. Out back there are level pathways around a shooting gallery, a treehouse, a playground, a petting zoo, and a collection of old wooden buildings that are lined with vintage road signs and filled with memorabilia. It’s a great stop for kids of all ages!
Located in the middle of the California desert midway between Barstow and Las Vegas, the World’s Tallest Thermometer makes a nice stop on the way to Sin City. The brainchild of local businessman Willis Herron, the 134-foot tall thermometer was constructed in 1990 as a tribute to the record high temperature in the US — 134 degrees in nearby Death Valley. Unfortunately Herron didn’t account for the high winds in the area in his original plans, and as a result a strong gust brought the monument down, smashing a nearby gift shop that was under construction.
Undaunted Herron rebuilt the thermometer, and filled the second model with concrete to keep it steady. And although the thermometer was shut down for a while after Herron’s death, today it’s up and running again. It’s easy to find too — just take the Baker exit on Interstate 15 and follow the main drag until you see it on the south side of the street. To be honest, you can see it towering over the hamlet long before you even exit the freeway.
The best vantage point is from the fast food restaurant parking lot next door, because once you pull up too close to the thermometer, it’s hard to get a good photo. There’s lots of accessible parking is available in that lot, and it’s a nice level roll over to the far end, where you’ll get a good view of it all. After you’ve gotten your photos, you can just roll on over to the thermometer, go inside and check out the gift shop and photos of the construction of the thermometer.
Located off of Highway 93 about 25 miles north of Kingman, the Chloride Murals are a must-see on the way to Las Vegas or Grand Canyon West. Just take Road 125 (exit 53) and head east for four miles to reach the town proper. The murals are actually located on the other side of town in the hills. Continue along the main drag (Tennessee Avenue), cross a second cattle guard and then follow the dirt road 1.4 miles up to the murals.
A word of warning about the road — it’s not doable in a low-clearance vehicle, and there’s certainly ample evidence of oil pan damage along the route. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required though, and most SUVs and trucks will manage quite nicely. And once you arrive at the murals, there’s a wide level spot to park right next to the art work.
Artist Roy Purcell painted the boulder murals in the mid 60s, and the vibrant colors have definitely stood the test of time. Titled “The Journey” the murals include images of a snake eating the sun, a talon grabbing at Chloride, fertility images, pieces with a definite Yin and Yang side, astrological signs and many scenes that are open to interpretation. Take some time to study the murals, as the longer you look at them, the more hidden details you’ll spot.
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 the1989 movie, the nearby cornfield helps put it all into perspective. It’s a good stop for movie buffs or anyone who likes baseball.
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.
Established in 1937 when Key Underwood laid his dog Troop to rest at his favorite hunting camp, the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard now has more than 185 hounds buried there. It’s located in Northern Alabama about 30 miles from Tuscumbia, just 13 miles south of US Highway 72.
There is a small gravel parking area, and the terrain is fairly level and in dry weather it’s doable for most wheelers and slow walkers. You’ll see a little bit of everything at the graveyard, from marble monuments and wooden headstones to dog collars and even a plastic raccoon grave marker.
It’s still an active cemetery, as true coon dogs are eligible to be buried there. And they do stick to those restrictions. As the former caretaker elaborated, “A dog can’t run no deer, possum — nothing like that. He’s got to be a straight coon dog, and he’s got to be full hound. Couldn’t be a mixed up breed dog, a house dog.” All in all it’s a fun stop, and some of the headstones and memorials are priceless.
Located on an original stretch of Route 66, this combination gas station and souvenir shop is definitely a blast from the past. Take some time to explore the vintage cars, signs, tools and assorted junk outside, before you catch a glimpse of the vintage pinups in the men’s restroom inside at the Hackberry General Store. There’s plenty of room to park an adapted van in the dirt parking area, and there’s a level entry to the souvenir shop. And although there are a few steps inside, you can still get a good feel for this vintage attraction without navigating them. A must-stop on any Route 66 road trip! (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-route-66-a-great-grand-canyon-side-trip/)
