Not to be confused with the Cawker City Twine Ball (https://emerginghorizons.com/cawker-city-twine-ball/) 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 the twine ball was moved to 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. A small museum in the former railroad station 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.
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
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.
Darwin, MN
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.