Population 5,123
No Route 66 road trip would be complete without a stop in Tucumcari. From a drive along the original stretch of the Mother Road, to a stop at the nicely accessible New Mexico Route 66 Museum (www.nmrt66museum.org/), there’s no shortage of nostalgic attractions there. Add in an interesting collection of murals painted on the sides of buildings throughout town, and you’ve got a true remembrance of yesteryear. And if you’d like to spend the night in a modern hotel, the Best Western has a nice wheelchair-accessible room with a tub/shower combination.
Population 4 Located near the East Entrance of the famed national park, Death Valley Junction has just four (and sometimes fewer) full time residents. That said, during the borax mining boom in the early 1900s there were 300 people living there. In 1960 New York City ballet dancer Marta Becket had a flat tire there and fell in love with the desert. She later transformed the former dorm and recreation hall into the Amargosa Hotel and the Amargosa Opera House (www.amargosaoperahouse.org/).She painted murals throughout the hotel, and even painted an audience on the walls of the opera house. Today the murals still grace the walls of the hotel, and tours of the opera house are available. Both venues have level access so it’s a nice stop for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
This popular diner is located about two miles off Interstate 10 on the way to Gila Bend Petroglyphs. Its popularity is due to the decor and unusual curb appeal, rather than the menu offerings. There’s accessible parking in front with level access to the restaurant. Inside you find a few aliens, along with some colorful space murals, silver upholstered booths and a ceiling that looks like a hangar. It’s a good stop for kids, and breakfast is served all day. That said the best photo op is of the flying saucer that sits atop of the adjacent hotel lobby. It’s best after the sun goes down as it’s illuminated with neon lights. Good for a quick stop and a photo or two.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located in Eastern South Dakota, the World’s Only Corn Palace makes a great stop on any Interstate 90 road trip. This multi-use center hosts stage shows, concerts and sports events, but it’s worth a stop even when there’s no live entertainment. What sets this venue apart are the corn murals that adorn the outside of the structure. Each year they are stripped down and new murals are created, so even if you’ve seen the corn palace once, it’s still worth a return visit.
Accessible parking is available in nearby lots, with level access over to the front entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair throughout the venue. A free guided tour, which includes a video that tells the story of the corn palace is available. Afterwards, visitors are free to browse through the historic exhibits at their own pace. And if you visit in the peak summer season, you’ll mostly likely see folks adding new murals to the outside facade. Don’t forget to get your photo taken with the statue of Cornelius, the World’s Only Corn Palace mascot. He’s located across the street form the corn palace — just look for the giant ear of corn!
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
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.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Population 5,123
