Wheelchair- Accessible Honduras Tours
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations:
Travel Ideas
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
restaurant
An Isle Royale Wheelchair-Accessible Retreat
Located in the middle of Lake Superior in Isle Royale National Park, Rock Harbor Lodge (www.rockharborlodge.com/) is probably the most difficult national park lodge to get to, as it’s a six-hour cruise from the mainland. That said the journey over is a scenic adventure itself, and the Ranger III ferry has wheelchair access to the lower deck and an accessible restroom aboard (www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ranger-iii-info.htm). And once you dock at Isle Royale National Park, you’ll be rewarded with the rugged beauty at this remote retreat. Even though the island itself is rather rustic, Rock Harbor Lodge offers spacious rooms for a comfortable and relaxing Isle Royale wheelchair-accessible retreat.
An Isle Royale Wheelchair-Accessible Room with a View
Located along the Lake Superior shore, Rock Harbor Lodge is a .3-mile walk from the boat dock. There’s a paved level path alongside the marina, but golf cart transportation is available for guests who cannot manage the distance. And although there are a few steps up to the front door of the main office at the lodge, the back entrance is ramped.
There are three wheelchair-accessible rooms at Rock Harbor lodge, including room 35 which is located in the Chippewa Building, right behind the main office. There’s ramp access to the front door, with enough space for a wheelchair to maneuver inside the room. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles, a lowered clothing rod and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.
The room is furnished with a 26-inch high open-frame double bed with wheelchair access on the right side (as you face it), a night table, a desk with a chair, a small chest of drawers, and a table with two chairs. The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a tub/shower combination with grab bars. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink with an angled mirror. A portable shower bench is available, but make sure to request one when you make your reservation, so it will be in your room when you arrive.
There’s also barrier-free access to the roomy back porch, which is furnished with two Adirondack chairs. Truly one of the best features of this corner room is its location, as the porch allows for an unobstructed view of the waves crashing on the rocks below, and a peek at the barrier-islands across the harbor. It’s definitely an Isle Royale wheelchair-accessible room with a view.
Eat Drink and Be Merry
There’s good access to the public facilities at this Isle Royale retreat as well. An accessible dirt pathway leads from the accessible room over to the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Greenstone Grill, which are located next to the main office. The grill offers bar service and a light menu of burgers, sandwiches and pizzas; while the restaurant serves up some hearty entrees. There’s barrier-free access to both establishments; but if you’d prefer a bit more privacy you can always order a pizza to go and enjoy it on your back porch.
There’s also ramp access up to the Rock Harbor Auditorium, where evening ranger programs are presented. The dirt path over to the ramp is a little bumpy, but it’s doable with a little assistance.
And although the bulk of the island has inaccessible trails, the cement walkway along the marina offers some good wildlife viewing opportunities. Even though this walkway is well trafficked, it’s not unusual to spot moose along the trail. Even if you don’t happen to see them, the lake view itself is stunning. And that’s reason enough to stay a spell at this remote but pristine national park lodge.
Barrier-Free Travel
the Grand Canyon
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Chloride, Arizona
Population 385
Billed as the oldest continually inhabited mining town in Arizona, Chloride is located about 25 miles north of Kingman. Surrounded by mineral rich hills, the town was named for the silver chloride deposits found nearby. Today this ghost town’s claim to fame is unusual yard art. The town is pretty quiet so you can just roll down the level streets to explore the growing yard art collection. As far as wheelchair access goes, there’s one accessible parking space near the Mineshaft Market on Tennessee Street, with ramp access to the front door. Yesterdays Restaurant, which is located on 2nd Street, also has accessible parking with level access to the restaurant. It’s kind of a fun little place, and it makes a good stop on the way to Grand Canyon West. And they even have gunfights every now and then.
Kelso Depot
90942 Kelso Cima Road
Kelso, CA
Built in 1924 Kelso Depot was more than just a train depot, as 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.
Barrier-Free Travel
California National Parks
Road Trips
Travel Ideas
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Lee’s Chicken Restaurant
1940 W. Van Dorn Street
Lincoln, NE
leeschickenlincoln.net
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!
Barrier-Free Travel
22 Accessible Road Trips
Driving Vacations
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
A Wheelchair-Accessible Mendocino Coast Retreat
Romantic retreats come in all shapes and sizes, but truly there’s nothing better than toasting your sweetheart as you both enjoy a magical sunset on the rugged Northern California coast. Picture it — the waves crash against the rocks, there’s a slight breeze in the air, and the sun slips slowly beneath the colorful horizon. What could be more perfect? And although this idyllic moment may seem like something that can only be created on a Hollywood soundstage, truly it’s well within your reach. As with real estate transactions, the key ingredient here is location; and in this case, that location is the Little River Inn (littleriverinn.com) in scenic Mendocino County. And the great news is, it’s also an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The Wheelchair-Accessible Mendocino Coast Inn
Perched on a hillside with a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean, the Little River Inn is one of the oldest properties in the area. It was built in 1857 by Ole Coombs, and it remains in the family today. In fact, the Combs family is very proud of their “five generations in the hospitality business”. And their experience definitely shows in their excellent customer service.
The 65-room property, which is set on 225 wooded acres, now also boasts luxury suites and spacious cottages, along with a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and even a salon and day spa. Access upgrades have also been added over the years; in fact the Coombs family did a great job of preserving the ambiance of this historic property, while making it an attractive and accessible choice for customers with mobility issues.
The office and registration area is located in the historic building near the front of the property. Accessible parking is located close to the front door; however there are steps up to the front porch. Best bet is to pull around on the left side to access a ramp that winds around to the front porch. From there, it’s a piece of cake, with ramp access to the office, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside.
The Room
Room 166, which is a accessible deluxe oceanview room, is located near the back of the complex, well away from the main road. Standard parking is located just steps from the front door, and with two spaces reserved for the room, there’s plenty of room to park an accessible van and deploy the lift or ramp. There’s level access to the front door with excellent pathway access in the spacious room. Other access features include wide doorways, lever handles, a lowered clothing rod, drapery wands and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.
Furnishings include a 27-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, and a desk with a chair. A table and two chairs are strategically positioned by the picture window, and two easy chairs sit near the gas fireplace. Top it off with a wet bar with a refrigerator and a coffee maker and you have everything you need.
The spacious bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius, and is outfitted with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a built-in ceramic tile shower bench. The well designed shower is extremely user-friendly, with the bench located close to the shower controls, and plenty of room for transfers. There’s also a separate 22-inch high Jacuzzi tub with grab bars in the bathroom. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and a lowered mirror hangs above the roll-under sink.
It’s a comfortable room with excellent access, and a spectacular ocean view from the balcony. There’s level access out to the balcony through a large sliding glass door, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair outside. And if it’s stormy, there’s also a beautiful view from just about any spot in the room.
The Cuisine
Of course the accommodations at this wheelchair-accessible Mendocino Coast inn are only half the story, as the Little River Dining Room is also the perfect choice for a romantic dinner. Located next to the office, the restaurant features barrier-free access, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair. And you just can’t beat the serene ocean and garden views.
The menu highlights fresh local fare and includes offerings such as salads filled with local greens, luscious bowls of clam chowder and Thai inspired rock cod. And if you’d like some pub fare, they also offer fish and chips and cheeseburgers. Add in an extensive wine list and you have everything you need,
Although the restaurant offers an equally enticing breakfast menu, room service is also available. Choose from Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, a bevy of traditional breakfast favorites and even Swedish Hotcakes. Plus you just can’t beat the ocean view from your room.
All in all, the Little River Inn is the perfect place to steal away with your sweetie for a wheelchair-accessible Mendocino Coast getaway. And if you forget the name of the property, just think of romance and you’ll remember their phone number — (888) INN-LOVE.
Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers