state parks

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