National Parks are a popular vacation choice. Unfortunately that means some of the more popular ones are now more crowded than ever. So how do you beat the crowds? Well you can always get an early start or visit in the off season, but to be honest that’s not always possible. Alternatively you might want to visit one of these lesser known national parks for a more relaxed experience. Not only do they all offer some scenic natural beauty, but they are also good choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Isle Royale National Park
Rock Harbor Lighthouse in Isle Royale National Park
emerginghorizons.com/an-isle-royale-wheelchair-accessible-retreat At the top of the list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Isle Royale National Park. Located in the middle of Lake Superior, there’s a wheelchair-accessible ferry that takes visitors to this remote national park. And once you get to Isle Royale National Park there’s even a cozy lodge with a wheelchair-accessible room.
North Cascades National Park
Accessible Pier on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park
emerginghorizons.com/the-freestone-inn-a-wheelchair-accessible-north-cascades-retreat Located in far Northern Washington, North Cascades National Park offers some scenic drives, a couple of accessible trails and even a campground with an accessible campsite. And although there’s no lodging in the park, there’s an upscale lodge with a spacious wheelchair-accessible room located near the eastern gateway.
Great Basin National Park
Wheeler Peak Overlook in Big Basin National Park
emerginghorizons.com/escape-the-crowds-in-great-basin-national-park Definitely one of the lesser known national parks, Great Basin National Park is located just off the “loneliest road in America” in Eastern Nevada. Enjoy the scenic drive with accessible overlooks, take a hike on a forest boardwalk or explore Lehman Caves on an accessible tour.
Pinnacles National Park
Prewett Point Trail in Pinnacles National Park
emerginghorizons.com/pinnacles-national-park/ Pinnacles National Park is a great place to spot the endangered California Condor. There are also a few accessible trails, scenic drives and some comfortable accessible tent cabins at this California national park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Pinery Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
emerginghorizons.com/discover-historic-guadalupe-mountains-national-park/ Located halfway between El Paso and Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the site of the historic Pinery Stage Stop. There are a few accessible trails in the park, and the Frijole Ranch site is also worth a visit.
Voyageurs National Park
Tour Boat on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-voyageurs-national-park Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota, just shy of the Canadian border. It’s filled with accessible trails, but one of the best ways to see the park is to take an accessible boat tour on Rainy Lake.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Tomichi Point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison/ Known as America’s Other Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has far fewer visitors than its Arizona counterpart. It offers a scenic drive with some gorgeous views, and a campground with a wheelchair-accessible campsite.
Big Bend National Park
The Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park
emerginghorizons.com/enjoy-a-spring-road-trip-to-big-bend-national-park/ Billed as being more than 100 miles from the nearest freeway, shopping center or hospital, Big Bend National Park is bordered by the Rio Grande on the south. This expansive park features scenic drives, accessible desert trails, drop dead gorgeous views and an accessible in-park lodge.
Redwood National and State Parks
The Lost Man Creek Trail in Redwood National Park, California
emerginghorizons.com/redwood-national-and-state-parks/ This California national park also includes three state parks. Its easy to spend a week exploring trails lined with giant redwoods.. Additionally, there’s a loaner track chair available at Kuchel Visitor Center for use on Freshwater Beach. They also have accessible campsites and cabins in several of the parks, so it’s easy to sleep under the redwoods.
Lassen National Park
Lilly Lake in Mount Lassen National Park
emerginghorizons.com/lassen-volcanic-national-park/ Last but not least on our list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located in Northern California, this remote gem offers a variety of accessible trails and thermal features, as well as some accessible camping cabins. It’s a great place to get away from the city and truly enjoy Mother Nature.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Named for the giant Rio Grande bend that carves out its southern border, Big Bend National Park is located more than 100 miles from the nearest freeway, hospital or shopping mall. And spring is the ideal time to visit this remote Texas park, as not only is the desert filled with colorful wildflower blooms, but the temperatures are also fairly mild. And despite its seemingly inhospitable environment, Big Bend also boasts wheelchair-accessible trails, overlooks, scenic drives, and even an accessible overnight lodging option. In short, Big Bend is the perfect road trip stop for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, who want to ditch the crowds and enjoy the wide open spaces of the Lone Star State.
Windshield Views Galore!
Sotol Vista Trail
The best way to enjoy this 800,000-acre expanse is to take a drive, and in that respect the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive tops the list. This 30-mile route leads past the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon, and passes through some historic and geologic treasures along the way. The drive takes about 45 minutes one-way, but be sure to allow extra time to stop and admire the scenery.
The drive begins just off the main park road, with a south turn at the Castolon – Santa Elena Junction. There are a number of scenic overlooks along the way, including the Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook and Mule Ears Viewpoint — both of which have accessible parking with barrier-free access out to the viewpoints. The former features views of the old ranch house and surrounding land, while the latter offers the best vantage point for a glance at the iconic Mule Ears rock formation.
Located between those two overlooks, Goat Mountain Viewpoint, features accessible parking, with ramp access out to the overlook; while nearby Sotol Vista offers a panoramic southern view with accessible parking, an accessible vault toilet, and barrier-free access to the overlook.
Last but not least, don’t miss the Santa Elena Overlook at the end of the road. From the overlook you can gaze down at the limestone canyon created by the Rio Grande, and look across into neighboring Mexico. Although there’s no curb-cut access from the parking area to the overlook, you can wheel down to where the curb ends and roll out to the overlook. Even though the ground is a bit bumpy in places, it’s still doable for most people, and the spectacular view is well worth the effort.
Scenic Desert Trails
Window View Trail
Although there’s no shortage of great windshield views in the park, there are also a few accessible trails. Panther Path, which is located next to the Panther Visitor Center offers a short – but accessible – introduction to some of the plants found in the park. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, with level access over to this short 100 yard sidewalk that’s lined with interpretive plaques that identify desert plants.
A portion of the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is also a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It’s located in the southeast area of the park, near Boquillas Canyon. The trailhead is actually located in the campground at Rio Grande Village, across from campsite 18. The trail begins with a short dirt path to the quarter-mile boardwalk over the pond. Some folks may need a bit of assistance over the dirt trail, as it’s a bit bumpy, but the floating boardwalk offers excellent access, and it’s a great spot to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. It’s also an excellent birding location.
Sunsets are phenomenal in Big Bend National Park, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than from the Window View Trail (not to be confused with the inaccessible Window Trail). The trailhead is located near the Basin Store at Chisos Mountains Lodge. This .3-mile paved trail takes its name from the “window” opening in the canyon that affords a panoramic view of the valley below. It offers a gradual descent to the window viewpoint, which is a pleasant place to linger and enjoy views of the spectacular canyon walls and the Chisos Mountains. And if you need to stop and rest, there are also a few benches along the route.
Comfy Accommodations
Because of its remote location, an overnight stay in Big Bend National Park is a must; and to that end Chisos Mountain Lodge (www.chisosmountainslodge.com) offers some comfortable accessible rooms. There’s accessible parking in front of the office, with level access to the main lobby through automatic doors. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair over to the front desk and the gift shop. The accessible rooms are located a short drive away in the Casa Grande section of the property.
Accessible parking is located in front of room D2 — an accessible ground floor room – with sidewalk access over to the front door. Access features in room D2 include wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles, good pathway access and tile floors for easy rolling. The room is furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame double bed with wheelchair access on the left side (as you face the bed). That said, there’s plenty of room to move the bed if you require wheelchair access on the opposite side. Other furnishings include a night stand, two easy chairs, a dresser, a refrigerator and a microwave.
There’s barrier-free access to the bathroom, which features a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and a portable shower bench is available upon request. A roll-under sink is located in the adjacent sleeping area, in order to free up more room space in the bathroom.
Best of all, this guest room also has level access out to the shared back patio, which is the perfect place to enjoy an sunset, and then take in another one of Big Bend’s natural features – the dark night sky.
(Click image for larger images of Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge)
Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge
Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge (view 2)
Bathroom in Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located across the country, presidential museums and libraries (https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries) not only contain an archive of presidential photos and documents, but they also offer exhibits about the former presidents and the eras of their presidency. In most cases they are funded by private foundations and donations; and they are located in the former presidents’ home state or in a state where they had close ties or spent the majority of their life. And the good news is, since these museums serve as visible faces of the former presidents, most of them go well beyond the letter of the law as far as wheelchair access is concerned. So check out these favorites in your future travels.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum
President Eisenhower’s boyhood home at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home
eisenhowerlibrary.gov Located in Abilene, Kansas the Eisenhower museum complex includes a visitors center, the Place of Meditation, Ike’s boyhood home, the museum and the library. There is level access to the visitors center, where you can pick up a loaner wheelchair. Just to the left of the visitors center you’ll find Ike’s boyhood home. Although there are three steps at the front, there is also a wheelchair lift on the side. The first floor of the house is open to the public and it features original furnishings, photographs and personal items of the Eisenhower family.
The museum itself is just a short walk from the home and it features barrier-free access and a wheelchair-lift at the front entrance. It’s really a must-see for anyone interested in World War II history, as the excellent Military Gallery features documents, photographs and artifacts from the war. It also includes a gallery devoted to Mamie Eisenhower, and one that presents a comprehensive overview of President Eisenhower’s life and achievements.
Last but not least, save some time to visit the Place of Meditation, where President Eisenhower was buried on April 2, 1969. There is level access to the chapel and good pathway access inside. The stained glass windows, which were designed by Odell Prather, are particularly striking.
The LBJ Library
Replica of Lady Bird’s office at the LBJ Presidential Library
lbjlibrary.org This presidential museum is located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Free accessible parking is available in lot 38, which is just a short walk from the museum entrance. Access is excellent throughout the museum too, with elevator access to all floors, accessible restrooms, loaner wheelchairs and plenty of space to wheel around the galleries.
As with all presidential museums, a good chunk of the exhibits chronicle the lives of the first family. And along the way you’ll learn some interesting tidbits. For example, Lady Bird got her nickname from a nurse who declared that she was “as pretty as a lady bird”. Add in a reproduction of the Oval Office, as well as Lady Bird’s office, and the official presidential limousine and you have a well-rounded representation of presidential life.
Like the other presidential museums this one also focuses on the events of the times — in this case the 1960s and the 1970s — so if you happened to grow up in those decades it will be especially interesting to you.
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Sikorsky VH-3A “Sea King” helicopter Richard Nixon used for his final departure from the White House after resigning in 1974 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
nixonlibrary.gov Although the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum tends to focus more on Mr. Nixon’s long political career, this Yorba Linda museum also includes some small exhibits on Watergate, the Middle East and Nixon’s farewell speech. The Vietnam Gallery also offers some interesting insights on the conflict, as well as an exhibit of items collected by the POWs. Outside, there’s the Richard Nixon birthplace and the presidential helicopter, which was used by presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford.
Access is good throughout the museum with plenty of accessible parking, ramped access to the front entrance and barrier-free access throughout all the galleries. There is an accessible path from the museum to the birthplace, and a ramped entrance at the back door of the birthplace. There are several steps up to the helicopter; however there is a wide level space around it, with plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair. And it’s an excellent photo op.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
fordlibrarymuseum.gov Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this presidential museum gives visitors a good dose of 1970s history. No matter what your political party affiliation, if you lived through the Watergate years, you’ll love this museum. That’s because the former president wanted the museum to be more about history and less about him.
There is level access to the front entrance of the museum, elevator access to all floors and ample room to wheel around in all of the galleries. Part of the museum focuses on the 38th President’s career, family and military life; however the bulk of it is dedicated to events that occurred just prior to and during his presidency, or those that were influenced by his presidency. Must-sees include the tools used in the Watergate break in and a fascinating exhibit about the Nixon pardon.
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
jimmycarterlibrary.gov The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is located about five minutes from downtown Atlanta, on a 35-acre wooded parcel dotted with ponds. Highlights of this museum include a replica of the Oval Office, photographs and memorabilia from the Carter Presidency, and an interesting Camp David exhibit. And of course, don’t miss the gallery filled with Head of State gifts.
Accessible parking is located near the museum, with ramp access to the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to wheel around the spacious galleries, with ramp access to some exhibits. Outside, paved pathways lead around the spacious grounds, with wheelchair access to most areas.
Ronald Regan Library & Museum
Replica of the Oval Office at the Ronald Regan Presidential Foundation & Institute
reaganlibrary.com Located in Simi Valley, California, the Ronald Regan Library & Museum features hundreds of artifacts that chronicle the former-president’s life, career and political accomplishments. There’s a drop-off area for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in front of the museum, with barrier-free access to the entrance and good pathway access inside. A loaner wheelchair is also available at the front desk.
The museum features 125,000 square-feet of gallery space that highlights Regan’s family life, movie career and life in the White House. It also includes a replica of the Oval Office and a section of the Berlin Wall. As an added bonus, many of the exhibits are interactive, so visitors can act in a movie with Ronald Regan or set a table for a White House dinner.
One of the highlights of the museum is Air Force One. There is elevator access down to the tarmac in the Air Force One Pavilion, where you can walk and roll around the plane. Although stairs lead up to the plane, there is also a lift available. That said the airplane aisle is only 28-inches wide, so it may be too narrow for some wheelchair-users. Still it’s fun to great a peek inside.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
bush41.org Located about 100 miles east of Austin, College Station is the site of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. More specifically, the museum is located on the Texas A&M University Campus.
There’s plenty of accessible parking near the museum, with level access through the plaza to the front lobby. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk, and there’s elevator access to all floors, with barrier-free pathways though the galleries.
Exhibits focus on the life of the former president, and include some reflections of Mr. Bush’s time in the Navy. As one of the Navy’s youngest pilots, he was shot down in the Pacific, and his rescue was recorded on a hand-held movie camera. Today that film clip is on display in the museum. Other exhibits focus on Mr. Bush’s presidential campaigns, his oil business and his stint as a United Nations Ambassador.
Several exhibits focus on events that had an impact on the Bush presidency, with video screens playing back snippets of history. Then there’s the replica of the Oval Office, the collection of state gifts and even the president’s reaction to Watergate. And of course there is a gallery dedicated to the First Lady, as well as one which focuses on the life of President and Mrs. Bush after leaving the White House.
Clinton Presidential Center
Clinton Presidential Center
clintonfoundation.org/clinton-presidential-center Last but certainly not least in our roundup of presidential museums is the Clinton Presidential Center, located in the River Market District in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 20,000 square-foot exhibit space features excellent access to all galleries, sleek wood floors and level access to the front entrance. And if you don’t think you can manage this massive space on foot, loaner wheelchairs are available.
The exhibits chronicle the Clinton presidency, and include a replica of the Oval Office (complete with a moon rock), items from Bill’s childhood, and even a collection of Saturday Night Live clips featuring Clinton impersonations. There’s also a wing that features the splendor of the White House during the holidays and shows how the Clinton’s gave the presidential residence special touches to really make it their home.
All in all the Clinton Presidential Center houses one of the best presidential collections, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Plan to spend the whole day there though, as there’s definitely a lot to see.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If you’d like to explore some of the more rugged trails and beaches in Southeastern Texas, then pick up this Texas Tow & Go track chair from David’s Chair in Huntsville. Although most track chairs are required to be used in specific places, this loaner comes with a trailer so you can tow it to the location — or locations — of your choice.
This track chair, which has a maximum capacity of 350 pounds, is located at the 10 Mile Ranch in Huntsville, Texas. Reservations are required to borrow the track chair, which comes with a fully enclosed trailer that has ramp access in the rear. In order to tow this trailer you’ll need a vehicle with at least a 1,500-pound towing capacity, that has a 2-inch ball and a straight 4-prong trailer hookup with safety chains. The driver must provide a current drivers license and proof of insurance. Tow & Go reservations must be submitted at least two weeks in advance, and the reservations may not exceed seven days. This Texas Tow & Go track chair is a great option for an active vacation. For more information or to make a reservation, visit davidschair.org/request-tow-n-go-chair/.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
College campuses include much more than just classrooms and dorms today. Many also boast museums, architectural gems and even historic sites. And the good news is, admission isn’t just limited to students — many college attractions are also open to the general public. Even better, most are wheelchair-accessible. So take some time to scout out the local college attractions on your next road trip. Here are a few favorites to add to your itinerary.
Mississippi Art Museum
First up on our roundup of college attractions is the University of Mississippi Museum (museum.olemiss.edu/). Located in Oxford, this campus is known for its impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The museum offers accessible parking nearby, a barrier-free entrance and plenty of room to wheel through the galleries.
The David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities covers the period from 1500 BC to 300 AD and includes a nice mix of pottery, arrowheads, coins and architectural fragments. And don’t miss the marble satyr sculpture. This depiction of a male nature spirit dates back to 200 BC and is particularly striking.
Other permanent collections include the Seymour Lawrence Collection of American Art and the Millington-Barnard Collection of Scientific Instruments. The former includes works by Georgia O’Keefe, Kurt Vonnegut and Richard Brautigan; while the latter showcases an eclectic collection of scientific instruments. And then of course, there are rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to enjoy. Best of all — as with many college campus attractions — admission is always free.
Texas Ghost Town
Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Not all college campus attractions are located in the middle of campus. For example the Spindletop – Gladys City Boomtown Museum (www.lamar.edu/spindletop-gladys-city/), is located at the remote intersection of University Drive and U.S. Highway 69 on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont, Texas.
This re-created oil rush town focuses on the history of the Texas oil boom and includes a saloon, a post office, a dry goods store, a barber shop and of course a livery stable. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable docents and each building features artifacts from the boom days. For example, the barber shop, (which also served as the dentist’s office) includes an old barber chair and an assortment of antique dental tools; while the dry goods store features goods typically offered for sale at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Access is excellent throughout the complex, with ramped or level access to the buildings, a level boardwalk around the town and an accessible restroom near the post office.
Western Landscapes Galore
Southern Utah Museum of Art
Located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, the Southern Utah Museum of Art (www.suu.edu/suma/) is filled to the brim with landscapes of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. There’s level access to the building, accessible restrooms near the entrance, and room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair around the spacious galleries.
This museum grew out of a legacy donation by artist Jimmie Jones, and today that 15-painting bequest is part of the museum’s permanent collection. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, most of which focus on western landscapes or include the work of the school’s faculty or students. Additionally, the Stillman Sculpture Court, which is located just east of the museum, features works by Jane DeDecker and Marvin Nelson.
The museum building is a work of art itself. In keeping with the outdoor theme, it’s an interpretation of a Southern Utah slot canyon. The canyon-lined roof and the 5,000 square-foot canopy over the main entrance are designed to blur the boundaries of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Take some time to step back and admire the structure from afar. And come back as often as you want — there’s no admission charge.
Reach for the Stars
Steward Observatory at University of Arizona
Up next on the list of college attractions is University of Arizona in Tucson. A lot of colleges have an evening lecture series, but Tucson puts a different spin on things, as it conducts its lectures in the Steward Observatory (astro.arizona.edu/outreach/public-evening-lecture-series). The lectures conclude with the opportunity to check out the night sky on a 21-inch telescope. And as with most campuses, wheelchair-access is excellent.
The lectures are held during the school year, and they cover a variety of topics. From “Hunting for Imaginary Aliens” to “How we Built the Biggest Telescope in Space” and even “Dusty Debris Disks, Galaxies and Black Holes”, there’s something for just about everyone. And yes, they are all free, and open to the general public.
A Great Missouri Combo
University of Missouri
The next stop on this tour of US college attractions is Columbia Missouri. Once housed in two separate buildings, the Museum of Art and Archaeology (maa.missouri.edu/) and the Museum of Anthropology (anthromuseum.missouri.edu) now occupy the east wing of the Ellis Library at the University of Missouri. The collections are located on the ground floor, across from the Memorial Union. Accessible parking is available in the Hitt Street lot, which is near the accessible entrance. Please note that the Lowry Mall entrance to the library is not wheelchair-accessible.
The Museum of Art and Archaeology features an impressive Old Masters collection. and offers an overview of artistic trends and influences through the 19th century. The museum also includes an antiquities collection of over 8,000 objects, including Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern pieces. Add in some rotating special exhibitions and you’ll always find something new and interesting.
The Museum of Anthropology is one of only a few in the Midwest; and it boasts a large collection of Native American artifacts. It includes over 35,000 artifacts, which date back 2.6 million years. It’s also home to the Sutton Collection of African Weaponry and the Grayson Archery Collection — one of the largest archery equipment collections in the world. Additionally, this museum offers many free events, including lectures, workshops and collaborations. This fascinating facility offers a comprehensive collection, and like most of the other college museums, it’s easy on the wallet, as there’s no admission charge.
The Ultimate Architecture Tour
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College
Last but not least on our list of college campus attractions is Florida Southern College (www.flsouthern.edu/frank-lloyd-wright-home), which is well known for its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. In fact, it’s a National Historic Landmark, as it boasts the largest single site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
The best place to begin your self-guided Frank Lloyd Wright architecture tour is at the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center. Located on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Johnson Avenue, there’s accessible parking in front of the education center, with level access to the building. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the display of Frank Lloyd Wright photographs, furniture and drawings. And don’t forget to pick up a walking tour map.
The walking tour begins across the street on the west section of the campus. There’s good pathway access throughout the campus, with wide sidewalks, curb-cuts and ramped or level entrances to the buildings. Wander over to the Frank Lloyd Wright administration buildings, past the Water Dome and over to the Thad Bucker Building. Then continue over to the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel (known affectionately as the bicycle rack in the sky), the William Danforth Chapel (which has some beautiful cypress woodwork) and the Polk Science Building.
Conclude your visit with a stroll up the 1.5-mile esplanade which lines the west campus. The tour offers some great photo ops and you can take it at your own pace. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in some beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
In order to make their natural areas more accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, a number of Texas state parks offer GRIT Freedom Chairs. The GRIT Freedom Chair is a cross between a manual wheelchair and a mountain bike, and it allows wheelchair-users and slow walkers to access rugged terrain or sandy beaches.
Built with mountain bike parts, the GRIT Freedom Chair has three wheels – two standard wheelchair wheels on the sides of the seat, and a smaller wheel in front of the chair. It’s easier to self-propel than a standard wheelchair, thanks to the lever handles installed on each side of the seat; however there are also push handles on the back of the chair for folks who need more assistance. Add in some all terrain tires, and you have a rugged wheelchair, built to tackle rougher terrain. And although GRIT Freedom Chairs are easy to transport, these Texas State Parks offer loaner models on site.
And the good news is, thanks to the popularity of these GRIT Freedom chairs, more and more Texas state parks are adding them to their inventory. So check out this updated list to see if any additional Texas State Parks offer these adaptive wheelchairs tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/accessibility/assistive-chairs.
Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Population 138
Located five miles west of Study Butte, near the west entrance to Big Bend National Park, Terlingua’s big claim to fame is that it’s the “Birthplace to all Chili Cookoffs”. Technically it’s a ghost town, except for four days in the fall when visitors stream in for the cookoff. That said it’s best to stop in during the non-chili days to have a look at the historic Terlingua Cemetery (www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2228459/terlingua-cemetery). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery dates back to 1902; and although it’s fairly level there are some narrow spots and patches of uneven ground between the gravesites. Even if you can’t get past the first set of plots, it’s still worth a stop, as the entrance pillars have niches filled with everything from candies and bottle caps, to photos, shells and even an odd personal item or two. Add in the graves, which are adorned with an assortment of candles, fetishes and charms, and you have an excellent photo op.
The sleepy little town of Terlingua is located about five miles west of Study Butte, off of Highway 170 in southern Texas. And the unique Terlingua Cemetery, which borders the west edge of town, is definitely worth a stop on the way to Big Bend National Park.
From Highway 170 head north on Terlingua Ghost Town Road, drive past the BBQ joint on the right and look for the cemetery up on the left. If you hit Ivey Road, turn around as you’ve gone too far. There’s a large level dirt parking area near the cemetery entrance, with room enough to park an adapted van. The cemetery – which was founded in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – is fairly level, although there are narrow spots and some bumpy pathways between the plots. That said, it’s worth a stop, even if you can’t maneuver past the first row of graves, as the gravesites are adorned with candles, fetishes, charms and other unique offerings.
The entrance pillars also have niches filled with everything from coins and candy, to bottle caps, rocks, shells, photos and even the odd personal item – like a make-up brush – here and there. An excellent spot for photographers, this site gets more interesting in October, as the Day of the Dead approaches, and all sorts of new objects begin to appear. As an added bonus, there’s also a good view of the town ruins from the cemetery parking area.
East Dickinson Boulevard & North Main Street Fort Stockton, Texas
Although he’s no longer the-record-holding “largest roadrunner”, Paisano Pete is still dearly loved by the locals in this gateway town to Texas Hill Country. Built in 1979, old Pete measures in at an impressive 22 feet long and 11 feet tall. He’s located on the corner of Main Street and Dickinson, and unlike many other large statues, he’s kept up by the locals. The even dress him up for Christmas. There’s no official parking area, but there’s a large level dirt lot next to Pete that serves the purpose. And if you’d like to get a closer look at the bird, there’s curb-cut access up to the nice mini-park that surrounds him.
14880 Interstate 90
Valentine, Texas
This permanently installed sculpture by artists Elmgreen and Dragset is located about a mile or so north of Valentine along a lonely stretch of Texas Highway 90. Most likely Marfa Prada takes its name from the the non-profit that sponsored the installation — Ballroom Marfa — as it’s located some 35 miles from the namesake town.
There’s no parking lot per-say for the store, but you can pull over on either side of the freeway, park in a level dirt area and find a barrier-free pathway to the locked building. The faux showroom contains 20 left foot shoes and six purses from the 2005 Prada collection, and it’s been dubbed a “permanent land art project” by the creators.
Although the installation has been vandalized a few times, it’s always been restored to its original state. And today the Prada purses hide part of the elaborate security system. It’s a nice stop in the middle of nowhere, plus you’ll probably also bump into some interesting characters who seem to flock to this popular roadside attraction.
