Throughout my travels, I've found that accessibility is fairly prevalent in our larger cities here in the United States. Of course, larger cities usually have more funding for things such as curb cuts, accessible taxis, and overall improvements that make the city a more inclusive destination. But what I want to talk about are those hidden gems. Those cities and areas that are truly standing out with inclusive design and a plethora of wheelchair-accessible things to do. So, let's dive right in and discuss the incredible places that are going above and beyond to make all of us feel welcome.
Southern Idaho
Southern Idaho sits at the top of my list not just because I love potatoes, but because I honestly believe Idaho is the most underrated destination in the United States.
I love the fact that Southern Idaho is home to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. I have visited some of America's best national parks, but being able to roll in my wheelchair among fields and massive acreage of dried lava is surreal. When I visited, I felt as if I had left planet Earth and was rolling on the moon.
These incredible igneous rock formations are lined with raised wooden boardwalk pathways and paved trails that are easily wheelchair accessible. I found the North Crater Flow Trail, Snow Cone Trail, and Devil's Orchard Trail to be the easiest to navigate, as I could roll along and enjoy the views without worrying about my wheelchair getting stuck.
Another reason why Southern Idaho is at the top of my list is Twin Falls. It's a magical place that includes some of Idaho's most beautiful sights. Shoshone Falls, also known as "Niagara of the West," can be viewed here and is even taller than Niagara Falls. Yes, taller! The falls stand at 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide. You can honestly feel the power of the falls while sitting on the wheelchair accessible viewing platforms. It is truly a gorgeous sight to behold, and there are accessible restrooms and a small gift shop located near the falls as well.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, roll along the Canyon Rim Trail. It is six miles long and has the most stunning views of Snake River Canyon. This canyon is where the famous attempted jump by Evel Knievel took place in 1974. This paved pathway is easily wheelchair accessible from the Twin Falls Visitor Center and is such an easy and enjoyable ride.
Don't leave Southern Idaho without visiting the capital city of Boise! This city is bustling with accessible attractions. I truly enjoyed the Old Idaho Penitentiary tour, eating my way around Boise's Basque Block, picnicking at Esther Simplot Park, and rolling through the outdoor space at Kathryn Albertson Park.
Knoxville, TN
Located along the Tennessee River and next door to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the city of Knoxville. Knoxville isn't an ordinary southern town; it's a wheelchair-accessible destination with tons of fun things to do. As I live only a couple of hours away, I love visiting often.
During a recent visit, I was able to roll onboard the Volunteer Princess Dinner Cruise. This two-hour boat ride takes you along the Tennessee River with spectacular views of the city. While eating dinner onboard, you may even catch a glimpse of the Sunsphere, which is the landmark from the 1982 World's Fair. I was easily able to board the cruise in my wheelchair, and the staff was very accommodating during our trip.
Speaking of the Sunsphere, this 266-foot structure with a 75-foot gold dome is accessible to roll inside and head to the top for some awesome views of the city. There is an elevator on the third level that can be accessed from Clinch Avenue next to the UT Conference Center. By calling 865-314-0660 upon your arrival, a staff member will bring the elevator down to get you and your wheelchair inside. It is open seven days a week, but please note that it closes each day from 1:30 to 2:30 for lunch. Once inside the elevator, you will head up to the fourth level for 360° views of the surrounding areas. You will be able to see the Great Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee Vols football stadium, the Tennessee River, and breathtaking views of the city.
The Tennessee Theatre is a must-visit attraction when in Knoxville. It's no wonder why this theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. This gorgeous venue is home to touring Broadway shows, musicians, singers, vintage films, and performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Since there wasn't a show in town while I was there, I was excited to see that they offer wheelchair-accessible tours of the venue. This tour lasted two hours, and it was well worth the visit. The chandeliers in the Grand Lobby are unbelievably gorgeous, and the wheelchair-accessible seating areas are located on several levels. I can't wait to return and see a show here.
Another unique reason Knoxville is on my hidden gems list is that is is home to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Driving through the city, you can't miss this building. It features a huge 10-ton, 30-foot high basketball sitting on the roof! Wheelchair-accessible parking is near the entrance with a paved sidewalk that leads you inside. The entire museum is very spacious and easily maneuverable for wheelchair users. I enjoyed seeing the locker room area, where you can sit and listen to a recording of Knoxville Hall of Famer Pat Summitt as she cheers on her team to another victory. This facility is the only one of its kind dedicated to all levels of women's basketball, and seeing the stars from long ago as well as current players was fascinating.
Burlington, VT
During a recent visit to Burlington, Vermont, I fell in love with this laid back and friendly city. Burlington is the perfect destination to visit in a wheelchair, and I was ecstatic to see that I was able to ride an adaptive bicycle here.
Who knew that as a person with very low muscle strength, I could ride a bike? But I did it! Thanks to the folks at Vermont Adaptive, people with disabilities can try sailing kayaking, and cycling, just to name a few activities. They also offer snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter months.
For me, the tandem bicycle was so much fun. I had to be transferred onto a seat, but it felt very comfortable with a backrest and plenty of straps. I sat in a laid-back position, and the Vermont Adaptive team was great about asking what else I needed to be comfortable. Once they assisted with everything I requested, another person got on the front of the bike and away we went. She had full control of the bike, so all I had to do was sit back and enjoy the views. Try this if you're in the area!
How about some ice cream? The Ben & Jerry's factory is located about 30 minutes from downtown Burlington, and you can enjoy a fun and delicious tour there. As the tour begins, you will roll into an elevator and head toward the theater. There, you will watch a video about how two college friends named Ben and Jerry had the idea to start an ice cream business and how it has grown into a worldwide brand. You'll receive samples and watch the production room through a glass wall. It is fascinating to see how everything comes together before being packaged and shipped to stores. Afterwards, you can roll outside and visit the Flavor Graveyard. This comical spot features actual gravestones with funny epitaphs for ice cream flavors that are no longer produced. Even if you don't take the indoor tour, the graveyard can be visited for free and is a fun place to explore.
Lake Champlain is located in Burlington and is a gorgeous body of water. Here you can ride the Spirit of Ethan Allen, a small cruise boat that offers great views of the Burlington shoreline. I was able to go on their lunch cruise, and the accessibility was really good. I was easily able to go onboard in my power wheelchair since ramps were available. The entire bottom level is wheelchair accessible, and it also has an accessible bathroom. Getting out on the water was a refreshing and relaxing way to spend the day in Burlington.
Traverse City, MI
Known as the cherry capital of the world, Traverse City has a great downtown area that is easy to roll around and explore. You can shop for all kinds of delicious cherries and other great items.
My favorite shop was Cherry Republic. I loved that they had a large array of chocolate-covered cherry samples, and their cherry soda was delicious as well. I also enjoyed visiting Outpost for a delectable latte and Higher Self Bookstore. Most shops in the downtown area were wheelchair accessible, and you can easily spend several hours exploring this area.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is unlike any other place in the U.S. It is actually the world's largest collection of freshwater sand dunes, and it is massive.
I truly enjoyed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This 7.4-mile roadway winds through scenic views and overlooks of the dunes. Two of the most wheelchair-accessible overlooks were numbers 3 and 11. Overlook 3 had a ramped deck with two levels, and from here you can view both the sand dunes and the lake from the comfort of your wheelchair. From Overlook 11, there is a spectacular view of the lake, and it was probably my favorite stop.
One of the most unique shopping areas that I've ever seen is The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. It is a vibrant community hub with a broad array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. What makes it extra special is that it is an historic site, as it was previously a hospital known as the Traverse City State Hospital. Being inside and realizing that it was once home to psychiatric patients gives the space a whole new vibe. I found it to be easily wheelchair accessible, and elevators are available to access the multiple floors.
Beaumont, TX
Beaumont, Texas is home to some of the most colorful murals that I have ever seen. You can find them all over the city, and they are easily accessible in a wheelchair because Beaumont has wide sidewalks and a multitude of curb cuts. All this fantastic art makes for some great photo opportunities, so make sure to bring a friend or a tripod so you don't miss those shots.
Want to see more than 450 alligators? Then head over to Gator Country in Beaumont. The pathways here are fairly smooth, with some areas consisting of grass and dirt. My power wheelchair had no issues getting around, and I was excited to see so many of the reptiles up close. So close, in fact, that you can hold baby gators and some snakes if you wish. Around 90% of the animals were either rescued or surrendered, which makes visiting this park even more special.
Getting outdoors in Beaumont is super easy in a wheelchair at Big Thicket National Preserve. I love that they have two wheelchair-accessible trails that allow you to explore the trees and view wildlife. The Sundew Trail is 0.3 miles long and is a paved boardwalk that forms a full loop. This trail winds through many carnivorous plants and trees, and you will want to keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife. The second wheelchair-accessible trail is Pitcher Plant Trail. This trail is one mile long, but the first quarter-mile is wheelchair accessible. Although that may not sound very far, it is worth checking out. There are a ton of pitcher plants, and the pathway is paved. At the base of each trail, you will find an accessible restroom and several picnic tables to help you enjoy your visit.
Often, when you venture off the beaten path, you will discover those amazing accessible hidden gems that you might not have otherwise known existed. Wheelchair-accessible features can make a world of difference when choosing where to go or what places to visit as a wheelchair user. By finding these spots and sharing the information, I hope you will venture beyond the more common destinations and seek out these special places. They are welcoming visitors and have eagerly made accessibility a priority.
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a QUICKIE Q500 M.
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