Michigan Welcomes Wheelchaired Travelers to its Pleasant Peninsulas
Don't worry! You aren't likely to run into any wolverines in the "Wolverine State," but you are likely to find exciting wheelchair accessible attractions, and you shouldn't "weasel out" of going to any of them!
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) showcases human creativity starting from prehistory through the 21st century. The museum covers 658,000 square feet that includes more than 100 galleries, a 1,150 seat auditorium, a 380-seat lecture/recital hall, an art reference library, and a state-of-the-art conservation services laboratory.
ADA parking is available for handicap vans in the Cultural Center Lot, on Farnsworth and Kirby Street.
The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Come explore past and present inventions! The Henry Ford Museum brings American ideas and innovations to life. The museum is based on automobile industrialist Henry Ford's desire to preserve historical items that portray the Industrial Revolution. You'll see famous houses, machinery, exhibits, and other rare items like John F. Kennedy's presidential limousine.
The Museum is wheelchair-accessible; however, due to the historic nature of the museum, wheelchairs cannot enter all buildings. There are both wheelchair and electric scooters available for rental on a first come, first served basis.
Air Zoo, Kalamazoo
Voted the "Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners" and "Best Place to Spend a Day with Your Family" three years in a row! The Air Zoo is an aviation museum and an indoor amusement park featuring rides like the Full-Motion Flight Simulators, RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater, as well as more than 50 rare and historic aircraft, exhibits, and educational activities.
The Air Zoo is wheelchair accessible. There are wheelchairs kept onsite for anyone who may need one. The Main Campus building has a circle drive available for easy drop-off and pick-up.
Michigan Wineries
Choose from more than 100 wineries across 15,000 acres of vineyards in Michigan. You'll experience delicious wine tastings and cuisines made with local ingredients. Look at the vineyards here to select the wineries you'd like to visit.
Each facility is different, so accessibility may vary. It's best to contact the vineyards you are interested in visiting beforehand to inquire about accessibility.
Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek
Explore Binder Park Zoo's 32 rare and exotic animal exhibits and 19 domestic animal exhibits! The 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands provide homes for more than 600 specimens and more than 140 species, which include one of the largest giraffe herds in the country. You can feed the giraffes, browse the Safari Gift Shop, and dine at the Beulah's Restaurant or Kalahari Kitchen.
Wheelchairs are available to rent at the zoo's entrance. Any wheelchair or scooter wider than 29 1/2 inches will not be able to board the trams to Africa, the carousel, or the ZO&O Railroad. Ramps for all rides have a 600 lb. maximum capacity.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
You can spend hours at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exploring indoor gardens like the tropical conservatory, Victorian, carnivorous, and arid gardens. There are also outdoor areas like the Children's Garden, Michigan's Farm Garden, seasonal garden, and the world-class Sculpture Park, not to mention many nature trails and a boardwalk.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is fully accessible to all. The grounds and buildings accommodate wheelchairs and the outdoor areas have fully paved walkways, ramps, and trails that allow easy access. There are wheelchairs available on site.
Impression 5, Lansing
Bring the whole family and enjoy interactive activities that challenge your understanding of science. You'll play and create together through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. There are more than 150 activities in the 25,000 square foot building to explore!
Many activities are wheelchair accessible; however there are some that are not.
Crossroads Village, Flint
Get a feel for life in the 1800s at the Crossroads Village, showing more than 34 historic structures. Come aboard the Huckleberry Railroad and enjoy a scenic 40-minute ride, take an excursion on the Genessee Belle paddlewheel riverboat around Mott Lake, see a show at the Colwell Opera House, or learn something new from one of the craftspeople. Take a trip back in history and experience an unique time!
The Huckleberry Railroad and Genesee Belle Paddlewheel Riverboat are handicap accessible.
Confections with Convictions, Kalamazoo
For all the chocolate lovers out there--Confections with Convictions is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. The shop specializes in organic, hand-crafted truffles. You can also find organic gourmet chocolates from all over the world. The chocolates are made exclusively from organic and fair trade chocolate, which enables farmers and farm workers to keep their businesses running.
Confections with Convictions is wheelchair accessible with a ramp.
Step On Bus Tours, Ferndale
Take a themed tour around Michigan like a Treasure Hunting, Antiques, and Garden Tour, or a Chocolate, Cheese, and Churches tour. You can even ask about your group's interest and Step On Bus Tours will create a unique tour just for you! An experienced guide will take you through your specific tour in an informative and entertaining manner. Visit their website here to view scheduled tours.
Step On Bus Tours are wheelchair accessible.
Though the weather might be unpredictable in Michigan, one thing's for sure--we can predict you'll have a blast at the state's many wheelchair accessible attractions.