Wisconsin is known for its love of the great outdoors and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, along with many local businesses, goes to great lengths to ensure that outdoor activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or mobility. We’ve rounded up some exciting ideas for adaptive equipment, accessible parks and programs to make sure everyone can enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors with ease and freedom.
Wilderness Inquiry's Little Sand Bay Base Camp – Bayfield
Here you’ll find adaptive equipment for a kayaking or canoeing excursion on Lake Superior at Wisconsin's pristine Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The guides are trained to provide inclusive adventures for people with a range of disabilities and have mastered the art of giving the additional support needed to help families share an outdoor experience.
Big Bay, Buckhorn, Harrington Beach and Whitefish Dunes State Parks – Various Locations
Prefer to stay on land, but still enjoy shoreline views? The DNR rents beach wheelchairs. The thick rubber wheels of the pushable beach wheelchairs make it easy to move on sand, so trekkers can even navigate sand dunes!
Kohler-Andrae State Park – Sheboygan
Kohler-Andrae is only one of the state parks that offer a completely accessible cabin camping experience for the whole family. With features like low countertops, adjustable hospital-style beds, wheel-in showers and more, families will be able to truly relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Ready to up the ante? Explore more Wisconsin state parks and set your sights on these additional accessible cabins.
Newport State Park – Door County
For a unique and interactive outdoor experience, check out Fern Trail. This completely accessible trail does an excellent job of guiding visitors through the forest with panels featuring audio interpretation, illustrations, guided imagery and tactile elements. Audio includes bird songs, first person narratives, sound effects and music. Visitors activate the audio by using a sound-enabled brochure, or by touching the “audio pen” to the panel.
Discover more ways to explore Wisconsin where you can be you, whatever your ability.
