Whether you’re looking for the ultimate camp site for a weekend escape or a day hike with extraordinary views, Wisconsin has something for everyone. Cozy up in a wheelchair accessible lakeside cabin with loved ones or paddle out onto the crystal-clear water at one of our many lakes. Wisconsin state parks are full of hidden gems, unforgettable adventures, and best of all, comfortable and accessible options for everyone to enjoy.
Check out this map from the Wisconsin DNR for a great visual about the accessibility features throughout our state park system and read on to discover some popular wheelchair accessible options for you next state park adventure.
For a Comfortable Cabin or Campsite
The Wisconsin State Park System offers 10 wheelchair accessible cabins throughout the state. If immersing yourself under a canopy of trees is on your bucket list, try a rustic accessible cabin located in Blue Mound State Park. These cabins are wheelchair accessible and can hold up to six people, making it a great group escape — all you have to do is make an online reservation for a weekend getaway. This site also has a wheelchair accessible fire ring, so don’t forget to pack your marshmallows and chocolate bars for some late-night s’mores with your favorite people!
And that’s just the start. There is more to explore when it comes to wheelchair accessible campsites in Wisconsin, including at Kettle Moraine State Forest, High Cliff State Park and Copper Falls State Park.
Spend A Peaceful Afternoon on the Water
One of the best ways to enjoy Wisconsin’s state parks is by getting out on the water — these five parks offer adaptive equipment for travelers with disabilities.
Explore Devil's Lake, a glacial lake forged in the location where the Wisconsin River once flowed. The crystal-clear water makes this park an excellent place for a kayak escapade, as you’ll be surrounded by rocky 500-foot quartzite bluffs and lush forest. The beach also has a mobi-mat that makes the beach more accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Looking to explore more areas? Buckhorn, Council Grounds, Merrick and Perrot State Parks all have specialized kayaks that offer incredible stability and support when out on the water.
Take a Scenic Hike on Wheelchair Accessible Trails
Get away from daily life and immerse yourself in nature on some of Wisconsin’s accessible hiking trails. Take in the vast views atop Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park. The Canopy Walk — an 850-foot wheelchair- and stroller-accessible ramp — winds through beech tree forest before ending on an observation deck 250 feet above the Bay of Green Bay.
Nearby at Newport State Park, you can check out a Discovery Pen to interact with audio and tactile educational panels along the 2,000-plus acres of forest. Explore with your loved ones along the Fern Trail, a mile-long, wheelchair-friendly path, complete with many of these interactive panels with fascinating info about the area. Afterwards, catch your breath and refuel at one of the serene picnic areas along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Near the northern tip of Wisconsin, visit Big Bay State Park to follow the 1.5-mile wheelchair accessible boardwalk trail along stunning Lake Superior and through towering red and white pines. You can also check out a beach wheelchair here and spend the whole day soaking up the sun with your favorite people.
Have a Memorable Picnic with Your Favorite People
What could be better than snacking on a fresh charcuterie board and sipping on some wine while you watch the sun set? Wisconsin has plenty of accessible options for picnic locations, so pack up a bag of tasty snacks for the kids and spend the afternoon at a state park.
Relax and enjoy the fresh air and sandstone bluffs surrounding Mirror Lake State Park near the Wisconsin Dells. Here, you and your crew can cook up a hearty meal at one of the wheelchair accessible picnic shelters with electricity and grills — like the Boat Landing and Bluewater Bay picnic areas.
In Door County, Potawatomi State Park also has a wheelchair accessible picnic shelter with large garage-style doors kept open in the warm months complete with fire pits and electrical outlets. Reserve the place ahead of time or stop by for an impromptu picnic and enjoy the dazzling views of Sturgeon Bay.
Cast a Line with Friends and Family
From flat shorelines to beautiful piers and platforms on Wisconsin’s lakes, fishing is another wheelchair accessible activity that’s available in many of our state parks. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon casting a line, check out Kettle Moraine State Park’s Northern Unit. You’ll find three accessible piers: Long Lake Fishing Pier, Mauthe Lake Fishing Pier and Mauthe Lake Dam.
Those aren’t your only options, though. Every fishing pier the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources builds is designed to be accessible for all — with wider platforms, lower railings and rod holders for easy fishing. So, grab your rods and bait. The lakes are calling!
Have Whimsical Winter Fun
During the chillier months, skiing is the perfect opportunity to play in a winter wonderland and adventure through Wisconsin’s State Parks. Make your way across the trails in one of Wisconsin’s cross-country sit skis, free for use at a number of parks.
Enjoy a great view of the state capitol at Governor Nelson State Park, or ski across one of the other six accessible ski trails, all groomed for easy maneuvering at Buckhorn State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Mirror Lake State Park and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Wrap up your adventure with a nice cup of hot chocolate, reliving your adventure with all the pics you snapped throughout your journey.
Looking for more accessible activities and places to visit in Wisconsin? Check out our resource with inspiration for more accessible fun.
