Detroit, Michigan—a city of grit, soul, and revival—is a dynamic destination for wheelchair travelers. Known for its Motown roots, automotive heritage, and a growing arts scene, Detroit has invested in improving its accessibility, especially in key downtown districts and cultural institutions. This Detroit, Michigan wheelchair travel guide highlights the best accessible places to visit, transportation options, lodging, and practical tips to navigate the city comfortably.
Getting Around Detroit in a Wheelchair
Wheelchair-Accessible Public Transit
- Detroit People Mover: A fully accessible elevated rail loop around downtown. All stations have elevators, and platforms are level with the train.
- QLine Streetcar: Runs along Woodward Avenue and is accessible with level boarding and designated wheelchair spaces.
- SMART Buses: Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation offers low-floor buses with ramps and tie-downs.
- DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation): City bus system with accessible vehicles; many routes run frequently within the city.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis & Rideshares
- WAV (Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles): Lyft and Uber both offer WAV options, though wait times can be inconsistent. Book in advance when possible.
- Checker Transportation: Offers wheelchair vans with pre-scheduling (checkertransport.com).
Wheelchair Van Rentals
For travelers who prefer to drive or need private transportation, wheelchair-accessible van rentals are available in the Detroit area.
- Local providers like Creative Mobility Group and Cloud of Goods offer vans with side-entry or rear-entry ramps, tie-downs, and optional adaptive driving equipment.
- Rentals can often be picked up at or delivered directly to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) or your lodging.
- Be sure to contact providers ahead of time to confirm specific features such as ramp style, vehicle size, and availability.
Sidewalks and Street Conditions
Downtown Detroit and Midtown areas have relatively smooth sidewalks with curb cuts, but some outlying neighborhoods may have uneven pavement or lack curb ramps. Use caution when navigating off the main streets.
Top Accessible Attractions
1. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn)
- Fully wheelchair-accessible.
- Manual wheelchairs available on-site.
- Wide paths, elevators, and ADA restrooms.
- Greenfield Village (next door) has uneven historic paths, but staff offer assistance and accessible routes.
2. Detroit Institute of Arts
- One of the best art museums in the country.
- Automatic doors, elevators, and accessible bathrooms.
- Free manual wheelchairs and accessible parking available.
- Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.
3. Motown Museum
- Limited accessibility due to historic structure, but major renovations are underway to improve access.
- Call ahead for updates on accessibility and to arrange tours.
4. Detroit Riverwalk
- Smooth, paved pathway along the Detroit River with scenic views of Canada.
- Accessible restrooms and ramps.
- Wheelchair-accessible picnic areas and wide paths perfect for scooters or manual chairs.
5. Campus Martius Park
- A lively downtown gathering space with accessible paths, public seating, and seasonal events.
- During winter, an accessible viewing area is available for ice skating and holiday displays.
Nature & Recreation
1. Belle Isle Park
- Large island park with wide paved roads and sidewalks.
- Attractions like the Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory are mostly accessible.
- Some picnic and beach areas have paved access, but terrain varies—use a manual chair with large wheels or a power chair for the best experience.
2. Dequindre Cut Greenway
- A 2-mile paved urban trail connecting the Riverwalk to Eastern Market.
- Smooth surface, easy slope, and mural-covered walls make this an artistic and accessible ride or stroll.
Accessible Lodging Options
💡 Tip: Always call the hotel directly to confirm the specific accessibility features you need, including room layout, shower type, and bed clearance.
1. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
- Centrally located luxury hotel with multiple ADA rooms and roll-in showers.
- Spacious elevators, door clearance, and accessible dining onsite.
2. Element Detroit at the Metropolitan
- Boutique, eco-conscious hotel with modern accessibility features.
- Downtown location near People Mover stations.
3. MGM Grand Detroit
- Casino-resort with accessible rooms, restrooms, and gaming tables.
- Restaurants and pool areas have ramps and automatic doors.
Dining & Shopping
Accessible Eats
- Pegasus Taverna (Greektown): Spacious interior and accessible restrooms.
- Selden Standard (Midtown): Trendy small plates restaurant with level entry and ample spacing.
- Detroit Shipping Company: An accessible food hall built from shipping containers—wheelchair ramps throughout.
Shopping
- Eastern Market: Mostly accessible on weekends with paved areas and ramps. Crowds can be dense, but vendors are often helpful.
- Shinola Detroit: Flagship store with accessible entrance and displays.
- Somerset Collection North & South (Troy): Fully ADA-compliant mall with elevators and accessible restrooms.
Accessible Restrooms & Resources
- Most major attractions have ADA-compliant restrooms.
- Public restrooms along the Riverwalk and Campus Martius are wheelchair-accessible.
- The Detroit-Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is highly accessible, with adult changing tables in some terminals and free assistance available.
Local Support & Equipment Rentals
- Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund offers short-term equipment loans.
- Numotion & National Seating and Mobility have regional offices in case of equipment repair needs.
- Local chapter of United Spinal Association provides peer support and community resources.
⚠️ Accessibility Barriers to Consider in Detroit
While many parts of Detroit are accessible, travelers should keep these common barriers in mind:
- Uneven or Missing Sidewalk Infrastructure
- Some areas outside downtown have cracked sidewalks, narrow pathways, or missing curb ramps.
- Be especially cautious in older or less developed neighborhoods.
- Limited Rideshare WAV Availability
- Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), but supply can be inconsistent.
- Booking in advance or using Checker Transportation is recommended.
- Incomplete Transit Coverage
- The People Mover and QLine offer good access downtown, but coverage is limited citywide.
- Not all bus stops are fully accessible depending on snow, construction, or maintenance.
- Snow and Ice in Winter
- Snow removal may block curb cuts and ramps in winter months.
- Outdoor paths like the Riverwalk may become difficult to navigate during cold weather.
- Accessibility in Historic Buildings
- Venues like the Motown Museum may not offer full accessibility due to historic constraints.
- Always call ahead to ask about entry routes, restrooms, and staff assistance.
- Inconsistent Accessibility in Vacation Rentals
- Listings labeled “accessible” on Airbnb or VRBO may not meet ADA standards.
- Verify key features: step-free entrance, roll-in shower, bed height, door width, and accessible parking.
At fourteen I became paralyzed but the love for adventure did not vanish. I want to see and experience this world. As the founder of wheelchairtraveling.com I believe in creating an accessible world and together we can make that happen. Be seen to be heard.