Known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse cultural attractions, Illinois offers a variety of accessible destinations for travelers with disabilities. From the bustling streets of Chicago with its world-class museums and scenic lakefront to charming small towns and beautiful natural landscapes, this state is packed with accessible adventures waiting to be explored. This review covers the best wheelchair accessible accommodations, transportation options, attractions, and recreational activities to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable trip to the Land of Lincoln.

Chicago

While Chicago boasts numerous accessible attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, this review will focus on other parts of Illinois, highlighting the state’s extensive wheelchair-friendly offerings.

Springfield

Springfield, the state capital, is rich in history with numerous sites dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and other historical attractions.

  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Explore the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Find smooth, level surfaces throughout the museum. Ramps and elevators provide easy access to all exhibits. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and exhibits at eye level for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms with grab bars and wide stalls are available. Accessible parking is located near the entrance.
  • Illinois State Capitol: Visit the seat of government for the state of Illinois, featuring stunning architecture and historical significance. The building features smooth, level floors and wide hallways. Ramps and elevators are available for access to all floors. The building is equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms on each floor. Wheelchair users can access all public areas, including the legislative chambers and visitor galleries. Accessible parking spaces are located near the building.

Accommodations

  • President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms.
  • Drury Inn & Suites Springfield: Features accessible rooms, roll-in showers, and free accessible parking.

Transportation

Starved Rock State Park 

Starved Rock State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, this park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.

Visitor Center

The starting point for exploring the park, with exhibits, information, and accessible amenities. There’s smooth, paved surfaces with ramps and wide pathways leading to the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Accessible restrooms are available with grab bars and sufficient space. There are also accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.

Trails

  •  Illinois Canyon Trail: Offers a hard-packed gravel surface that is relatively smooth and suitable for wheelchairs. The trail leads to a scenic canyon and waterfall.
  • French Canyon Trail: Features a combination of paved and gravel surfaces. It provides access to the beautiful French Canyon, but some parts may be slightly uneven.
  • Starved Rock Trail: Partially accessible with a combination of paved and compacted gravel surfaces. The trail offers stunning views of the Illinois River and rock formations.

Accommodations

  • Starved Rock Lodge: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and accessible pathways throughout the property.
  • Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area): Features accessible rooms, accessible parking, and a complimentary breakfast.

Peoria

Peoria combines urban attractions with natural beauty, providing a variety of activities and experiences.

  • Peoria Riverfront Museum: A multidisciplinary museum with art, science, and history exhibits. The museum is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and wide pathways. Accessible restrooms are available on all floors, and there is accessible parking near the entrance.
  • Peoria Zoo: Home to a variety of animals from around the world, with well-maintained exhibits. The zoo offers accessible pathways throughout the exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available, and the main entrance has ramps and curb cuts for easy access.

Accommodations

  • Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and lowered amenities.
  • Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette: Features accessible rooms, accessible bathrooms, and complimentary accessible parking.

Transportation

  • CityLink: Peoria’s public transportation system with wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Available through companies like Yellow Checker Cab.

Galena

Known for its historic architecture and charming downtown, Galena is a picturesque destination with accessible amenities.

  • Galena History Museum: Delve into Galena’s rich history through exhibits and artifacts. The museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. Accessible restrooms are available with grab bars and ample space for maneuvering. The museum also provides accessible parking.
  • Main Street: A bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Many shops and restaurants along Main Street are wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and wide doorways.

Accommodation

  • Stoney Creek Inn: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, accessible public areas, and free accessible parking.
  • Ramada by Wyndham Galena Hotel & Day Spa: Features accessible rooms, roll-in showers, and lowered amenities.

Other Notable Attractions

  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Collinsville): Explore the remains of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. The interpretive center is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Some mounds have paved pathways and other have packed granite. Some paths may be challenging for wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms are available.
  • Garden of the Gods (Shawnee National Forest): Famous for its stunning rock formations and scenic vistas. The Observation Trail is accessible and offers beautiful views of the rock formations. Accessible parking and restrooms are available near the trailhead.

Adaptive Recreation and Programs

0 0 votes
Post Power

Related Articles