Iowa Wheelchair Travel Overview

Discover the welcoming and accessible destinations of Iowa, a state that offers a variety of attractions, accommodations, and activities for travelers using wheelchairs. From bustling cities to serene natural parks, Iowa ensures that everyone can enjoy its rich history, culture, and scenic beauty with ease. This review provides detailed information to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Des Moines

Attractions

• Iowa State Capitol: Accessible entrances and elevators. Guided tours are available, with accessible routes.
• Des Moines Art Center: Accessible entrances, galleries, and restrooms.
• Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Features smooth pathways and accessible parking areas.

Accommodations

• Des Moines Marriott Downtown: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel also offers accessible entrances and elevators.
• Hilton Des Moines Downtown: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and accessible public spaces including the entrance and dining areas.

 Transportation

• DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) buses are wheelchair accessible, equipped with lifts and can accommodate one or two wheelchairs per bus.

Cedar Rapids

Attractions

• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: Accessible entrances, pathways, and restrooms.
• Brucemore Estate: The first floor is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways around the grounds.
• Cedar Rapids Museum of Art: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Accommodations

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel has accessible entrances and elevators.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Cedar Rapids South: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and accessible public spaces.

 Transportation

• Cedar Rapids Transit buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts, typically accommodating one or two wheelchairs per bus.

Iowa City

Attractions

• Old Capitol Museum: Accessible entrances and elevators.
• University of Iowa Museum of Art: Accessible entrances, galleries, and restrooms.
• Devonian Fossil Gorge: Features accessible trails and viewing areas.

Accommodations

• HotelVetro: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel also has accessible entrances and elevators.
• Graduate Iowa City: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and visual alarms. The hotel offers accessible entrances and public spaces.

 Transportation

• Iowa City Transit buses are equipped with lifts and can accommodate one or two wheelchairs per bus.

Dubuque

Attractions

• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Accessible entrances, pathways, and restrooms.
• Fenelon Place Elevator: The bottom and top stations are accessible, though the elevator car itself may require assistance.
• Eagle Point Park: Features accessible picnic areas and scenic overlooks.

 Accommodations

• Hotel Julien Dubuque: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel also offers accessible entrances and elevators.
• Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The hotel has accessible entrances and public areas.

Transportation

• The Jule buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts, typically accommodating one or two wheelchairs per bus.

Outdoor Attractions

Effigy Mounds National Monument

The Visitor Center and some trails are accessible with hard-packed gravel surfaces. Accessible guided tours and educational programs are available, offering a rich historical and cultural experience.

• Accommodations: Nearby hotels in Marquette and Prairie du Chien offer accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars.
• Transportation: Accessible buses and shuttles are available from nearby cities, accommodating one or two wheelchairs.

Gray’s Lake Park (Des Moines)
Kayaking and paddle boating with adaptive equipment available. Smooth, accessible pathways around the lake and park areas. Accessible restrooms, parking, and picnic areas.

Lake Macbride State Park (Iowa City)
Fishing with accessible docks and equipment. Find accessible boardwalks and pathways along with accessible restrooms, parking, and beach mats for easy access to the water.

Adapted Recreation Organizations

• Adaptive Sports Iowa: Provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to participate in sports and recreational activities, including cycling, skiing, and wheelchair basketball.
• Courage League Sports (Des Moines): Offers adapted sports and recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities, promoting physical activity and social interaction.