Oklahoma Wheelchair Travel Tips

Oklahoma is a state rich in Native American history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the Great Plains to the bustling urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the state offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that draw visitors year-round. Oklahoma is committed to providing wheelchair-accessible options for travelers, making it a welcoming destination for everyone. This guide provides a detailed look at the attractions, transportation, accommodations, outdoor recreation, and adaptive recreation organizations available throughout the state to ensure a smooth, accessible visit.

Attractions

1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Oklahoma City is a moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial features reflecting pools, and the museum offers interactive exhibits detailing the events of the attack. The outdoor memorial has smooth, wide pathways, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users. The museum is also equipped with ramps and elevators, allowing easy access to all floors. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the museum, and there are designated quiet spaces for reflection.
2. Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa is a stunning blend of art, history, and nature. The museum houses a vast collection of American and European art, and its beautifully landscaped gardens are a major attraction. The museum’s interior is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators allowing wheelchair users access to all galleries. The outdoor gardens have paved pathways, though some areas may be slightly uneven due to natural landscaping. Accessible restrooms are located on every floor of the museum, and there are accessible seating areas in the gardens.
3. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City offers a deep dive into the history of the American West, featuring exhibits on cowboy culture, Native American art, and military history. It’s one of Oklahoma’s most visited attractions and offers a wide variety of exhibits that are accessible to wheelchair users. The museum is fully accessible, with wide pathways and ramps throughout. All exhibits are easily reachable for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms are available on each floor of the museum. The museum also offers accessible parking and elevators between floors.
4. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City: The Myriad Botanical Gardens span 15 acres and feature various landscapes, including a tropical conservatory and outdoor gardens. The grounds are a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering pathways, fountains, and resting areas. Most of the pathways throughout the gardens are paved and wheelchair-friendly, though a few garden areas might have slight inclines. The conservatory itself is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps to all viewing platforms. Accessible restrooms are located at multiple points within the gardens, and there are benches for resting.
5. Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City: This large, interactive museum features hands-on exhibits in science and technology. The museum offers activities for all ages and is committed to making its exhibits accessible to all visitors. Wide, smooth pathways allow easy navigation of the exhibits. Elevators are available to access different floors, and staff are available to assist with accessibility needs. Accessible restrooms are provided, and many exhibits have been adapted to accommodate wheelchair users.
6. Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa: Home to one of the world’s largest collections of American Western art and artifacts, the Gilcrease Museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding the museum as well as its extensive collection of art and cultural history. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout. The outdoor areas have paved walkways, though there may be minor elevation changes in some areas. Accessible restrooms are available, and there are benches and accessible seating areas throughout the museum and gardens.
7. Route 66 Museum, Clinton: Oklahoma is home to a long stretch of historic Route 66, and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton offers an in-depth look at the history and cultural significance of this famous highway. Interactive exhibits showcase life on the road through different decades. The museum is fully accessible, with wide walkways and ramps. Interactive exhibits are designed to accommodate all visitors, including those using wheelchairs. There are accessible restrooms throughout the museum, and staff are available to provide additional assistance if needed.

Outdoor Recreation

• Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton offers stunning views, wildlife observation, and accessible hiking trails. The refuge is home to bison, elk, and a variety of bird species, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts. The Kite Trail is a paved trail offering stunning views of the wildlife refuge, accessible for wheelchair users. The Bison Trail is partially accessible due to some sections of this trail are compacted gravel and may be accessible depending on wheelchair type.
• Beavers Bend State Park: Located in the Ouachita Mountains, this park offers fishing, boating, and beautiful forested scenery. The park offers accessible cabins, campgrounds, and trails. The Forest Heritage Center Museum is also accessible.
• Lake Murray State Park: Enjoy water activities, accessible hiking trails, and the iconic Tucker Tower with panoramic lake views. The park features accessible cabins, lodges, and paved trails. The Tucker Tower Nature Center is wheelchair accessible.

Transportation

• Embark, Oklahoma City is the public transportation system in Oklahoma City. All Embark buses are ADA-compliant and equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users. The buses have designated spaces for wheelchair users, with securement areas and safety belts. Bus stops are generally accessible, with curb cuts and smooth sidewalks in most areas. Drivers are trained to assist with boarding, and the system provides route maps indicating which stops are fully accessible. Each bus can accommodate two wheelchairs at a time. Riders can request paratransit services if they need additional assistance or require more personalized services.
• Tulsa Transit, Tulsa operates a fleet of fully accessible buses, offering convenient transportation across the city. Each bus has a ramp or lift and securement areas for wheelchair users. Most of the bus stops in Tulsa are accessible, with smooth sidewalks and curb cuts. The buses themselves have low-floor designs to make boarding easier for those using wheelchairs. Buses can accommodate two wheelchairs at once. Tulsa Transit also offers a paratransit service for riders who need door-to-door assistance.

Accessible Taxis and Private Transportation

• Yellow Cab, Oklahoma City offers wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps, accommodating up to two wheelchair users. Advanced booking is recommended.
• Checker Cab, Tulsa provides accessible transportation in Tulsa, with vans that can fit one or two wheelchairs depending on the model. They offer airport pickups and citywide transport.
• Jayride, Statewide offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles throughout Oklahoma, connecting passengers with a variety of transport providers for airport shuttles and long-distance travel.

Accommodations

• Skirvin Hilton, Oklahoma City: This historic downtown hotel combines luxury with accessibility. It’s located near the Oklahoma City National Memorial and other key attractions, making it a great option for visitors looking to explore the city. Rooms feature roll-in showers with grab bars and adjustable handheld showerheads. Accessible rooms offer king or queen-sized beds with adjustable heights. The hotel offers accessible parking, wide hallways, and elevators to all floors. There is a fitness center, and accessible public restrooms are located in the lobby. Some areas of the hotel can be busy during events, which may cause congestion in hallways.
• Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center, Tulsa: This large hotel and convention center offers spacious, modern rooms with accessibility features. It’s located near Tulsa’s major attractions, making it a convenient option for travelers. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers with grab bars, along with either king or queen-sized beds. Bed heights are designed for easy wheelchair transfers. The hotel provides accessible parking, elevators, and wide hallways. It also has a fitness center and an indoor pool with a pool lift. The size of the hotel means it can get busy during conventions, potentially causing some delays in getting to rooms or common areas.
• Colcord Hotel, Oklahoma City: This boutique hotel offers upscale accommodations in the heart of Oklahoma City. The Colcord is known for its excellent service and attention to detail, including accessibility features for guests with disabilities. Rooms are equipped with roll-in showers and accessible beds, available in both king and queen sizes. The adjustable height beds make transfers from wheelchairs easier. Accessible parking, wide doorways, and an elevator are provided. The hotel also has a rooftop bar with accessible seating options, though it may require advance notice to secure a space. Some of the older parts of the building may present minor accessibility challenges, though staff are available to assist.