Illinois is a picturesque Midwestern state, situated just south of the Great Lakes. The Prairie State, as it’s fondly known, contains some of the most sumptuous wetlands, forests, and (of course) prairies in the entire United States.
You will never be short of things to see and do in Illinois. The state boasts several glorious parks and wildernesses, as well as one of the world’s most iconic megacities, Chicago. The “Windy City” is the third-largest urban center in the US and is famous for its heaven-high skyscrapers, world-class museums and galleries, trailblazing jazz scene, unique deep-dish pizza, and glorious urban freshwater beaches.
All in all, Illinois, with its magnificent major metropolis and copious areas of natural beauty, is a fantastic vacation destination! If you’re planning a trip to the Prairie State, read on to find out about the best wheelchair-friendly attractions in Illinois.
Can I Get Around Chicago In A Wheelchair?
Getting around Chicago in a wheelchair is relatively easy. The city was named the sixth most wheelchair-livable city in America by the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Chicago’s public transport system is accessible and the city has plenty of wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Are There Things To Do In Chicago With Limited Mobility?
There are plenty of wheelchair-accessible activities to enjoy in Chicago. The Windy City has tons of amazing attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors with limited mobility. Almost all of Chicago’s main attractions – including its spectacular museums and art galleries, its most-loved deep-dish pizza restaurants, and its most atmospheric late-night jazz venues – are wheelchair-accessible.
Are There Wheelchair Accessible Trails In Illinois?
If you enjoy exploring areas of natural beauty, you will have plenty of options for doing so in Illinois. The Prairie State has several nature trails and fishing options that are wheelchair-friendly.
Best Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions In Illinois
1. The Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s great art museums. It is home to thousands of artworks by world-famous artists including Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse. The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible and wheelchairs can be rented free of charge at the museum’s help desk.
2. Fishing At Fox Ridge State Park
Fox Ridge State Park is an area of extreme natural beauty eight miles south of the city of Charleston in east-central Illinois. The park has two wheelchair-accessible trails, one of which includes a fishing pond with an accessible fishing pier.
3. Legoland Discovery Center
Legoland is one of the most loved children’s attractions in Chicago. But it certainly isn’t only for kids! People of all ages can have a brilliant time exploring Legoland, its amazing exhibits, and its 4D cinema. Legoland Discovery Center is wheelchair-accessible and fully ADA compliant.
4. Chicago Botanic Gardens
Chicago Botanic Gardens contains 385 acres of delightful, meticulously landscaped gardens featuring millions of flowers and plants. Free wheelchairs are available at the visitors’ center and all areas of the gardens are wheelchair-accessible, including the tram tours.
5. Beall Woods State Park Trails
Beall Woods State Park, on the banks of the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois, contains trees that are 120 feet tall(!), as well as a visitors’ center and areas for fishing, camping, and picnicking. The park has several trails, including the Tulip Tree trail, which is over a mile long and is wheelchair-friendly.
6. Skydeck At Willis Tower
Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), offers the best view of Chicago. Not only that… but thanks to the Willis Tower’s prodigious height (it’s the tallest building in the Western hemisphere!) you can actually see four states on a clear day! Skydeck is fully wheelchair-accessible.
7. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza At Gino’s East
Chicago’s most famous culinary invention is the deep-dish pizza. Chicagoans swear by this saucy, cheesy, messy meal, which is more like a pie than a traditional pizza. Unsurprisingly, there are lots of amazing deep-dish pizza restaurants in Chicago. Gino’s East is a lot of people’s favorite, and its branches are wheelchair-accessible.
8. Constellation Jazz Club
Constellation Jazz Club is the premier jazz club in Chicago, and the perfect venue to finish up after a day of exploring Chicago. Its hallowed stage is graced nightly by both the hottest local jazz players and the most world-renowned international jazz superstars. Constellation has wheelchair seating and accessible washrooms. Just be sure to call ahead to reserve a table.