Virginia’s tourist slogan is “Virginia is for lovers” – but it turns out it’s also for those in wheelchairs. Virginia has a variety of attractions for a wide range of interests that are accessible to someone in a wheelchair. The Old Dominion State just so happens to be full of accessible attractions for people of all ages. Read on to discover some of the best wheelchair-friendly attractions in Virginia.

1. The Battleship USS Wisconsin

In Virginia, you’ll find a lot of Naval history. If that piques your interest, be sure to go to Norfolk to explore one of America’s largest battleships, the USS Wisconsin.

This battleship served in World War II and offers audio tours that take you through the ship, pointing out highlights such as the guns on the main deck and the action it saw in the war. You can also take a guided tour through this wheelchair-accessible attraction.

Disabled Parking - Virginia attractions
Image by The Silverdalex on Unsplash: The best wheelchair-friendly attractions in Virginia are not hard to find, because there are so many things to do in Virginia!

2. Leesylvania State Park

Home to some of the best wheelchair-accessible waterfalls in Virginia (and the best wheelchair-accessible trails in Virginia!), Leesylvania Park has a lot to offer. If you love the great outdoors, you have to check out this amazing state park nestled along the shores of the mighty Potomac River. Native Americans lived on these shores for thousands of years and it’s steeped in rich history (it was once visited by Captain John Smith himself).

This park is full of activities for families, too, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and water sports. Best of all, you won’t have any trouble if you want to explore the Potomac Trail or fishing pier in your wheelchair. It has several wheelchair-accessible trails and even some of the best wheelchair-accessible cabins in Virginia.

3. Virginia Living Museum

Do you have an animal lover in your family? If so, you can’t miss out on the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. This museum features a large collection of Virginia’s mammals, reptiles, birds, aquatic life, and amphibians – and it has a butterfly garden to boot!

At this museum, you’ll also find more information about the plants found in Virginia in the botanical reserve, as well as all the scientific information you could wish for. It even has a planetarium! The entire museum is friendly to wheelchair users, too, so you don’t have to worry about being left out of the excitement.

4. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery has the distinguished honor of being our nation’s most hallowed ground. It’s open all year long, so you don’t have to worry about timing your visit. The Welcome Center can introduce you and your fellow travelers to the cemetery and explain why it’s so treasured by the nation.

Make sure to bring your handicapped parking placard to the cemetery to receive a special vehicle pass that lets you access all the highlights of the cemetery, such as the Changing of the Guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The cemetery does not provide wheelchairs to guests, so make sure yours is loaded up and ready to go.

5. National Museum Of The Marine Corps

If you want to learn more about the men and women of the United States Marine Corps, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is something you don’t want to miss. Located in Quantico, this museum is a tribute to the men and women who have served as Marines and includes interactive exhibits and artifacts you cannot find anywhere else.

The museum is wheelchair-friendly, so you’ll be able to explore it to your heart’s content.

Disabled Parking - cabin
Image by Stephen Walker on Unsplash: You can find wheelchair-accessible cabins in Virginia at some of the state parks.

6. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Are you a Civil War buff? If so, you can’t miss out on Manassas National Battlefield Park. It was here that the first and second battles of Bull Run took place and where Stonewall Jackson got his nickname. You can download audio guides to take you through the main sites of the park.

The rolling hills of this park are wheelchair-friendly, but make sure you stop at the visitor’s center for a map, since the park is so extensive. And make sure you visit in dry weather so your wheels don’t get stuck in the mud! Bring your disabled parking pass, too, since the park’s accessible parking will get you closer to some of the highlights, such as the museum dedicated to one of its famous battles.

7. Colonial Williamsburg

No trip to Virginia would be complete without checking out Colonial Williamsburg. While 18th-century architecture isn’t exactly wheelchair-friendly, this historic site has worked hard to make sure everyone can take in its historic charm. For the most part, the visitor center, hotels, shops, and museums are accessible, and it’s easy to find out which other buildings are with the help of staff. The streets, gardens, and activities are accessible, and ramps for wheelchairs have been installed in many buildings.

Colonial Williamsburg does rent wheelchairs, and you can find wheelchair-accessible restrooms all across the property.

Featured image by Mike Von on Unsplash