My Accessible Detroit Experience: Coming Home Again

There’s something different about coming home after being away for a while, especially when home is a place as layered and alive as Detroit. I grew up here. These streets, these foods, these memories… they’re just a part of who I am.

So when I got the chance to return to Detroit with Wheel the World, not as a kid from the west side but as a traveler experiencing my city through an accessibility lens, it felt special in a whole new way.

One of the best parts of the whole trip was having my mom join us for some of it. I hadn’t seen her since May, so getting to roll around Detroit together, share a Buddy’s pizza, and just hang out meant a lot to me. She’s proud of the work I do and seeing her included in this experience was really special. It made Detroit feel even more like home.

I also spent time here with my friend Kaylee Bays, which made it even more fun. We explored museums, ate good food, and found the city very accessible.

“The accessibility level has changed completely since I was last there.”

Staying in the City: Feeling Welcomed from the Start

The first thing I noticed when I checked into my hotel was the staff. Everyone was warm, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. Not in an overstepping type of way, but in a “we’re glad you’re here” kind of way. That set the tone for the whole stay.

The lobby had tons of space which was perfect since I was catching up with friends and family. And being in a central area made everything easier: food nearby, familiar streets, and quick access to the places I wanted to revisit.

My room layout worked well for me. Good turning space, a bathroom that matched what I need, and no unexpected barriers. I personally don’t love roll-in showers because the water sometimes spreads across the floor, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker. The room gave me what I needed, and honestly, I felt comfortable the entire time.

Most importantly, I felt welcomed and at home. That’s all I ask for from a hotel and Detroit delivered.

Exploring Local Icons: Familiar Places With New Meaning

Detroit is a city of icons, and revisiting them as an adult and as a disabled traveler hit differently. These were the places I grew up with, but this time I noticed things I didn’t before. The accessibility, the pride in the community, the way people welcomed us… it made the whole city feel new again, even though it’s my hometown.

Here are some accessible things to do in Detroit to consider during your visit:

“There’s nothing you can’t do in Detroit.”

Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum was one of the biggest highlights of my trip. We met the curator, Amir Makupson, and she gave us a personal walkthrough of the exhibits. If you grew up in Detroit, you know how important her family is to the city, so meeting her felt a little like meeting Detroit royalty. She was welcoming, easy to talk to, and made the whole visit feel special.

Rolling through the museum was smooth and everything was nice and accessible.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Another major moment. The Wright Museum is part of Detroit’s soul. It tells the story of resilience, culture, and community. Navigating the museum was straightforward, and it was meaningful to be in a space that honors so much of our shared history.

Detroit Riverwalk & Dequindre Cut

If you’ve never experienced the Riverwalk, put it on your list. It’s long but beautiful. Water, greenery, families hanging out, people biking… it’s Detroit at its best. Just make sure your wheelchair tires are aired up; I learned that one the hard way. Thankfully, we found a bike shop, and two minutes later, I was rolling smooth again thanks to some kind folks.

We also rolled through Dequindre Cut, a paved bike-and-walking path that connects parts of the city to the Riverwalk. It’s wide, easy to navigate, and has a cool urban look with murals and greenery.

Detroit from Above

One night we went to Highlands Detroit, a restaurant 72 floors above the city. I’d never seen Detroit from a view like this before, and it was one of the best i've seen in years. It was awesome to experience. We rode the elevator up and everything was very accessible – and the food was unreal. Honestly, I don’t even remember what I ordered. I just remember leaving very happy

Buddy’s Pizza + Coney Island

You can’t come to Detroit and skip Buddy’s or a Coney dog. These places are Detroit essentials. Seating can be tight because they’re always busy, but it is manageable with a little patience. Coming back and sharing these experiences with my mom and Kaylee was one of my favorite memories of the trip.

A Special Moment I Didn’t Expect

Near Hart Plaza, there’s a spot called the Circle of Legends where Detroit icons have their handprints set in cement. You’ll see names like Barry Sanders, George Blaha, and Amir Makupson – people Detroiters love!

Standing there hit me in a cool way. Growing up here, then becoming a Paralympic gold medalist, a Hall of Famer, and a sports reporter, I couldn’t help thinking, “Man… maybe one day I’ll be here too.”

It's worth checking out during your visit, especially if you’re already downtown. It’s easy to roll up to, quick to see, and one of those little Detroit things that make the city special (especially if you are a sports fan!)

Other Stops Worth Considering

If you’re planning your own trip, the Motown Museum is a must-see (even though it wasn’t part of my itinerary). It’s a huge part of Detroit’s music legacy and well worth adding if you have time.

I would also recommend checking out the sports stadiums and music venues like Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena. They're amazing. You can see a concert or one of the beloved sports teams live.

Lastly, I would highly suggest seeing the Spirit of Detroit, which is a breathtaking
Monument in the downtown area Detroit.

Getting Around: What to Know

Detroit is more accessible than many people expect. The downtown area is smooth, pushable, and easy to navigate. Sidewalks, curb cuts, and public restrooms all worked well for me.

I traveled in an accessible van that allowed me to roll in and lock down without transferring. It worked fine, but personally, I prefer transferring into a car seat because I sit in my chair all day. Still, it got us everywhere we needed to go, and I appreciated having transportation ready to go at all times.

If you’re visiting Detroit as a wheelchair user, here’s my honest advice:

• Detroit is pushable, but be prepared for long distances, especially the Riverwalk.
• Make sure your tires are aired up. Trust me.
• Plan out transportation ahead of time. Rideshare is available, but you may want your own vehicle for flexibility.
• Stadiums, museums, and downtown spaces are extremely accessible now. A huge improvement from years ago.

Overall, Detroit impressed me! The accessibility upgrades in the last decade are noticeable.

What Detroit Gave Back to Me

Coming home as a disabled traveler gave me a fresh perspective — not just on accessibility, but on pride. Pride in where I’m from. Pride in how far the city has come. Pride in how far I’ve come.

Rolling through places I grew up visiting, sharing meals with my mom and the Wheel the World crew, laughing over pizza, seeing my city from the sky — those moments reminded me why Detroit will always be home.

Detroit welcomed me back. And I’d recommend this trip to any wheelchair user without hesitation.

“It really is a beautiful city full of beautiful people.”

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