The Ultimate Guide to Accessible Travel to Chicago

Despite there now being a greater overall awareness of accessibility, it can still be difficult to get your hands on quality information to help you plan your journey. As a result, trips can be less enjoyable and less efficient due to the lack of available information on traveling in an accessibility-friendly way.

In order to have a fun-filled and stress-free holiday, travelers should be able to easily find out all they need to know about their chosen destination. However, unfortunately, this is seldom the case. That's why here at Wheel the World, we're dedicated to compiling detailed guides on top travel destinations with comprehensive details on what you need to know about accessibility. So, if you are currently thinking about planning a trip to the windy city, we have a whole guide just for you on how to make the most of a fantastic and accessible visit to Chicago.

About Accessible Chicago and Why Travel There

In recent years, Chicago has worked very hard to make itself one of the most accessible cities in the United States. The city has invested heavily to make visiting and living in Chicago much easier for people with accessibility needs. In terms of Chicago's terrain, it is generally very flat in places such as downtown, although there are some hillier areas, especially in areas on the banks of Lake Michigan. However, there are other considerations such as how easy it is to navigate the pavements and get across roads.

It is important to note that some intersections in Chicago are elevated. Although this affects a relatively small number, it can be problematic for wheelchair users to cross as they cannot use the stairways. This means that you sometimes have to go an extra block or two in order to cross at an intersection without stairs. That being said, the sidewalks in Chicago are generally well maintained and accessible, with most made from concrete, but some are brick or cobblestone, particularly in older neighborhoods. Nevertheless, most of the curbs have cutouts, making it so much easier to get up and down from sidewalks and potholes are minimal.

So aside from the accessibility, there are some good reasons to travel to the windy city. Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US and is known for its bold architecture and array of world-class museums. The city offers a whole host of exciting festivals, stunning parks, and spectacular tours that are tourist favorites. There is a vibrant buzz to the city, with great nightlife and a diverse food scene.

When to Travel There

As a city with four distinct seasons, visiting Chicago has advantages and disadvantages for traveling at the different times of the year.

In spring (March through May) Chicago temperatures can range from 50°F to 70°F in March, and between 50°F to 80°F in May. Spring rainfall is to be expected frequently. As the city comes out of a cold winter, many people start spending more time outdoors, where they are rewarded with pleasant temperatures and a spring bloom of flowers. This is a great time to explore the many outdoor attractions and start enjoying the city's numerous festivals.

The summer months of June through August see Chicago become hot and rather humid. The average temperatures lie between 77°F and 90°F. At times it can get even hotter, sometimes up to 95°F. There is also frequent rainfall and the odd thunderstorm. Summer is a perfect season to enjoy the beaches along Lake Michigan, go to concerts and other outdoor festivities, as well as casually wander some of the city's coolest neighborhoods.

During the fall from September through November, temperatures are dropping and returning to a more comfortable 50°F to 70°F by November. This season experiences only occasional rainfall, with scattered showers. The leaves are changing color, the city has fewer visitors, and seasonal events provide a perfect opportunity to experience Chicago culture.

The winter season between December through February brings the cold and snow. Temperatures range from a high of 32°F to below -10°F at times. Annual snowfall is about 37 inches and care must be taken when navigating sidewalks in wheelchairs. Although the city does its best to clear the sidewalks, at times it can be a challenge, especially after a heavy snowfall. However, if you can brave the snow, you will be rewarded with glitzy holiday decorations and festive markets.

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The good news is that Chicago is a super accessible city for those with mobility issues. Regular wheelchairs, electric scooters, and people who use walkers can all travel to Chicago knowing that the city is great at accommodating accessibility needs. However, it isn't always easy deciding when is the best time to travel. And although we've touched upon traveling in the different seasons, there are times to travel that may be better than others.

April hosts the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo and May sees the start of the spectacular fireworks displays set off twice weekly from the Navy Pier, both perfect for families. Through the summer months, Chicago is a hot spot for live music and street festivals and is suitable for people of all ages due to the massive variety of festivals taking place. Whilst the weather is hot, and it's the busiest time of year in the city, the buzz of people enjoying all the outdoor activities gives the city a great atmosphere.

The fall starts with the world-class Chicago Marathon. November is a month full of light festivals, including the iconic zoo lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, where a visit is a local tradition for Chicago residents. Light festivals brighten up the Navy Pier and Magnificent Mile, and again these are activities that can be thoroughly enjoyed by young people and the young at heart.

For the brave amongst you, the winter months of December through March are the low season and hotel prices will be cheaper. If you can handle the cold and are prepared for the snow, you'll be rewarded with seasonable vibes and good rates.

Where to stay in Chicago

As a huge city, there are a multitude of options for where to stay that cater to all requirements and budgets. Most importantly, it's important to ensure that any hotel you book is suitable for you and fits your specific accessibility requirements. Although some hotels do state that they are accessible, we always recommend verifying directly with the hotel prior to making your reservations.

If you're going to be near the South Loop, then check out The Blackstone, Autograph Collection for a fabulous stay. The Fulton Market district near the West Loop has the Nobu Hotel, a super funky and accessible hotel with great reviews. For a stay on the Magnificent Mile, an area that's perfect for restaurants and shopping, consider the Omni Chicago Hotel & Suites Magnificent Mile for amazing convenience.

Should you be visiting the Wicker Park area, the Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park is a good option. In the River North neighborhood, The Godfrey Hotel won't disappoint.

Accessible Transportation in Chicago

Getting around is a big concern and is almost at the top of the list for folks with accessibility requirements. Chicago does a good job of providing accessible transport options though. Despite this, it's always a good idea to do your homework before you go, and figure out how you want to get around.

Getting to and from the Airport

There are two main airports serving Chicago. If you land in O'Hare International airport, then you should consider taking a train. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the Blue Line train. This service runs from the airport to downtown Chicago, with frequent trains and affordable tickets. Importantly, many of the stations on the Blue Line are accessible thanks to elevators and wheelchair access.

If you arrive at Midway International Airport, you can take the CTA Orange Line to the downtown Loop, which is the city's business district. Like the Blue Line, the Orange Line has a majority of stations that are wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps. View the official CTA website for more information on their accessibility services and "L" train stations.

Both airports also have bus and taxi options, or, for extra convenience, you can book your airport transfer in advance right here with Wheel the World for an easier experience.

Subway

The CTA operates the eight Chicago L lines, with over 145 stations across the city, of which 70% are accessible by wheelchair. Although not all stations are accessible, measures are underway to improve this. Similarly, while Blue Line trains are higher than the platform at many stations, ramps are available for easy access. Generally, the rapid transit system is an easy and affordable way to travel around town.

Buses

There is an extensive bus network system throughout greater Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority has ensured that the buses operating on 140 routes with more than 12,000 stops are accessible for those with disabilities. Buses have designated priority areas for people with accessibility needs and they are all equipped with ramps/lifts that can be used upon request. Additionally, you can have your wheelchair securely fastened when on board.

Hop on and off buses

A fabulous way to visit Chicago is to go on one of the hop-on, hop-off buses that are found in many major cities worldwide. These bright red double-decker buses take tourists to many of the major sites. All the buses are wheelchair accessible and the driver will happily help you on board. Although you will not be able to access the top deck of the bus, you can still get a good view of the sights. These buses are a very convenient and cost-effective way of doing a quick tour of Chicago's major attractions.

Taxis

You can book a private taxi from a company that has specially adapted vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs of different sizes. One of these companies is Brite Lift Inc, but you also have ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft that also have accessibility-friendly vehicle options.

Trains

For trains in and out of the city, Amtrak has a rail service that arrives and departs from Union Station. This station is very well-connected with services to other major cities, and, of course, the region's rail network. All Amtrak trains are wheelchair friendly and Amtrak usually offers a discount to passengers with disabilities.

Top 10 Things to do and Their Accessibility

Chicago offers a wealth of sightseeing options and attractions, making it hard to compile a comprehensive list because of all the great things on offer. One of the convenient options is to opt for an accessible multi-day vacation package that covers the highlights of Chicago, which also includes accommodation, airport transfers, and tours. This convenient option allows for a fully-enjoyable visit without having to worry too much about planning. However, let's take a look at our top 10 accessible things to do in Chicago.

1. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the 103rd floor observation desk. You can even go in your wheelchair on The Ledge, which is a glass box that extends out five feet from the side of the building. From here, you can enjoy amazing views and take some incredible photos of the Chicago skyline.

2. Art Institute of Chicago

An exceptional museum that is home to over 300,000 paintings featuring American, Asian, and European art. In addition to being a stunning place to enjoy astounding masterpieces, the Art Institute of Chicago has exceptional accessibility. There are ample access ramps, lifts, and, of course, accessible restrooms located throughout the museum.

3. The Chicago Theater

Dating back to the mid-1940s, the Chicago Theater is an iconic building that regularly hosts plays and concerts. You can usually see this building featured in any movie based in Chicago, and is, in fact, listed in the National Register of Historic Place. We also love this theater because you can purchase ADA-compliant seats at the different prices, instead of having just one seating (and pricing) option.

4. Chicago Architecture River Cruise

This 90-minute river tour offers you the chance to find out about the incredible architecture that gives Chicago its stunning skyline. You'll get to enjoy the sight of the NBC Tower, the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Historic Montgomery Ward Complex, with onboard commentary whilst having a drink and snack from the bar. You'll find accessible bathrooms, space for service dogs, and a crew who are more than happy to help you on board.

5. Field Museum of Natural History

This incredible museum has a vast collection of dinosaur skeletons and other fascinating objects that will excite all history and science enthusiasts. With clever interactive exhibits, and stunning dioramas the Field Museum of Natural History provides a fantastic excursion but also a deeply educational one. There is an elevator in the museum and all the exhibits are accessible.

6. Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate

A sub-section of the famous 319-acre Grant Park, the Millennium Park and Cloud Gate are home to the well-known Cloud Gate sculpture, aka “The Bean”. The park has an ice skating rink in the winter season that allows wheelchairs onto the ice. Importantly, the park is easy to navigate with smooth, wide pavements and ramps fitted near stairs.

7. Navy Pier

As the most visited tourist attraction in the whole city, the Navy Pier is a whopping 3,300 feet (1.01 km) pier that juts out into Lake Michigan. It boasts museums, shops, restaurants, an IMAX theater, a Ferris wheel, and more. The pier also has many sightseeing boats and dinner cruise boats departing at regular intervals throughout the day. However, whilst the pier is wheelchair accessible, not all the attractions are, so check specifically where you want to visit before you go.

8. 360 CHICAGO

This impressive skyscraper (the John Hancock Building) offers astonishing views of the city and Lake Michigan from the 98th floor. Some say that the views from 360 CHICAGO are more awe-inspiring than those from the Willis Tower because of the lake view. The attraction is completely wheelchair accessible and the elevator ride to the top of the building is super easy.

9. Shedd Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the United States, there are more than 1,200 marine species exhibited in the approximately 5 million gallon tanks. The Shedd Aquarium offers a fascinating view of the underwater world. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance located on the side of the building and the aquarium itself is easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

10. Wicker Park Neighborhood

A fabulous neighborhood to explore thanks to its vibrant collection of shops and restaurants. The sidewalks are excellently maintained, making it easy to get from place to place. Wicker Park is a charming area that will help you see Chicago's artistic nature and cultural uniqueness. And many of the local businesses are easily accessible thanks to ramps and wide entrances. Plus, there are many accessible restrooms located throughout this area.

Accessible restaurants recommended by our community

It's not always easy finding wheelchair-friendly restaurants. However, our community of incredible travelers has helped us compile a list of solid restaurant options that should be a good start to help you choose where to go to eat. And you can enjoy your meal knowing that these restaurants all have ADA-compliant restrooms should you get the call of nature. Additionally, consider a food tour where a local guide takes you to some of their favorite local spots.

• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: great for that classic deep dish Chicago pizza found at North Wells Street.
• Au Cheval: juicy burgers and tasty comfort food on W Randolph St.
• Shaw's Crab House: the go-to place for lovers of seafood. Check out their E Hubbard St restaurant.
• The Purple Pig: a Mediterranean-style restaurant offering a great selection of food and wine at N Michigan Ave.
• Girl & the Goat: globally-inspired cuisine with a superb atmosphere at W Randolph St.
• Giordano's: another well-loved pizza establishment, you can enjoy the deep dish pizza at E Randolph St.
• Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: for mouth-watering juicy steak, get to Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on North Rush Street.
• Rick Bayless's Topolobampo: for some amazing high-end Mexican cuisine, make your way to Clarke Street.
• Gino's East: offering a solid choice of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, if you're around the Magnificent Mile go and eat.
• Alinea: if you feel like a splurge, head to this 3-star Michelin restaurant at N Halsted St and feast your senses.

Tips from our community:

Finding bathrooms

It's a well-known, but sad, fact that Chicago has fewer than 500 public restrooms in the city. Many of these restrooms are located in public buildings and are often inaccessible at night. Parks, museums, and shopping centers usually have accessible bathrooms with ample layouts, handrails, and higher toilets. You can use apps such as "Wheelmate" and "SitOrSquat" to help you find accessible restrooms in the area you need. These apps also helpfully have user reviews to give you more information and ratings on how good these restrooms are.

Packing list

It's always a good idea to pack ahead of your trip and avoid packing your case just before you travel. Aside from packing appropriate clothing for the season, here are some of the standard items that should be on your packing list:

• Medications
• Wheelchair battery charger
• Portable shower chair
• Basic wheelchair repair kit
• Documents for medication
• Winter: Chapstick, lotion, hand warmers
• Summer: Sunscreen, insect repellant, water bottle

Wheelchair repair shops

Just in case you need a repair on your wheelchair whilst you're in Chicago, and it can't be fixed by your basic wheelchair repair kit, we have put together a couple of reliable places that can help you. We hope that you don't have wheelchair issues on your trip, but it's good to be prepared just in case you do.

• Midwest Mobility: they can come to you five days a week or go to them at 7620 Dempster St Morton Grove, IL 60053
• Windy-City Wheelchair Service: find them at 1735 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649

Safety

Chicago is overall quite a safe city to visit. If you stick to the main tourist areas and attractions, you should not encounter any problems. However, as with many major cities, it is best to avoid certain areas that are off the beaten track, especially if you're there at night and unfamiliar with your surroundings. It's also best to avoid using public transport late at night and, of course, be sensible when it comes to showing off any valuables.

Don't forget that we are here at Wheel the World if you have any questions or need any assistance during your trip. In fact, you can even plan your journey through us from start to finish!

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