My Wheelchair Accessible Experience in Ann Arbor
This article is written by Emma Bailey, a blogger and traveler who shares her experiences, adventures, and lifestyle tips as someone living with a Spinal Cord Injury. Make sure to follow her journey below:
What's Ahead?
I recently had the opportunity to visit Ann Arbor, Michigan with Wheel the World and Destination Ann Arbor. We had an amazing time trying food and exploring the beautiful sites, but what surprised me the most was how accessible the city was.
Keep reading to hear about my experience and my favorite activities in Ann Arbor!
Why Ann Arbor?
Located just 30 minutes west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a lively city, known for its historic charm and natural beauty. It’s also famous for being home to the beautiful University of Michigan and its campus’s stunning architecture. The downtown area is full of restaurants, local boutiques, and live music venues. We visited in October so the air was crisp and the trees started to turn orange and gold.
What surprised me most about Ann Arbor was its commitment to make sure the city is accessible to all. I was able to participate in activities and experiences that I didn’t think would be possible.
Accessible Activities in Ann Arbor
I love being outdoors and trying new things. Waterloo Recreation Area had a Track Chair, allowing me to do just that. The Track Chair is an off-road wheelchair that can handle going over rocks, roots, sand, and snow. We got to immerse ourselves in nature while exploring one of the seven trails at Waterloo. Riding in the Track Chair felt so freeing because I was able to enjoy the trail independently.
Touring the University of Michigan was also a highlight for me. Even with how old the campus is, accessibility was at the forefront. The architecture of the historic university made me feel like I was in Europe. We also visited two museums on campus, the Museum of Natural History and the University of Michigan Art Museum. The art museum had a few pieces by Picasso, which was a real treat! Both museums were free to all, had elevators, and fully accessible restrooms.
Shopping and Dining
If there’s one thing I like to do when traveling, it’s eating. We tried so many delicious restaurants while in Ann Arbor, it’s hard to choose a favorite. I got the opportunity to go to a jazz club for the first time, which was amazing! Blue Llama Jazz Club offered a 3 course meal, incredible drinks, and 3 talented jazz bands. I also enjoyed a brunch spot called The Jagged Fork. I had the best time fueling up on iced coffee and pancakes!
Exploring the shops downtown was also fun and memorable. We checked out bookstores, a vinyl shop, and lots of boutiques. State Street is a lively strip of shops including a movie theater and Nickles Arcade. It was also fun checking out the fresh produce and homemade items at the Kerrytown Farmers Market. All of the stores we went in were wheelchair accessible, making me feel welcome and included.
Plan Your Accessible Getaway to Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor shows you what is possible when you prioritize accessibility. If you’re looking for somewhere that offers accessible outdoor adventures and a vibrant city, Ann Arbor is your place! They truly welcome everyone and make strides to keep their city accessible for all.
Plan your visit with accessibility.
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