Iowa Wheelchair Accessible Destinations and Resources

Travelers will find that Iowa’s wheelchair destinations and resources provide vacation environments ranging from the laid back to the thrilling

Despite its quiet demeanor, the ‘Hawkeye State’ is home to a variety of exciting adapted opportunities for travelers of all tastes. In addition to the ever-popular Iowa State Fair, Iowa’s wheelchair accessible destinations and resources offer a unique mix of rural flavor and urban thrills. Here are a few of the outdoor and indoor opportunities that you can look forward to experiencing.

Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations

Iowa’s location on the historic and majestic Mississippi River creates a host of unique opportunities for sports lovers to enjoy this national natural resource. From fishing to boating and beyond, Iowa outdoor wheelchair accessible destinations are some of the most satisfying you’ll find.

Iowa State Fair, Dubuque. The Iowa State Fair is truly one-of-a-kind — so much so, that it's worth planning an Iowa vacation around it. For 10 days in August, Dubuque hosts one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in America. Promoted as "the true heartbeat of the Midwest, unequaled and unduplicated," this amazing state fair is worth at least a day's visit and more. Wheelchair accessibility is a priority for organizers.

Iowa City Literary Walk, Iowa City. Book lovers will be enthralled by Iowa City's lasting tribute to the written word. The Literary Walk is a well-paved sidewalk that celebrates works by 49 acclaimed writers with ties to Iowa. As you traverse both sides Iowa Avenue, you'll come upon a series of uniquely designed bronze relief panels featuring authors' words with attribution.

Living History Farms, Urbandale. Here's a living history farm so delightfully wheelchair accessible that they have tractor-drawn carts with ramps for wheelchair boarding! Living history attractions, like Williamsburg in Virginia, connects visitors to the past or a moment in time by surrounding them with the sights, sounds, smells, attire, and activity of another day and time.

Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations

Iowa’s collection of indoor wheelchair accessible destinations is a unique mix of historical landmarks, culture-rich museums, and community-based entertainment that offers something for everyone. Also, you’ll find that most opportunities are adapted to meet the needs of visitors with a variety of needs and abilities. Here are some of those opportunities.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque. You've known about the mighty Mississippi River since grade school, when you learned that the Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, and its banks were the playground for Mark Twain's immortal characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Speaking of immersion, the wheelchair accessible museum also houses a theater with large-format 3D sights and 4D special effects that include enhanced sound, mist, wind, smells, and seat movement to intensify the on-screen action. Here's your chance to go "rollin' on the river!"

Orpheum Theater, Sioux City. A part of the worldwide "Theatreland" collection, the Orpheum Theater was built in 1927 and has undergone several renovations to become the glorious theater experience that it is today. As you walk in, you'll marvel at the crystal chandeliers, African mahogany doors and handrails, terrazzo baseboards, and historically recreated drapes and fabric wall coverings. Check their web site to see what's on the bill during your Iowa stay.

Harrah's Casino, Council Bluffs. One of more than 20 casinos at your pleasure in Iowa, the accessible Harrah's Casino in Council Bluffs offers all the activities of a typical casino. Play a day or night away at the gaming tables for poker, blackjack, roulette, or settle in front of a slot machine to test your luck. Build a plate of international food delights at the Fresh Market Square Buffet or dine at one of the other in-house restaurants.

Iowa Wheelchair Accessible Resources

Published by organizations in both the public and private sectors, Iowa’s wheelchair accessible resources are Internet accessible. You can request mobility and human assistance for most travel destinations to make your experiences ones you’ll always remember.

State Historical Society of Iowa. Published by Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and found at https://iowaculture.gov/history/museum/visit-or-tour, this resources are readily available for you during your trips or tours.

Planning Your Visit to the SCI. Published by the Science Center of Iowa and found at https://www.sciowa.org/visit/planning-your-visit/, this website contains information on how to get the most from your visit to the Science Center.