I visited Chicago for the primary time again in 2010 with my mother. Throughout that journey, we stuffed our faces with deep-dish pizza, explored Navy Pier, and we even attended a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Present. Evidently, it was a particular journey, however we’ve been desirous to revisit the Windy Metropolis for fairly a number of years now. On that first journey to Chicago, we had been solely there for a number of days, so we didn’t get to see a number of the favored sights. Just lately although, we had the prospect to revisit Chicago and this time, we had been on a mission to see as a lot of town as potential! 

Throughout our latest journey, we visited a few of the greatest wheelchair accessible Chicago sights and we had an exceptional journey. From viewing town from above to consuming a wide range of scrumptious meals and extra, we each agreed on the finish of our journey that Chicago is one in every of our favourite cities within the U.S. For those who haven’t been to this excellent metropolis, I’m positive that you simply’ll be itching to guide a visit of your individual by the point you end studying this weblog publish. 

It is very important observe that whereas in Chicago, we used Wheels On Wheels transportation firm to get across the metropolis. Our driver, Charles, was implausible and he was at all times on time to select us up. Tie-down straps had been accessible within the van to safe my wheelchair. For those who’d like to make use of Wheels On Wheels throughout your journey, you do must make reservations prematurely by calling 630-855-7282.

Under, I’ll cowl 8 of the very best wheelchair accessible Chicago sights and issues to do, after which I’ll let all about the place I stayed whereas within the metropolis. Hopefully this weblog may give you some concepts for the following time you go to Chicago! 

Wheelchair Accessible Chicago Points of interest & Issues to Do

Chicago has many outstanding locations to go to for wheelchair customers and it’d be inconceivable to cowl all of them, however the eight sights and experiences under gives you a very good begin to planning your wheelchair accessible Chicago journey! 

Skydeck Chicago

Hovering 103 tales above the Windy Metropolis, Skydeck Chicago gives an unparalleled expertise – breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. However is that this iconic attraction inside Willis Tower wheelchair accessible? The reply is a powerful sure! Skydeck Chicago ensures that everybody can expertise the marvel of being on high of the world… or a minimum of on high of Chicago!

The spotlight of Skydeck Chicago is undoubtedly The Ledge, a glass-floor balcony that extends from the facet of the constructing. Stepping or rolling onto a clear platform suspended excessive above town would possibly sound intimidating, however for wheelchair customers, The Ledge is surprisingly accessible. 

I used to be in a position to roll onto The Ledge in my powered wheelchair and expertise the exhilarating feeling of being suspended excessive above town. One of many workers members at The Ledge informed me that it will possibly maintain as much as 10,000 kilos, so it was a secure and unforgettable expertise. They had been even pleased to snap a photograph of my mother and I conquering The Ledge.

Accessibility extends past The Ledge although. Your complete Skydeck statement deck is designed with accessibility in thoughts. Vast open areas enable for straightforward maneuvering across the 103rd ground and interactive touchscreens providing detailed details about town’s landmarks are all accessible from a seated place. This ensures everybody can be taught in regards to the historical past and significance of Chicago’s architectural wonders down under.

The 103rd ground is unimaginable, however I additionally actually loved the museum on the entrance of the attraction. On the decrease stage, you possibly can undergo an interesting museum about Chicago. It was cool to study a few of the well-known folks that decision Chicago dwelling, the enduring landmarks in Chicago, and the historical past of town. There have been some nice picture ops as properly! This museum expertise is included with every Skydeck Chicago ticket.

Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker wanting to overcome The Ledge or a historical past buff wanting to study Chicago’s architectural marvels, Skydeck Chicago gives an inclusive and unforgettable expertise. With its dedication to accessibility and breathtaking views, Skydeck Chicago is a must-visit for any wheelchair consumer exploring the Windy Metropolis.

Shedd Aquarium 

Welcoming over two million guests yearly, the Shedd Aquarium is one in every of Chicago’s hottest sights. For those who get pleasure from aquariums and need to see a wide range of animals that decision the ocean dwelling, this ought to be in your itinerary while you go to. 

Throughout my go to at Shedd Aquarium, there have been so many unimaginable animals to see. From swish beluga whales gliding by way of the water to the playful antics of the ocean lions and penguins, I used to be smiling from ear to ear all through my whole go to just about. 

I even realized so much about sharks in a very cool 4D film and laughed out loud on the enjoyable sea lion present within the amphitheater. Shedd Aquarium does an incredible job of educating guests in regards to the animals, whereas retaining it entertaining for guests of any age. 

The Shedd Aquarium is a superb place to go to for folks of all skills. The vast paths, elevators, and ramps all through the aquarium made it simple for me to navigate all of the displays in my wheelchair. I actually appreciated that they made positive everybody may get pleasure from seeing all of the wonderful aquatic life.

Basic admission tickets price round $40 for adults and may differ relying on the date of your go to. For those who’re planning on visiting different common Chicago sights, you would possibly need to take into account getting a Chicago CityPASS. The CityPASS consists of admission to Shedd Aquarium, together with a number of different sights, and it’ll prevent cash in your total ticket prices. Whether or not you purchase a daily ticket or use a CityPASS, a go to to the Shedd Aquarium is a enjoyable and academic solution to spend a number of hours in Chicago. 

Starbucks Reserve Roastery 

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago is greater than only a espresso store – it’s a full-blown espresso wonderland unfold throughout 5 flooring! The entire place buzzed with power, and it was wonderful to see the roasting course of up shut. As a espresso addict, this place was paradise for me! 

Fortunately, navigating the expansive Roastery wasn’t an issue in my wheelchair. Vast areas and elevators allowed me to discover each nook, and the accessible design prolonged all through all 5 flooring. There have been even accessible companion-care restrooms on a number of ranges for added comfort.

The primary ground is a espresso lover’s dream. This stage boasts a espresso bar the place baristas craft traditional espresso drinks and different acquainted favorites. You can even order drinks and a few meals objects which are unique to this Starbucks. I had the iced toffeenut bianco latte and a princina tart to eat. It was most likely the very best latte I’ve ever had and the darkish chocolate princina tart was scrumptious as properly. 

Heading as much as the second ground by elevator, you’ll discover a extra intimate setting. This ground encompasses a bakery and cafe, the place you possibly can get pleasure from pastries and light-weight meals choices. You’ll find sandwiches and even pizza on this stage, so when you’re wanting extra of a meal whereas ingesting your espresso, the second ground is for you. 

The third ground is all about getting adventurous together with your espresso expertise. This ground homes the Experiential Espresso Bar, the place you possibly can delve into distinctive brewing strategies. Educated baristas will information you thru the method and clarify the nuances of every brewing methodology, making it an academic expertise. On this ground, you can too get pleasure from some distinctive objects. I had an affogato flight, which included three gelato creations with espresso poured over them. All three had been out-of-this-world scrumptious! 

Flooring 4 and 5 take the expertise a step additional. The fourth ground gives a extra upscale ambiance with a cocktail bar alongside a curated number of small plates. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from expertly crafted cocktails that use espresso as a novel taste ingredient. Lastly, the rooftop terrace on the fifth ground offers a ravishing out of doors house to loosen up and revel in your espresso or cocktail whereas soaking within the Chicago skyline.

Whether or not you’re a espresso aficionado or simply on the lookout for a novel and visually fascinating place to seize a drink, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery caters to everybody. With its spacious format, accessible design, and one thing particular on every ground, it’s a enjoyable and immersive espresso expertise to not be missed. Plus, that aroma of freshly roasted beans – pure heaven!

Eat scrumptious meals

Chicago is a haven for foodies, providing an unimaginable vary of choices from informal cafes to Michelin-starred positive eating. Whether or not you’re craving deep-dish pizza, delectable Italian fare, or rooftop cocktails with a view, the Windy Metropolis has one thing to get your style buds leaping. And the very best half? A lot of Chicago’s eating places are additionally accessible to wheelchair customers.

For a style of true Chicago custom, look no additional than Giordano’s. This legendary pizzeria is legendary for its iconic deep-dish pies, with layers of buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Giordano’s gives spacious eating areas and accessible entrances, making it simple to get pleasure from a slice (or two or three!) of Chicago’s culinary heritage no matter your mobility wants. Giordano’s is my favourite pizza on the planet, so I’d extremely suggest consuming right here. 

For a extra intimate and fashionable Italian eating expertise, Pizzeria Portofino is a hidden gem. This charming restaurant boasts an inviting ambiance and a menu that includes contemporary, seasonal elements. From hand-tossed pizzas and flavorful pastas to delectable seafood dishes, Pizzeria Portofino gives a scrumptious style of Italy proper within the coronary heart of Chicago. The restaurant is totally accessible, guaranteeing a cushty and fulfilling eating expertise for everybody. 

Craving beautiful views alongside your meal? Cindy’s Rooftop on the Chicago Athletic Affiliation Lodge (that is the place I stayed whereas in Chicago and I’ll discuss extra in regards to the lodge under) is the proper selection. Perched excessive above town on the twenty fourth ground, Cindy’s gives panoramic views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline. The rooftop encompasses a trendy bar and a seasonally-changing menu highlighting progressive dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Cindy’s is totally accessible by elevator, and the spacious out of doors patio permits for straightforward maneuvering in a wheelchair whereas taking within the unimaginable vistas. 

360 Chicago

The Windy Metropolis by no means appeared windier than after I was rolling 1,000+ ft above all of it at 360 Chicago! Speak about an adrenaline rush – who wants a rollercoaster when you possibly can shoot up 94 tales in an elevator? It was exhilarating, and the view of town from the highest completely blew me away.

Fortunately, 360 Chicago is implausible for wheelchair customers. I used to be in a position to navigate all the statement deck with ease. All the things from the doorway to the restrooms had been accessible, and the wide-open areas meant I may rise up near the floor-to-ceiling home windows for unobstructed views of Chicago. 

It was wonderful to see the entire metropolis sprawled out beneath me, from the enduring Magnificent Mile all the best way to the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan. The views from 360 Chicago actually made me fall in love with town and whereas I cherished rolling on The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago and would closely take into account it a must-do, I really felt just like the views from 360 Chicago had been higher. 

Whereas I soaked within the panorama, I made a decision to deal with myself to a drink from the statement deck’s bar, which is known as CloudBar. Sipping on a refreshing beverage whereas taking within the breathtaking surroundings – doesn’t get a lot better than that!

360 Chicago additionally has an attraction known as TILT, which is a transferring platform that leans out over the sting of the constructing. Whereas it seemed tremendous cool, it wasn’t accessible for wheelchairs. Since you must stand to expertise the tilting movement, I needed to skip it. Nevertheless, if you’ll be able to stand for a couple of minutes, this could most likely be enjoyable. However the remainder of the statement deck gives a lot to see and do, I wasn’t dissatisfied in any respect and would undoubtedly suggest visiting when you’re in wheelchair accessible Chicago! 

Artwork Institute of Chicago 

I’ve visited many artwork museums world wide, from the Dali Museum in Spain to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and I can actually say that the Artwork Institute of Chicago is likely one of the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever visited. I spent a number of hours getting misplaced within the spectacular assortment on the Artwork Institute of Chicago. From iconic Impressionist works like Monet’s Water Lilies to fascinating artifacts from historical Egypt, there was one thing for everybody. 

I wandered by way of room after room, marveling on the many masterpieces. The museum was big, so it was inconceivable for me to see every thing inside just some hours, however one in every of my favourite displays was “The Brown Sisters”. On this exhibit, 4 sisters are photographed yearly over the course of 40+ years. I cherished seeing every {photograph} and noticing how they aged. It was a very particular exhibit, however the Artwork Institute of Chicago has dozens of displays which are price testing. 

Fortunately, navigating the museum was a breeze, because the Artwork Institute may be very wheelchair-friendly. Vast hallways and elevators made it simple to get round all flooring. They actually have a restricted variety of complimentary wheelchairs accessible when you want one throughout your go to. I by no means felt like I used to be lacking out on any displays due to my wheelchair.

One other factor I appreciated was the museum’s considerate format. The gathering is organized logically, so you possibly can simply comply with a chronological path by way of artwork historical past or discover particular inventive actions. There are additionally loads of benches scattered all through the galleries, which provide an opportunity to relaxation and soak within the magnificence round you.

Basic admission to the Artwork Institute of Chicago is round $30 for adults, with reductions accessible for seniors, college students, and youths. Additionally, you will discover this museum on the Chicago CityPASS. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so make sure to plan your go to accordingly. With its in depth assortment, accessible format, and useful workers, the Artwork Institute of Chicago is a must-see for any artwork lover visiting Chicago. 

The Rookery

Coming into The Rookery in Chicago felt like stepping again in time – and into the thoughts of a genius! This historic workplace constructing boasts the architectural brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright on its first two flooring, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to take a tour that showcased Wright’s unimaginable imaginative and prescient.

The most effective half? Your complete tour was fully accessible to me in my powered wheelchair. The tour information expertly navigated me by way of each the indoor and out of doors areas, utilizing the elevators a pair instances as wanted. It was fascinating to listen to her clarify the small print of Wright’s design, from the enduring mild court docket that covers the inside in pure mild to the spiraling staircase that appears to defy gravity.

Witnessing Wright’s progressive use of house and light-weight was awe-inspiring. The Rookery isn’t simply an workplace constructing – it’s a murals, and the tour did a tremendous job of bringing Wright’s architectural philosophy to life. Even cooler, The Rookery continues to be a functioning workplace constructing at the moment, making it a novel mix of historical past and modern-day use.

For those who’re all for structure, historical past, or simply seeing one thing actually beautiful, take into account happening a tour of The Rookery. Excursions can be found weekdays from 10am to 1pm, and with its wheelchair accessibility, it’s an expertise everybody can get pleasure from.

Take a day journey to Rockford, Illinois

Escape the hustle and bustle of wheelchair accessible Chicago for an enthralling day journey to Rockford, Illinois, positioned about 80 miles northwest. Rockford gives a shocking number of cultural and historic sights, stunning gardens, and a novel pure expertise that caters to guests with various pursuits and talents.

Your first cease ought to be Birds of Prey, a rehabilitation middle devoted to injured and orphaned birds of prey. The spotlight for guests of all skills is their universally accessible treehouse! This one-of-a-kind treehouse permits guests utilizing wheelchairs to look at the birds from a novel perspective up within the bushes. A mild ramp leads as much as the spacious platform, and there’s loads of room to maneuver round comfortably whereas having fun with the birds and the encircling views.

Subsequent, head to Laurent Home, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In-built 1952, this masterpiece of Mid-century Trendy structure holds a particular distinction – it’s the one Frank Lloyd Wright home designed for an individual with a incapacity. Commissioned by Kenneth Laurent, a World Battle II veteran paralyzed from the waist down, Laurent Home exemplifies Wright’s skill to create stunning and practical residing areas. Guided excursions are wheelchair accessible, and the educated docents will share the house’s fascinating historical past, Wright’s design philosophy, and the distinctive concerns made for accessible residing.

After immersing your self in structure, take a second to search out peace and tranquility on the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Spanning over 12 acres, these gardens are a haven of serenity, meticulously designed in response to Japanese gardening ideas. Stroll alongside the meandering paths, see the koi pond, and admire the fastidiously positioned rocks, bonsai bushes, and conventional Japanese constructions. The gardens are totally wheelchair accessible with clean walkways and it’s simple to navigate in a wheelchair.

Rockford is a superb vacation spot for a day journey from wheelchair accessible Chicago, providing a novel mix of nature, historical past, structure, and an opportunity to unwind in a ravishing pure setting. With its accessible sights and pleasant ambiance, Rockford is a welcoming place for guests of all skills. So, pack your day bag, hit the highway, and uncover the hidden gems Rockford has to supply!

The place to Keep: Chicago Athletic Affiliation Lodge

Whereas in Chicago, I stayed on the Chicago Athletic Affiliation Lodge. This was one of the vital distinctive accommodations I’ve ever seen and I cherished that it’s proper within the coronary heart of downtown. Chicago’s well-known Millennium Park is correct throughout the road from the lodge, so it’s a great location. 

In my wheelchair accessible room, there have been two queen beds. Every mattress was 22 inches tall, so when you self-transfer, it’s a very good top. There was a block-frame beneath the mattress, so a hoyer carry/hoist couldn’t roll underneath the mattress. 

Within the toilet, there was a roll-in bathe with clean entry. It labored properly for me, however the bathe seat was on the alternative facet of the hand held bathe wand, in order that might be troublesome to achieve if that you must use the offered bathe seat. There are 12 wheelchair accessible rooms within the lodge and all of them have a roll-in bathe, in response to administration of the lodge. 

The Chicago Athletic Affiliation Lodge additionally has a number of bars, a gaming room, a basketball court docket, and a wide range of eating places. I had the prospect to eat at Cindy’s Rooftop, as talked about above, and it was phenomenal. You may actually spend a full day simply having fun with every thing the lodge gives. 

With a lot to supply, that is undoubtedly one of the vital enjoyable locations to remain in Chicago. For those who’re on the lookout for a wheelchair accessible Chicago lodge, hopefully it’ll work to your wants. You may be taught extra in regards to the Chicago Athletic Affiliation Lodge and guide your individual keep by clicking right here. 

Chicago is an unimaginable metropolis and because it has a lot to supply by way of accessibility, I had an action-packed few days within the metropolis. It was such a memorable journey for me and I’m already planning my subsequent journey to the Windy Metropolis to expertise much more! Now that a few of the greatest accessible issues to do, all that’s left so that you can do is begin planning your individual getaway to wheelchair accessible Chicago! 

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*Thanks to Illinois Tourism for working with me on this journey and displaying me the very best of wheelchair accessible Chicago! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.

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