Earlier than my current journey to southern Idaho, I didn’t know what to anticipate. Actually, I assumed that Idaho simply had a variety of potatoes and never a lot else, and I assumed it might be considerably of a boring journey. I imply, potatoes are my favourite meals group, however I wasn’t tremendous enthusiastic about simply consuming my weight in potatoes for a full week. However y’all, I used to be unsuitable. Idaho blew my thoughts and definitely, I now absolutely consider that it’s essentially the most underrated vacation spot in the USA. Sure, actually!
I spent a full week in southern Idaho exploring a few of the greatest wheelchair accessible sights and each day was higher than the one earlier than. From being in awe of a waterfall that’s really taller than Niagara Falls to falling in love with the capital metropolis of Boise and rolling by fields of dried lava at Craters of the Moon, I used to be actually obsessive about Idaho by the tip of my journey. Already, I’ve been enthusiastic about what a future journey to Idaho might have in retailer for me.
This was one in all my favourite journeys that I’ve accomplished in a very long time and I wish to let you know all about it, in an effort to expertise simply how wonderful Idaho is for your self! I’ve damaged this information up into a number of sections. I’ll begin by telling you about wheelchair accessibility at Craters of the Moon after which I’ll cowl accessible issues to do in Twin Falls, the very best wheelchair accessible Boise points of interest, and I’ll finish by telling you about the place I stayed throughout my journey.
By the point you end studying this journey information, you can be ready to embark by yourself wheelchair accessible journey by southern Idaho! I hope you take pleasure in studying it as a lot as I loved touring in Idaho and penning this information. So, with out additional delay, right here is my wheelchair accessible southern Idaho journey information –
Wheelchair Accessibility at Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument & Protect
Throughout my journey in southern Idaho, I fell in love with many locations, which I’ll discuss quickly, however the place that blew my thoughts essentially the most was Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument & Protect. I’ve been in awe of nature’s magnificence at a few of America’s greatest nationwide parks, together with Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, and whereas I used to be fully in awe of Craters of the Moon as effectively, it’s in contrast to wherever else within the nation, I consider. As a substitute of admiring big mountains and seeing wildlife, I used to be igneous rock (dried lava) for so far as I might see… and it was unimaginable!
Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument and Protect in Idaho affords an otherworldly and surreal panorama sculpted by volcanic forces. This huge expanse of lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush is a testomony to the uncooked energy of nature. When you’re right here, you’ll undoubtedly really feel like you’re on the moon. It’s really a spot like no different and one which must be visited by everybody at the very least as soon as.
Positioned lower than two hours from Twin Falls and about three hours from Boise, Craters of the Moon could be a nice day journey. My mother and I drove to Craters of the Moon from Twin Falls and it was a straightforward drive. Should you’re questioning the place we rented our wheelchair accessible van for our Idaho adventures, it was from an organization close to Boise referred to as Entry Vans. They supplied airport pickup and drop off, and the rental van was completely accessible for my wants with a ramp and tie-down straps to safe my wheelchair.
As soon as we arrived at Craters of the Moon, our first cease was the Customer Heart, which was extremely good with a present store (sure, I purchased manner too many souvenirs!) and a museum. The museum was actually fascinating and I realized all in regards to the historical past of the world. There have been displays and varied shows, however there was additionally a brief movie about Craters of the Moon that I loved watching. The Customer Heart was simply wheelchair accessible with spacious displays and accessible parking spots out entrance.
Whereas we had been within the Customer Heart, I requested a park ranger about wheelchair accessible trails at Craters of the Moon. She really helpful three completely different trails for me and mentioned I shouldn’t have any points with the paths. The three most accessible trails that she really helpful had been North Crater Movement Path, Satan’s Orchard Path, and the Snow Cone Path. I used to be capable of expertise all of those trails inside a number of hours, so let’s talk about their accessibility!
The North Crater Movement Path is a few third of a mile lengthy, but it surely truthfully felt longer than that as I used to be rolling alongside. The loop path is totally wheelchair accessible with a paved, raised boardwalk path. Since it’s a raised path, it was cool to be above the dried lava and it was a novel viewing alternative. There have been accessible parking spots originally of the path.
The subsequent path that I visited was Satan’s Orchard Path and it was most likely my favourite accessible path at Craters of the Moon. It’s fully paved (and never raised just like the North Crater Movement Path) and flat, so it was very simple for me to navigate this path. It’s about half a mile lengthy and makes a loop.
Alongside Satan’s Orchard Path, there are benches if it is advisable relaxation and there’s loads of house for a wheelchair beside the benches. It’s also possible to study your environment due to the informational plaques which might be on show alongside the path. And lastly, an accessible picnic desk and restrooms are originally of Satan’s Orchard Path.
My final cease at Craters of the Moon was the Snow Cone Path. It’s solely a few tenth of a mile lengthy, however paved and simply accessible. The cool factor about this path is that you may see down inside one of many smallest volcanoes at Craters of the Moon from the tip of the path. There’s an accessible viewing platform, however I did should elevate my wheelchair to see down into the volcano. In case your wheelchair can elevate, it’s undoubtedly price trying out.
Should you’ll be visiting Craters of the Moon as a wheelchair consumer, I’d plan to be right here roughly 4-5 hours. With three accessible trails and an incredible Customer Heart, there are numerous wheelchair accessible issues to take pleasure in at Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument & Protect!
Watch my brief video about my experiences at Craters of the Moon beneath –
Wheelchair Accessible Twin Falls Idaho Points of interest & Issues to Do
For 2 nights of my southern Idaho journey, I stayed in Twin Falls and shortly found how magical of a spot it’s. Town is a gateway to the enduring Snake River Canyon and affords a few of Idaho’s most stunning sights. Listed here are a few of my favourite wheelchair accessible Twin Falls points of interest and issues to do –
Be in awe of the “Niagara of the West”
I do know what you’re most likely considering… “Idaho has waterfalls?!” And belief me, I assumed the identical factor once I first heard about Shoshone Falls. I by no means anticipated for there to be such an enormous waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho, but it surely actually is the “Niagara of the West” and truly taller than Niagara Falls!
Shoshone Falls is about 200 ft tall and 900 ft huge, and I might really feel its energy from the second I rolled out of our rental van upon arrival. There are wheelchair accessible parking spots and viewing platforms, the place you may take within the wonderful views of the falls. There are steps to get to the decrease viewing platform, however your complete higher space is accessible. I had terrific views of Shoshone Falls from the higher viewing space.
At Shoshone Falls, there’s a small present store and you can too buy snacks and drinks from right here. There are additionally restrooms, however solely males’s and girls’s restrooms. They do have accessible stalls although, and it was spacious sufficient for my energy wheelchair.
Surely, Shoshone Falls is likely one of the most spectacular sights in southern Idaho, and in your complete nation for that matter. If you’re a wheelchair consumer that enjoys stunning pure sights like me, you’re certain to like your go to at Shoshone Falls. Plan to be right here for round one hour to totally take all of it in.
Roll alongside Canyon Rim Path
Should you’re on the lookout for an incredible accessible climbing path in Twin Falls, look no additional than the Canyon Rim Path! It’s six miles lengthy in complete and there are beautiful views of the Snake River Canyon from the path. I used to be shocked by the size of the canyon partitions, and rolling alongside the Canyon Rim Path for a pair miles (I didn’t do the total six miles) was stress-free and extremely scenic.
You may really be a part of the Canyon Rim Path from Shoshone Falls, however I entered the path from the Twin Falls Customer Heart. I’d undoubtedly counsel popping contained in the Customer Heart earlier than becoming a member of the path, as there are souvenirs, displays, and snack/drink choices within the Customer Heart. You’ll discover loads of Evel Knievel souvenirs right here, as he famously tried to leap the Snake River Canyon with a bike again in 1974. The Customer Heart is a good place to go to earlier than or after your stroll/roll on the path.
The Canyon Rim Path was huge and clean, making it simple for my wheelchair to navigate. The sections that I did had been fully paved with solely gradual inclines, providing breathtaking panoramas of the canyon beneath. I’ve heard that there are some steeper sections of the path that aren’t as wheelchair accessible, however for those who begin from the Twin Falls Customer Heart, you have to be okay for fairly some time.
Alongside the path, there have been additionally accessible overlooks with paved paths resulting in them, offering even nearer views of the canyon. I might additionally see the Perrine Memorial Bridge, an iconic Twin Falls landmark that spans the canyon. The bridge is a well-liked spot for BASE leaping, so you might get to observe that for those who’re fortunate.
By the point I rolled a pair miles, I used to be drained however exhilarated. The Canyon Rim Path exceeded my expectations, providing a really unforgettable expertise. The path’s total accessibility and beautiful surroundings made this a worthwhile journey in Twin Falls.
View the evening sky from an accessible observatory
As a wheelchair consumer, navigating telescopes has all the time been a irritating problem for me. Usually, it’s laborious for me to place my head accurately, in order that I can see into the telescope. Once I heard that the Centennial Observatory on the Herrett Heart in Twin Falls affords accessible options although, I used to be excited to strive it, however nonetheless a bit apprehensive. Nevertheless, I can fortunately say that this observatory was like stumbling upon a hidden and accessible portal to the universe.
The observatory is remarkably accessible. An elevator whisks guests to the higher stage, and a wheelchair carry then gently carries you to the remark deck. Because the dome opened, I used to be greeted by a colossal telescope that I might really attain. A specifically designed “periscope” introduced the cosmos inside touching distance. For the primary time ever, I used to be capable of discover the depths of house with out limitations.
There are particular occasions at Centennial Observatory on choose days, the place you may expertise the observatory without spending a dime or a minimal price, or you may e book the observatory for a personal session. We loved a personal observatory expertise whereas in Twin Falls, however I might like to revisit for one in all their “star events” in the future. You may see their occasions and discover out extra info right here.
The observatory is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in thoughts, together with a spacious companion care restroom. It’s a spot the place everybody can really feel welcome to discover the wonders of the evening sky and a reminder that the universe is for everybody.
Wheelchair Accessible Boise Idaho Points of interest & Issues to Do
Because the capital metropolis of Idaho, Boise affords so many wheelchair-friendly points of interest and issues to do. I spent 4 nights in Boise, so I had sufficient time to expertise a few of the greatest locations within the metropolis. I had an absolute blast and might’t wait to return in the future to discover much more wheelchair accessible Boise points of interest! Listed here are a few of the greatest issues to do in Boise, Idaho as a wheelchair consumer –
Go to jail (on a tour)
One of many first locations that I visited in Boise was the Outdated Idaho Penitentiary and I had a good time right here. It was in operation from 1872-1973, and it has an interesting historical past. I’ve toured a number of prisons all through my travels, together with Jap State Penitentiary and Alcatraz, and the Outdated Idaho Penitentiary is truthfully the most effective I’ve ever visited.
I loved a guided tour and most buildings had been wheelchair accessible with clean entrances. The higher ranges weren’t accessible, however our information provided to indicate me pictures of the higher ranges. However I used to be capable of see a lot on the decrease ranges, that I didn’t really feel like I missed something. Guided excursions can be found most days for an extra $2 and might solely be booked on-site on the Outdated Idaho Penitentiary entrance desk.
Accessibility all through the Outdated Idaho Penitentiary was nice and there have been paved sidewalks from constructing to constructing. Our information mentioned that the paved sidewalks are new and had been simply put in in 2023. Many of the paved sidewalks had been flat and clean, so it was simple for me to get round in my powered wheelchair.
The historical past of Outdated Idaho Penitentiary is extremely fascinating and I used to be extremely intrigued all through your complete tour. I used to be shocked to be taught that the jail housed males, ladies, and even youngsters. The youngest inmate was solely 10 years previous! Our information did a beautiful job of explaining every little thing and answering my many questions.
Should you’ll be in Boise, the Outdated Idaho Penitentiary ought to be a must-visit! It was a good way to spend a pair hours within the metropolis and I used to be impressed with the accessibility all through my go to. Plan at the very least two or three hours for a go to right here, so you may absolutely expertise every little thing.
Expertise Boise’s Basque Block
Have you ever heard of the Basque Nation? It’s a area that encompasses a part of Spain and a part of France, however in Boise, there may be a whole metropolis block referred to as the Basque Block. Many Basque individuals immigrated to Boise, so on this block, there are a number of Basque eating places, a museum dedicated to Basque historical past, and extra. It’s an unimaginable space to go to and I actually loved spending a number of hours right here.
My go to to the Basque Block began by trying out The Basque Market, the place I had a scrumptious lunch of tapas. I had meatballs, shrimp, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with garlic aioli), and croquetas (fried balls of bechamel and peppers) with a glass of sangria to clean all of it down. The whole lot was so scrumptious and I haven’t stopped enthusiastic about that meal since I left The Basque Market.
Subsequent, I visited the Basque Museum & Cultural Heart. I realized lots in regards to the Basque tradition on this museum by varied displays and your complete museum was wheelchair accessible. The displays had been spacious, so I might simply maneuver round, and there was an accessible companion care restroom within the museum as effectively.
Included together with your museum ticket is admission to the Basque boardinghouse, which is correct beside the museum. This boardinghouse in Boise was a house away from residence for Basque immigrants from 1910-1969. It was wheelchair accessible for me to get contained in the boardinghouse and I actually loved seeing what life was like for the those who lived in the home.
The Basque Block in downtown Boise is such a novel space and one in all my favourite components of the town. I had a variety of enjoyable exploring this particular block and whether or not you’re seeking to study Basque tradition or simply need an incredible meal, you’re certain to take pleasure in this particular place.
Roll on accessible trails in Boise
Boise’s downtown space is a variety of enjoyable, however if you wish to get outdoors and benefit from the nice outside, Boise affords that as effectively! There are a number of parks in Boise which have wheelchair accessible trails and I used to be capable of verify a number of of them out throughout my journey.
Esther Simplot Park covers 55 acres, together with 23 acres of water. Wheelchair accessible parking is obtainable and there are clean, paved paths across the waterfront seaside areas. The views of the water are beautiful and I had a enjoyable time rolling on the paved paths.
At Esther Simplot Park, I additionally discovered a number of picnic tables close to the water and a few of them had been accessible with an area for a wheelchair consumer. The park’s seashores additionally had ramps main right down to them. Whereas I didn’t see seaside wheelchairs accessible, I used to be capable of get very near the water, which was good.
One other one in all Boise’s greatest accessible out of doors areas is Kathryn Albertson Park. Not removed from downtown Boise, I used to be completely satisfied to see that this 41-acre park included huge paved paths and paved loop trails. I used to be capable of navigate the entire paved paths in my wheelchair very simply.
The primary loop at Kathryn Albertson Park is one mile lengthy. On the loop, I used to be capable of benefit from the wildlife and listen to the birds, see the wildflowers, and roll alongside the water. I used to be completely satisfied to see loads of benches right here as effectively, simply in case somebody must take a break. Wheelchair accessible parking is positioned close to the principle path entrance, and there are additionally accessible restrooms positioned within the parking space.
The final park that I visited in Boise was Ann Morrison Park. It sits in downtown Boise and has essentially the most spectacular views of the Boise River. This park is housed inside 150 acres and consists of loads of paved climbing, biking, and wheelchair accessible pathways.
I used to be additionally thrilled to search out out that Ann Morrison Park is residence to an inclusive playground. The accessible playground has quick access for wheelchair customers with ramps. Should you’re touring to Boise with a child, this park ought to be a must-visit.
Watch raptors fly over your head
As an animal lover, one attraction that I used to be actually enthusiastic about trying out whereas in Boise was the World Heart for Birds of Prey. Right here, they’re conserving raptors from around the globe and doing unimaginable work to guard raptors. And sure, you may meet quite a lot of raptors when you’re right here!
I used to be capable of roll on the paved out of doors paths to see some raptors, together with an enormous California Condor. It was simple to roll in my wheelchair from fowl to fowl, due to the paths being clean, huge, and flat. It was actually cool to see so many birds of prey and I loved studying about them from the on-site consultants.
There was additionally an indoor museum space with cool displays, which was good on the new day that I visited. Talking of scorching climate, the World Heart for Birds of Prey is open seven days every week all through summer season and in winter, it’s open each day besides Monday. Admission prices $12 per grownup and $7 for kids 4-16 years previous.
Whereas seeing the various raptors and touring the on-site museum was enjoyable, my favourite a part of my go to was the dwell fowl program, which happens a number of occasions per day. This present occurred within the out of doors amphitheater and wheelchair accessible seating was accessible on the high of the amphitheater. I had an ideal view from my seat.
In the course of the present, we had been launched to a few completely different birds they usually really flew across the amphitheater. They even flew over our heads at some factors, which was thrilling and allowed us to get an incredible view of them up-close. The present lasted about 45 minutes.
Admire murals at Freak Alley Gallery
Should you’re a fan of artwork, Freak Alley Gallery is a great spot to go to in downtown Boise. It’s the largest open-air multi-artist mural gallery within the northwestern U.S. and you may expertise it fully without spending a dime, and it’s open 24/7.
The murals are in an alley between eighth and ninth streets and between Bannock and Idaho streets. Dozens of murals make up Freak Alley Gallery, so there are many nice photograph ops. It was actually spectacular to see such nice artwork in a public house within the coronary heart of downtown Boise.
Since Freak Alley Gallery is in an alley, it’s paved and wheelchair accessible. I didn’t have any points rolling by the world and seeing the artwork. It’s additionally price noting that Freak Alley Gallery is in a central location close to many different wheelchair accessible Boise points of interest, so plan an additional 20-Half-hour and benefit from the murals.
Take pleasure in dwell theatre on the Idaho Shakespeare Competition
Stay theatre is one in all my favourite issues to expertise in any vacation spot I go to, so I used to be tremendous excited to be taught in regards to the Idaho Shakespeare Competition. I do know the identify “pageant” makes it sound like an annual occasion like different festivals, however you may really see completely different performs within the amphitheater right here all summer season.
On the evening that I visited, the play was “Agatha Christie’s Homicide on the Orient Specific” and it was a improbable present! The appearing was spectacular and I beloved that all of it occurred within the out of doors amphitheater. The amphitheater can match 770 individuals and wheelchair accessible seating is obtainable. I had an ideal view of the stage from my seating space.
If you’re hungry or need one thing to drink, you may go to Shakespeare’s Market. It’s only a brief stroll/roll from the amphitheater and I actually favored the tuna salad plate that I acquired from right here, however many different choices are provided as effectively. Earlier than the principle present started, I additionally loved a mini-concert from the patio at Shakespeare’s Market. It was a pleasant begin to the night!
One efficiency of every play that Idaho Shakespeare Competition does is absolutely accessible with American Signal Language, dwell audio descriptions, and realtime captioning. Should you want these accessibility lodging, simply take a look at their web site to be taught extra and see which performances can have that accessibility.
Eat scrumptious meals on a meals tour in Boise
If you’re a foodie, and even for those who simply take pleasure in good meals (and who doesn’t?!), you’ll love the town of Boise! I had some actually nice meals in Boise from locations like BACON Boise and The Warehouse Meals Corridor, however I actually loved making an attempt meals from quite a lot of native eating places on a meals tour with Indulge Boise.
Their Capital Metropolis Culinary & Cultural Tour was simple to e book on-line and occurred in downtown Boise. Our educated tour information from Indulge Boise, Bob, was very well mannered and pleasant. He additionally made the strolling/rolling tour accessible for me, taking us to wheelchair accessible eating places and he was aware of the curb cuts alongside our route (a few mile and a half in complete).
Throughout our meals tour, we visited locations like Boise Fry Firm, the place we tried a bison burger and fries with distinctive sauces like blueberry ketchup, and Ansots, the place we had scrumptious chorizo and croquettes. We additionally visited an Italian restaurant referred to as Acero and it was phenomenally tasty. I might extremely advocate eating at any of those eating places when you’re in Boise.
Then, we completed our meals tour with dessert at Stella’s. Stella’s has 16 vegan ice cream choices to select from and plenty of extra milk-based ice lotions as effectively. I shortly selected the vegan birthday cake ice cream and truthfully, it would’ve been the very best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. The truth is, I went again the subsequent day for some extra of it!
Spending the day with Bob on this meals tour was a lot enjoyable and the meals in Boise was completely delicious. Occurring a meals tour with Indulge Boise is an ideal strategy to get a style of the town, and a good way to find some eating places to return to later in your journey.
The place to Keep in Boise and Twin Falls
For my journey in southern Idaho, I stayed in Boise for 4 nights and Twin Falls for 2 nights. In each places, I stayed in motels that labored rather well for my accessibility wants. I’ll begin by telling you about The Grove Resort, which is the place I stayed in Boise, after which I’ll let you know all in regards to the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twin Falls, so you may decide if these motels will give you the results you want.
The Grove Resort in Boise
The Grove Resort is a luxurious lodge in downtown Boise. It’s in a main location close to a lot of Boise’s greatest eating places and points of interest, and it’s hooked up to Idaho Central Enviornment, which is likely one of the greatest sporting and occasion arenas within the northwest. This lodge is in such an incredible location that we didn’t even want our rental van for a pair days in Boise since we might simply stroll/roll to many locations.
In our wheelchair accessible room, there was a king sized mattress (no clearance beneath for a hoyer carry/hoist) and a residing space with a sofa. The room was extremely spacious and related to the lodge’s out of doors terrace. It was a pleasant space to calm down and take in some solar.
Within the toilet, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. The roll-in bathe did have a small lip to get inside (about 3/4 of an inch), however my private bathe chair was capable of recover from it. The Grove Resort additionally supplied a bathe seat.
Should you’re within the temper for some pampering, The Grove Resort has a full spa as effectively. And if you’d like some nice meals, make sure to strive the lodge’s on-site restaurant, Trillium. Should you’re on the lookout for a lodge in Boise that has all of it, look no additional! Be taught extra about The Grove Resort and e book a keep of your individual by clicking right here.
Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twin Falls
Whereas in Twin Falls, we stayed on the Fairfield Inn & Suites. It was in an incredible location, only a brief drive from the very best wheelchair accessible Twin Falls points of interest and solely about 90 minutes from Craters of the Moon.
In our wheelchair accessible room, there was one mattress and it did have clearance beneath for a hoyer carry/hoist. The room was spacious sufficient for my wheelchair to simply maneuver round, and there was a TV, desk, and a mini fridge within the room as effectively.
Within the toilet, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. A fold-down seat was accessible within the bathe and there was a handheld bathe wand.
The accessible room labored completely for my wants and I would definitely keep right here once more the subsequent time I’m in Twin Falls. I additionally favored that there was an indoor heated pool with an entry carry. Should you’d wish to be taught extra in regards to the Fairfield Inn & Suites or e book your individual keep, simply click on proper right here.
Properly, you’ve formally reached the tip of my wheelchair accessible information to southern Idaho and by this level, you have to be absolutely ready to plan your individual accessible journey to the state. Whether or not you wish to benefit from the nice outside, have enjoyable at accessible points of interest, eat scrumptious meals, or one thing completely different, southern Idaho is a tremendous vacation spot and affords one thing for guests of all skills!
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*Thanks to Go to Idaho for working with me on this journey and exhibiting me the very best of wheelchair accessible Idaho! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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