20 Wheelchair-Friendly Activities Across Michigan
Michigan has more accessible experiences than many people realize.
From adaptive sports and scenic parks to concerts, museums, and waterfront attractions, there are opportunities throughout the state for individuals with disabilities to enjoy recreation, connection, adventure, and community.
At Think Beyond the Chair, we believe accessibility is about more than simply entering a building. It is about being able to fully participate in life and create meaningful experiences with family and friends.
While accessibility can vary depending on individual needs and planning, this guide highlights several Michigan destinations and activities that are known for offering wheelchair accessibility, adaptive recreation opportunities, or inclusive experiences.
Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, entertainment, sports, or family-friendly activities, here are 20 wheelchair-friendly activities throughout Michigan worth exploring.
Metro Detroit
1. Comerica Park – Detroit Tigers
2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
https://www.mlb.com/tigers/ballpark/accessibility
Comerica Park offers wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seating, elevators, accessible restrooms, and guest services assistance. Watching a Tigers game can be an exciting and inclusive social experience for families and friends.
2. Detroit Riverwalk
1340 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 566-8200
https://detroitriverfront.org
The Detroit Riverwalk features paved pathways, beautiful waterfront views, parks, restaurants, and community events. It is one of the most accessible outdoor attractions in Southeast Michigan.
3. Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-5717
https://detroitzoo.org
The Detroit Zoo offers accessible pathways, wheelchair rentals, sensory-friendly programs, and accessible tram transportation throughout portions of the zoo.
4. Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St., Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-8400
https://www.mi-sci.org
The Michigan Science Center provides accessible exhibits, elevators, accessible restrooms, and interactive experiences for children and adults.
5. Motown Museum
2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 875-2264
https://www.motownmuseum.org
The legendary Motown Museum has worked to improve accessibility and provides an incredible cultural and musical experience in Detroit.
6. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(313) 471-7000
https://www.313presents.com
Many concerts offer accessible seating, companion seating, and accessible parking. Outdoor concerts can create meaningful and memorable experiences for individuals and families alike.
7. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada, MI 48005
(586) 784-5343
https://www.blakefarms.com
Blake’s offers seasonal events, cider mill experiences, outdoor entertainment, and family-friendly activities with many paved or accessible areas.
Oakland County & Suburbs
8. Mt. Brighton Adaptive Sports Program (MBASP)
4141 Bauer Rd., Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 522-8904
https://mtbadaptivesports.org
MBASP provides adaptive skiing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities using specialized equipment and trained volunteers.
Adaptive sports can help improve confidence, independence, physical health, and emotional wellbeing.
9. Kensington Metropark
4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford, MI 48380
(810) 227-8910
https://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark
Kensington offers paved trails, accessible fishing areas, nature centers, picnic spaces, and beautiful outdoor scenery.
10. Emagine Theatres
Multiple Michigan Locations
https://www.emagine-entertainment.com
Emagine Theatres provide wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seating, and sensory-friendly movie experiences at select locations.
11. Downtown Rochester
Rochester, MI
https://www.downtownrochestermi.com
Downtown Rochester offers accessible shopping, restaurants, seasonal events, and the famous holiday lights during the winter season.
12. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
31005 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 626-5020
This unique attraction offers vintage arcade games, nostalgia, and entertainment in an accessible indoor setting.
West Michigan
13. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(888) 957-1580
https://www.meijergardens.org
Meijer Gardens offers accessible indoor exhibits, outdoor gardens, paved pathways, wheelchair rentals, and seasonal events.
14. Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9390
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
The park includes accessible beach access areas, scenic waterfront views, and accessible picnic areas.
15. Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 929-1700
https://www.grpm.org
The museum offers accessible exhibits, elevators, and educational experiences for all ages.
16. John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 336-4300
https://jbzoo.org
John Ball Zoo provides accessible pathways, wheelchair rentals, and inclusive educational programs.
Northern Michigan
17. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front St., Empire, MI 49630
(231) 326-4700
https://www.nps.gov/slbe
Several scenic overlooks and visitor areas are wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty.
18. Traverse City Waterfront
Traverse City, MI
https://www.traversecity.com
Traverse City offers accessible waterfront areas, restaurants, festivals, and shopping experiences.
19. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island, MI
(906) 847-3307
https://www.mackinaccarriage.com
Mackinac Island offers accessible carriage tours that allow visitors to experience the island’s beauty without needing to navigate difficult terrain independently.
Upper Peninsula
20. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 W. M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
(906) 492-3415
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
The park offers accessible viewing platforms and pathways that allow visitors to enjoy one of Michigan’s most famous natural attractions.
Accessibility Creates Opportunity
Accessible experiences are about far more than entertainment. They improve confidence, connection, emotional wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. They help reduce isolation and create opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.
At Think Beyond the Chair, we believe inclusion should extend beyond basic accommodations. Everyone deserves opportunities to explore, create memories, experience joy, and feel connected.
Because accessibility is not just about getting through the door.
It is about being able to fully experience what is waiting on the other side.
