My friend is taking her wheelchair-bound mother to Chicago this Easter and recently asked me for advice on where to go and how challenging it would be to get around.
While I have never toured the city or its many attractions in a wheelchair I do know that last year Chicago was named one of America’s most disability-friendly cities by the National Organization on Disability. The honor was given partially because all the city’s public buses are wheelchair-accessible. In addition, each July, the Windy City hosts the largest Disability Pride Parade in the nation as well as AccessChicago, a products and services expo.
My advice: Take the el. The city’s elevated mass transit system is also wheelchair accessible… and not only is it convenient it’s cheap too. The Orange Line and the Blue Line link downtown with Midway and O’Hare International Airports, respectively, which is especially handy if you are not renting a vehicle. For sightseeing, take the Brown Line over the Chicago River and as far north as you have time for. You’ll be treated to great views of the city’s neighborhoods and spectacular shots of Chicago’s historic architecture.
Speaking of the city’s abundant (and culturally diverse) neighborhoods all of Chicago’s 198 neighborhoods are wheelchair friendly. From eclectic Andersonville, Wicker Park, and Bucktown to ethnically rich Devon Avenue, Chinatown, and Argyle Street. There’s no reason to miss out on these lively locales that embrace people from all walks of life.
On the flip side, I would advise to beware of Navy Pier. I’m not recommending that you boycott the former shipping-dock-turned-amusement-pier just because you are wheelchair-bound. I am simply suggesting you time your visit wisely. Navy Pier is the biggest tourist attraction in Chicago, drawing 8.6 million visitors annually. This means wheelchair or not you are sharing space with a ton of people. The crowds are huge and consist of mostly families with young children and strollers. I avoid the area especially in summer and during school breaks. Also, Navy Pier is very expensive, (parking is rarely less than $20 and handicap spaces are limited). I would recommend visiting in late fall, winter or early spring and go early in the day or early in the week.
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