
Windy City: Wheelchair Accessible Chicago Trip
For some, a beach vacation in a quiet coastal location is the perfect getaway. For others, nothing beats the excitement of a bustling city like Chicago, with its late-night glow of city lights and the symphony of car horns in the street.
Exploring Chicago's Accessibility
With over 50 million visitors each year, the Windy City offers a wide variety of attractions, restaurants, hotels, and transportation options, many of which are accessible to people with disabilities.
What Are Some Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in Chicago?
Accessible parks, landmarks, and attractions in Chicago include:
- The Art Institute of Chicago: Home to original artworks like “The Old Guitarist” by Pablo Picasso and “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet.
- The Field Museum: You’ll find a wide variety of exhibits here related to natural history, anthropology, science, and conservation. The museum is also home to one of the most complete and best-preserved dinosaur fossils ever discovered: Sue, the T. Rex.
- Navy Pier: On the shore of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a range of attractions, including the Centennial Ferris Wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, and architectural boat tours.
- Millennium Park: One of Chicago's most famous sculptures is Cloud Gate, more commonly known as "The Bean," by Anish Kapoor. Nearby are the Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain.
- Willis Tower: Formerly the Sears Tower, this building features the 103rd-floor Skydeck with views of Chicago. On clear days, visitors can see surrounding states- Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- Chicago Theatre: Known for its architecture and iconic marquee, Chicago Theatre hosts concerts, comedy shows, musicals, and plays.
What Are the Best Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in Chicago?
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, but you'll also find unique cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants. Some accessible options include:
- Giordano’s Pizza: If you’re looking for a classic Chicago deep dish style pizza, visit Giordano's.
- Portillo’s: Originating in Illinois, this restaurant serves Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and Italian beef sandwiches, as well as salads, pastas, soups and desserts.
- Girl & the Goat: Founded by Stephanie Izard, who won season four of the TV show Top Chef, this restaurant is suited to adventurous eaters with plates including unique ingredients like frog and octopus.
- Alinea: More common in cities, you’ll find Michelin Star restaurants, like the three-star Alinea, where guests are served a set tasting menu curated by Chef Grant Achatz.
- Garrett’s Popcorn: A great place to stop for a snack, Garrett’s Popcorn is best known for its Chicago style popcorn- a mix of caramel and cheese popcorn.
Are there Wheelchair Accessible Tours Available in Chicago?
Chicago offers various tours, with accessibility depending on the type of tour and its stops. It's best to contact a tour company ahead of time to confirm accessibility. Consider tour options like:
- Chicago River Architecture Tours: Chicago Architecture Center offers boat tours highlighting the city's architecture.
- Museums: Most museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum, offer wheelchair rentals and self-guided or audio tours.
- Food Tours: If one of your favorite parts of travel is the food, consider a food tour. Accessibility of a food tour will depend on individual restaurant locations and any personal dietary restrictions.
Getting Around Chicago in a Wheelchair With Ease
Chicago's metropolitan area offers a variety of public transportation options, many of which are accessible per ADA guidelines.
Are there Wheelchair Accessible Transportation Options in Chicago?
Accessible transportation options in Chicago include:
- Subway: The Chicago subway system, known as "the L" (short for "elevated train"), is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). While the CTA is working towards making all stations accessible, not all currently have elevators.
- City Bus: The CTA's bus system is designed to be accessible, with ramps or lifts and priority seating for passengers with disabilities.
- Taxi: Traditional and accessible taxis are available throughout the city, offering door-to-door service.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) equipped with ramps for door-to-door service.
Which Hotels in Chicago Have Wheelchair Accessible Rooms?
Most hotels offer accessible rooms, which may include features like roll-in showers or accessible tubs with grab bars, accessible sinks, lowered light switches, and lighter doors. It's recommended to call a hotel ahead of time to inquire about accessibility. A few accessible hotels to consider in Chicago include:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
- Hyatt Regency, Chicago
- InterContinental Chicago
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
- Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago
According to the ADA, accessible hotel rooms should not cost more than comparable traditional rooms. The overall cost of your stay will depend on the hotel you choose, the length of your stay, and the time of year you plan to travel.
Planning Your Wheelchair Accessible Trip
Whether you're planning a trip to Chicago or exploring another accessible city in the U.S., our travel hub is packed with valuable information to help you plan your next accessible vacation. From selecting an accessible travel destination to discovering activities that cater to people with disabilities and renting wheelchair accessible vehicles, our travel hub has everything you need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable accessible vacation.
