Since moving to Ann Arbor, I’ve been searching for the most accessible and fun activities. I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user who often relies on mobility aids, and moved to Chelsea because of its accessibility. There are a lot of accessible places and activities people are unaware of that you can take advantage of!
Activities
There are some really great activities in Washtenaw County. The first would be Decode Ann Arbor, the second best escape room in the United States. There is a location in Ann Arbor and one in Ypsilanti. According to their website, Decode Ann Arbor is truly accessible.
“All of our games (except the Library) are wheelchair accessible, and closed captions are available for select games. If there’s something we can do to help you enjoy your game, give us a call!”
If you’re a museum person, there are tons in the area. Two that I would recommend are the U-M Museum of Art, which has a step-free entrance, audio guides, elevators, and smooth flooring; and U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which has an accessibility page that states that all events are wheelchair accessible, as well as resources for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Most movie theaters in the area have elevators and wheelchair seating, but Emagine in Saline also has sensory-friendly movies. According to their site, “This presentation is designed with brighter house lights, a lower volume, and may include opportunities for audience interaction. Catch new releases every Saturday; showtimes and selections vary by theatre.” This also includes Dementia friendly showing.
Wheel the World also recommends Big Best in Games in Ypsilanti. There are games, tournaments, and workshops, so if you’re a gamer, this is the place for you. Ann Arbor Art Center is great if you’re more artistic.
Events
If you’re looking for concerts or plays, you have a lot of options. Michigan Theater offers a seat for wheelchair users plus a companion as well as assistive listening devices and open captions. Michigan Stadium, the perfect location for sports and concerts, has an accessibility map, an ADA coordinator and accessible entrances.
Both Encore Musical Theater Company in Dexter and Purple Rose Theater Company in Chelsea have accessible options. If you’re looking for local music, check out the Blue Llama Jazz Club or the brand new JD’s Stage Bistro (through the accessible entrance).
I’ve spent a lot of time at the Blind Pig, which is accessible but can become quite crowded which makes it harder to maneuver. If you’re willing to camp out in the back, you should have a pretty good time.
RELATED: Documentary Highlights Ann Arbor’s Role in Disability Advocacy
Outdoor
Check out the Matthei Botanical Gardens or Michigan Nichols Arboretum for some outdoor fun. I’ve been to both, and there are wide, open paths. Not every path is accessible, some are thin, dirt roads, but there is much to explore. You can also rent wheelchairs or trailchairs here.
There are also many local farmers markets that are accessible. I’ve personally attended the Chelsea Farmer’s Market and Ann Arbor Kerrytown Farmer’s Market, and I was able to move pretty well through both.
Eats
There are some awesome bars to check out, including Erratic Ale Co, The Circ Bar, and Wolverine Brewing Company.
There’s tons of places to eat, including Zingerman’s, Bridge Community Cafe, Sava’s, and more. I also love the Dexter Cider Mill, which has a paved entrance and wide aisles. I have not checked out their tasting tent yet, but I was able to grab cider pretty easily.
That being said, there wasn’t accessible parking, so while the actual Mill is great, the parking lot does have a slight slant and you might not be able to park close when it gets busy. I went early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Ann Arbor works to be accessible. If there’s a place you want to visit that isn’t on this list, give them a call.
