Accessibility Essentials

Emma Macek

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR's Office of Communications.

Find What You Need For Outdoor Adventure

Everyone can have fun in the sun in the Wisconsin State Park System this summer. Whether you want to stay on land or cool off in the water, properties across the state have universally accessible recreation opportunities like beaches, playgrounds and kayak launches for people of all abilities.

Beach access mat, Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Sandy Shores

Many of Wisconsin’s state parks have beautiful beaches, and several provide beach access for people with mobility disabilities by using specialized wheelchairs or mats.

Beach wheelchairs have large inflatable tires that make it easy to move on the sand and get into the water. Beach mats create a stable surface for walking and using mobility devices.

These properties have universal beach access:

• Big Bay State Park, beach wheelchair

• Buckhorn State Park, beach wheelchair

• Copper Falls State Park, paved accessible trail along the water’s edge at the Loon Lake beach

• Devil’s Lake State Park, beach access mat and beach wheelchair

• Harrington Beach State Park, beach wheelchair

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit, beach wheelchair

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, beach wheelchair

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, two beach wheelchairs (one for general use and one at the accessible cabin)

• Newport State Park, beach wheelchair and a motorized all-terrain wheelchair (for use on sand but not in the water)

• Peninsula State Park, beach wheelchair and beach access mat

• Point Beach State Forest, beach wheelchair and a motorized all-terrain wheelchair (for use on sand but not in the water)

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, beach access mat

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, beach wheelchair and beach access mat

Motorized all-terrain wheelchair, Newport State Park

Beach conditions can fluctuate with weather and water levels, so be sure to check with the park for current information before visiting.

Paddle Fun

Adaptive kayaks allow people of all abilities to hit the water. Outriggers near the back of these kayaks are adjustable to four different widths, depending on the user’s level of function, providing increased water stability.

A raised back with side supports also offers a comfortable and secure seat while paddling, and the seat can be fully removed for individuals with greater upper-body function. The adaptive kayak paddle has hand braces that make paddling easier for individuals with limited grip.

Adaptive kayaks are available for everyone and are a great option for new paddlers and people with a wide range of disabilities, including people who need a more stable kayak for balance issues due to aging, etc.

Adaptive kayaks are available at these properties:

• Buckhorn State Park

• Copper Falls State Park (tandem model)

• Council Grounds State Park

• Devil’s Lake State Park

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit (kayak and launch)

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit/Ottawa Lake (tandem model)

• Lake Kegonsa State Park (tandem model)

• Lake Wissota State Park (tandem model)

• Merrick State Park (kayak and launch)

• Perrot State Park

• Potawatomi State Park (tandem kayak and launch, completed by mid-June)

• Yellowstone Lake State Park (tandem model and launch)

These kayaks are available through the park’s canoe/kayak concessionaire, and typical rental fees apply.

The DNR also has added universal kayak launches to several properties, including Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Merrick and Yellowstone Lake state parks, Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit (opening early June), Twin Valley Lake at Governor Dodge State Park, Mauthe Lake Recreation Area in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, and Potawatomi State Park (opening mid-June).

Universal kayak launches feature an accessible pathway, a transfer bench, handrails and rollers or launch guides to help glide the boat into the water. Additional universal kayak launches are planned at other state properties.

Play More

Several state properties have play areas that are universally accessible to young outdoor explorers. These areas include an accessible play surface and inclusive play equipment and are on accessible pathways.

Universally accessible play area, High Cliff State Park

You can find universal play areas at these properties:

• Belmont Mound State Park

• Blue Mound State Park, universal splash pad, and the pool has a chair lift

• Harrington Beach State Park, in the beach parking lot

• High Cliff State Park, in the upper day-use picnic area

• Peninsula State Park, at the Nicolet Beach day-use area

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, nature classroom behind the visitor center

Many state properties also have other adaptive equipment and accessible areas, such as outdoor wheelchairs, fishing spots, hunting blinds, campsites and cabins so all can enjoy the great outdoors. Keep in mind that adaptive equipment offerings can change throughout the year. Please call the property before you visit to confirm the availability of the equipment or accessible features you're interested in using.

Learn More

Check the DNR’s Open the Outdoors webpage to discover the many accessible recreation opportunities in Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreation areas.