Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Kentucky
When you think of Kentucky, things that often come to mind are bourbon and horses. So, I wondered “What else is there to see/do in Kentucky?” It turns out there’s quite a bit! Here’s my list of wheelchair accessible things to do in Kentucky based on what I did while I was there.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Kentucky
1. Noah’s Ark
On my drive from Ohio to where we were staying in Kentucky, we stopped at a replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky. The ark is so large, you can see it for a while before actually getting there. It is reconstructed according to historical records and how it was described in the Bible.
Once you arrive, parking is in a separate area from the ark itself, and then you take an accessible shuttle bus to visit the ark. Entrance to the ark and its various floors are via ramps, so the whole thing is completely wheelchair accessible.
The ark recreates what it would’ve been like to live there and how people would’ve survived. There are displays of how and where the animals were kept, where the people lived and storage areas. Informative plaques explain various aspects of the ark and there is a short informative film shown throughout the day.
Once you are done touring the ark, there is a small petting zoo as well as a gift shop and café where you can get a bite to eat. Accessible restrooms are available.
2. Mammoth Cave National Park
Located near Cave City, KY this cave system is the longest in the world. It is also wonderfully accessible! You could easily spend a day here exploring the cave, accessible trails and participating in ranger programs.
The cave has a wheelchair accessible tour as well as a tour suited for people with limited mobility. For my full accessibility review of the park, check out my blog post here.
3. Corvette Museum and Race Track
If you are a car enthusiast, then this museum is a must! Detailing the history of the American made Corvette, there is a short film and tons of exhibits within the museum. You can even see where there was a sinkhole that swallowed up some of the cars in the museum.
The whole museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking and restrooms available as well as a flat pathway with room to maneuver around the exhibits.
Just down the road from the museum is its official race track. Clubs and various groups have the opportunity to rent the track for special events. When we were there, a corvette club from our area had rented the track for a high-speed racing class.
My mom and stepdad race as a hobby so they had signed up for the event. I was lucky enough to be able to go for a ride around the track. It was incredible! We got up to over 100 mph on the straight away!
The hardest part was getting in and out of the car… it’s SO low to the ground. I had a lot of assistance with this part. The turns on the track were no easy feat either though. Even though I had a helmet on and was strapped in using a 5-point harness, you do get thrown side to side quite a bit. Luckily, I trusted the driver.
The whole day was fun and exhilarating. You would have to check with the track regarding events and whether you may get to go out on it. If you are able, and get the chance, it’s certainly an experience!
4. Chocolate Tasting with a Kick!
While in Lexington, KY we stopped by Old Kentucky Chocolates. They offer tours if you call to schedule in advance. We didn’t get a chance to do the tour, but we did explore the gift shop and got some free samples. The shop is fully wheelchair accessible.
Be prepared though, this isn’t your traditional chocolate! The samples we had were chocolate truffles made with bourbon and one had moonshine. It’s definitely chocolate with a kick! They were quite yummy, but you had to enjoy it in moderation.
We happened to be there shortly before Easter, so we loaded up for the holiday. If you aren’t a fan of booze, there are plenty of non-alcoholic chocolates there as well. It was a unique experience that is great for chocolate and liquor lovers alike.
5. Visit a Horse Farm
Since we were already in Lexington, which is a big horse racing town, it would be a shame to miss visiting some lovely horses. Kentucky Horse Park offers tours and has an adjacent campground (which is where we stayed).
The horse park has about 115 horses representing at least 3 different breeds. While visiting, you will have the opportunity to tour the grounds/museums, interact with the horses and watch demonstrations. Presentations include the Hall of Champions Show, Parade of Breeds, and the Big Barn Stall-Side Chat.
The grounds are fairly level but may contain some sloped and grassy areas. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Kentucky
As you can see, Kentucky is quite diverse and has a little bit of something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed trying the chocolates, getting to experience a cave, and visiting the horses. And who doesn’t love going 100 mph in a race car!? I really enjoyed my time here and would definitely recommend a visit to this great state.
