15 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Memphis Tennessee
While Nashville may get most of the attention for anyone looking for a fun city to stay in while visiting Tennessee, Memphis is another great option. Home to blues music, this exciting city has lots to offer music lovers, but so much more as well. Check out my 15 wheelchair accessible things to do in Memphis Tennessee to help you plan your trip there.
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Wheelchair Accessible Places to Stay in Memphis
Before we get into all the wonderful wheelchair accessible things to do in Memphis, let’s talk about where you should stay first. I recommend staying in the downtown area for a couple of reasons. First, it is close to many of the major attractions and second, it offers great accessible transportation. There are several hotel chains in this area as well that offer accessible rooms. Just make sure to call the hotel and speak with the front desk staff to ensure that they have set aside an accessible room that will meet your needs.
These hotels are great options:
Sheraton Downtown Memphis
Centrally located and offering wonderfully large accessible rooms for easy turning and navigating. Bathrooms feature grab bars, a roll in shower with a fold down seat, and roll under sink. The accessible trolley stops right outside of the hotel.
Check availability.
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection By Hilton
With hip and stylish decor, this hotel is located near the train station and to the accessible trolley. Rooms are cozy but have enough space to turn in your wheelchair. Accessible rooms come with the option of a roll in shower or accessible bathtub.
Check Availability.
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown
Located 2 blocks from Main Street (where the trolley runs) this hotel is within walking/rolling distance of the famous Beale Street. Accessible rooms have a roll in shower and enough space to navigate in your wheelchair. Typically, Hilton uses platform beds so this may not work for you if you require the use of a Hoyer Lift.
Check Availability.
Hampton Inn and Suites Memphis-Beale Street
Located 1 block from Beale Street and less than 1 block from Main Street, this hotel will put you right in the middle of all the action. It also comes with free breakfast. There are two types of mobility accessible rooms, one is a two-room suite that has a small kitchenette, and the other is a standard room with 2 queen beds. Both rooms have a roll in shower with a standalone shower chair.
Check Availability.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee
1. Shelby Farms
Located near the Fed Ex Event Center, this more than 4,000-acre park is an oasis in an urban environment. There are even Bison/Buffalo that live in the park which if you’re lucky you will see (they roam freely). This park is also touted as a park for all and is continuing to improve ADA access.
As of now, they offer accessible trails, an accessible playground, visitor center and accessible restrooms. Accessible trails include the Chickasaw Trail, Baptist Memorial Health Care Promenade and the Greenline Trail with ramped access at Perkins Road.
Accessibility at the Playground
While the website claims that the playground is accessible, access is quite limited. The Arbor that winds around the playground is accessible and the surface is made up of recycled shoe soles which makes it easy to roll on. There are also some slides as well as some swings that are suitable for kids under 12 that require assistance while they play.
I did see ramps leading to the top of some slides, but they are not flat at the bottom. In other words, it does not appear that any of the slides or swings allow the child to stay in their wheelchair.
Overall, this playground is innovative in the fact that it was made to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is not a truly accessible playground but could work for some kids with mobility issues, with assistance.
Accessible bathrooms can be found at the visitor center, Fed Ex Event Center and at the playground.
2. Sun Studio
For those who love music, this is a must-see destination. Sun Studio is where many of the greats have recorded, including Johnny Cash, U2, Elvis Presley, BB King, Duke Ellington, and many others. This studio is still in use today but offers tours to celebrate its legacy.
What to Expect on the Tour
The tour has two parts to it. The first part is not wheelchair accessible and visits the upstairs which houses memorabilia of the amazing artists that have recorded there. The second part of the tour is where you get to visit the actual recording studio and it is fully wheelchair accessible.
The tour includes storytelling, historical information, and great music. It was unreal to be in the studio sitting where so many famous musicians performed and listening to their music. It had me tapping my foot the whole time and wanting to sing along.
At the end of the tour, the guide brings out the now vintage microphone that Elvis used to record his songs. You will have the opportunity to pose with it and take pictures. It was really a highlight for any music fan.
3. Graceland
One of the most well-known attractions in Memphis is Graceland, which was the home of Elvis Presley. In fact, over 500,000 people make the journey to this historic place each year which is located a short drive from the downtown Memphis area.
Getting to Graceland
To get here, you can either use the hop on hop off bus service or hire a taxi. This now complex has several museums which highlight various parts of Elvis’s life as well as the main attraction, Elvis’s home which is known as Graceland.
Touring Graceland
After purchasing tickets, you will watch a short film about the impact Elvis has made on music and then will be directed to board one of the shuttle buses which will take you across the street to Graceland. Staff will arrange for a lift equipped bus for wheelchair users.
An IPAD will be given to you along with a pair of headphones and this will act as your guide as you tour the house and property where Elvis once lived and is now buried. There is a ramp on the left which allows wheelchair users to access the front door and enter the house.
From there, the first floor is fully accessible. None of the tours allow guests upstairs, as that section is kept private for the family. The tour does go downstairs, which is not accessible, however the IPAD allows you to do a virtual tour of these areas. Once you are finished inside of the house, head outside to tour the other buildings on the property which include the home office and gym.
The tour ends in the pool area and in the meditation garden where Elvis and his family are buried. To this day, guests bring flowers and other small mementos to leave at his graveside, a sign of how much of an impact he made in the world.
Is Graceland Worth Visiting?
While Elvis had passed before I was born, as a lover of all music, I did enjoy listening to his songs growing up. So, when I found out I would be in Memphis, it was only natural to want to pay my respects to the King of Rock and Roll. It was truly inspiring to see Elvis’s impact not only on the music industry but the world as well.
If you are a big Elvis fan and would like to take a tour of all the Elvis sites in and around Memphis, I suggest this tour. It is fully wheelchair accessible when you notify them ahead of time.
4. Memphis Botanic Garden
This lovely garden is in Audubon Park in East Memphis and offers ninety-six acres of land and thirty different gardens for you to explore. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to experience all that this place has to offer (suggested minimum time is 1 1/2 hours).
Highlights include an herb garden, Japanese garden, and a garden with interesting artwork along with other elements. At the time of this writing, there is even a special garden display paying tribute to Alice in Wonderland. It is a wonderful place to visit for any nature lover at any time of year.
There is a restaurant and visitor center that are fully accessible. In addition, the main pathways through the gardens are also wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs are also available free of charge on a first-come basis. Free parking is available.
5. Rock and Soul Museum
The Rock and Soul Museum uses music and artifacts to tell the story of how Rock and Roll and Soul music emerged from the Blues. It combines the history of the era to help you gain an appreciation for the significance of these emerging styles of music.
In fact, it was in this museum that I began to fully understand why Elvis was so controversial and groundbreaking. In a time of segregation, he (a white man) was singing blues music (which was considered black music). Eventually, Elvis developed his own style and created something new, Rock and Roll.
However, this museum doesn’t just celebrate Elvis, but all the other incredible artists of the time as well. Their contributions to music and significance in history are highlighted as you browse through clothing, instruments and listen to their music.
Accessibility at the Rock and Soul Museum
The Rock and Soul Museum is fully accessible with a flat entrance, wide and accessible pathways throughout the exhibits and accessible bathrooms available. I highly recommend a visit to this interesting and informative place.
Pro Tip: Get your tickets ahead of time so you have more time to enjoy the museum. Get tickets here!
6. Take a Food Tour
If you want to sample all the delicious cuisine that Memphis is known for, then taking a food tour is a great idea! Satisfy all your taste buds while learning about the history of the food and city at the same time. You probably know that Memphis is known for its barbeque, but did you know the other tasty dishes Memphis has to offer?
This tour is wheelchair accessible and will allow you to taste a sampling of 7 different dishes in 6 restaurants ranging from hidden gems to family-owned establishments to award winning chefs. Bring your appetite and enjoy all that Memphis has to offer.
7. Get Your Groove On on Beale Street
Another place not to be missed is the infamous Beale Street. Once home to black entrepreneurs and business owners, it eventually became home to Blues music as well.
Each evening, this street is closed off to car traffic and becomes a pedestrian gathering place. The entire street is lined with restaurants and music shops and is the center for nightly entertainment. Local bands will play at numerous venues, with their music spilling out into the streets.
When I visited, I was lucky enough to see performers in the street. We all then did a drum march down Beale Street to another venue. It was a really cool experience. I love listening to local music whenever I can.
Make sure to also check out the Beale Street Flippers. This acrobatic group performs right on the street for all to admire their dazzling tricks. They were even featured on America’s Got Talent.
Wheelchair Accessibility at Beale Street
Accessibility can be a bit tricky on the street as the sidewalks have cutouts at each end but require you to navigate the curb if you want to cross the long street in between. Restaurants are not all fully accessible and while some may offer accessible restrooms, they may still present challenges (such as tight turning radiuses to enter the bathroom).
Sidewalks also tend to be crowded with people standing and socializing so it can be difficult to navigate. Since the street is closed to traffic in the evening, many people roll right up the street to avoid the crowds.
8. Music Hall of Fame
If you’re looking for a quick stop for music lovers check out Memphis’s famous musical residents at the Music Hall of Fame. This small museum (one room) contains memorabilia and exhibits from Memphis’s famous residents in music. BB King’s guitar, Lucille, is one of the highlights.
Located on the corner of 2nd and Beale Street, this fun and informative museum makes a good stop for music and memorabilia lovers. It is also fully wheelchair accessible.
9. National Civil Rights Museum
This moving museum follows the fight for civil rights beginning with slavery in America and through the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr. The museum itself is attached to the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It combines sound, visual displays and artifacts to make you feel a part of the exhibits.
While a lot of the history the museum describes I learned in school, there was also quite a bit that I had never known. It was both haunting and inspiring at the same time. You could easily spend 3 or more hours touring and experiencing all that the museum has to offer.
Your visit culminates by hearing Martin Luther King Jr’s “I have a dream” speech and walking into the Lorraine Motel. Here you will see two of the hotel rooms as they would’ve looked in 1968. As you look out the window of the hotel, you will see the balcony where Martin Luther King Jr gave his final speech and was shot. Today, a floral memorial wreath hangs on the rail in front of where he stood.
It was an incredibly emotional way to end the tour and invokes a lot of reflection on where we are today regarding Civil and Human Rights and what more can be done to work towards this goal. Make sure to give yourself some time to process what you’ve learned and seen after visiting this incredible museum.
The museum is fully accessible with a flat entrance, accessible bathrooms, and designated wheelchair spaces when watching the films. Closed captioning is also used during the film presentations.
10. Watch the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel
This quirky tradition can only be found in Memphis. Each day, the ducks that live on the roof of the hotel march down to the lobby so they can play in the fountain. At the end of the day, they are then marched back up to the rooftop.
This ritual started in the 1930’s when the general manager of the hotel and a friend got a little tipsy from whisky and thought it would be funny to put their live decoy hunting ducks in the hotel fountain. Visitors were delighted by the unique experience and so it continued. A former circus animal trainer offered to help train the ducks to march down to the fountain.
Now a grand marshal is selected to lead this parade and is considered to be an honor. If this sounds like something on your bucket list, you can guarantee to be selected for this job by paying a price. This package comes with other benefits as well and details can be found on the hotel’s website.
11. The Memphis Zoo
This large zoo features numerous types of animals offering daily educational programming, a splash park for the kids and other unique experiences like walking/rolling amongst Kangaroos and feeding the Giraffes. It is also one of the few zoos in the United States that has Giant Pandas! Ok, Giant Pandas are one of my favorite animals, so I’m a little biased there.
Either way, the zoo is a fantastic way to spend the day. Get there early so you have plenty of time to visit with all the animals and attend the wonderful keeper chats and feeding times. A schedule of events can be found on the zoo’s website.
Wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Pathways are wide and accessible throughout the zoo and accessible restrooms are available. The tram and splash park are not accessible.
12. STAX Museum
Located at the place that was once Stax Studios, this museum follows the evolution of Soul Music. A short film before your tour begins, is a great way to prepare you for all of the exhibits you are about to see, which follow the progression of Soul music in America. The music you will hear on your tour will have you tapping your feet and ready to dance.
Take your time to read the placards, enjoy the vibes and learn more than you could imagine.
13. Check out the Many Memphis Murals
Memphis is truly a place for any lover of the arts. From music to art, there is something for everyone. Home to plenty of murals around the city, Memphis has plenty of free art to enjoy for locals and visitors alike.
Make sure to check out this guide to the murals so you can plan your own walking/rolling tour to enjoy them. Many are in popular areas and are pleasant treats to stumble upon even if you decide not to organize your own tour. They are all beautiful and the perfect backdrop for any Instagram photo and are a terrific way to appreciate local artists.
14. Visit the Blues Hall of Fame
Opened in 2015, this museum has the goal of exposing and educating people to blues music and culture. There are ten galleries that have interactive exhibits highlighting the music as well as the stories of its over four hundred inductees. Whether you are an avid blues fan or just interested in learning more, this is a great and accessible place to visit.
15. Ride an Accessible Trolley
One of the great and affordable ways to get around downtown Memphis is the trolley, which runs the length of Main Street and has stops near most of the major attractions. Each trolley stop has a lift system that will raise a wheelchair user up to the height of the trolley and then a ramp is put out by the driver so you can roll right in.
Inside the trolleys are designated wheelchair spaces and benches for people with limited mobility. The driver will ask where you are going, to make sure that they pull up to the lift when you are ready to exit.
Using this cool method of transportation can save a lot of pushing and battery power, helping you to get the most out of your day and night. Passes start at $2 each.
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Memphis
Memphis is a lovely city which has a wide variety of wheelchair accessible activities to offer. From nature, to art, to music and history, there is surely something for everyone. I hope that my list of 15 wheelchair accessible things to do in Memphis will help you plan your next trip!
