Accessible Beaches in Michigan with Wheelchair Access and Beach Mats
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
There might be nothing we do in the summer that is quite so “Michigan” as heading to the beach.
In recent years, the creation of accessible beach pathways and waterfront areas has increased around the state. Now, many state parks offer beach mats, accessible walkways, beach wheelchairs and track chairs that help visitors reach the shoreline and enjoy the water.
Whether in a small town or large city, municipalities and state park and recreation area staff are planning and building more ways for people of all abilities to enjoy their beach time.
What is a track chair?
Track chairs are all-terrain, battery-powered electric wheelchair equipped with heavy-duty rubber tank-like treads. Track chairs available at Michigan beaches can easily handle trails, snow sand and even up to eight inches of water, allowing users to explore areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs might not be able to maneuver as easily. Click here for more info on track chair availability throughout Michigan, which is denoted below.
What is a beach wheelchair?
A beach wheelchair is a lightweight all-terrain wheelchair that can also go into the water. Beach wheelchairs and track chairs are loaned out for free at dozens of Michigan state parks on a first-come, first-served basis
Wheelchair-accessible beaches in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has compiled a list of state park beaches that offer a stable surface for better accessibility to the waterfront. Some also have other mobility perks, like lightweight all-terrain wheelchairs that are free to use and can go in the water.
Remember, beach accessibility features and equipment availability may change. Check the Michigan DNR website before visiting the state parks with accessible beaches listed below.
Note: All ADA-accessible beaches marked with a star symbol have beach wheelchairs available for use. Locations marked with hashtag symbol offer track chairs.
Accessible beaches on Lake Michigan
Accessible beaches in Southeast Michigan
Accessible beaches in Northern Michigan
Other accessible Michigan beaches
- Bay City State Park*#
- Fayette Historic State Park#
- Fort Custer Recreation Area#
- Harrisville State Park#
- Hoffmaster State Park#
- Interlochen State Park*
- Holly Recreation Area
- Island Lake Recreation Area#
- Lakeport State Park
- McLain State Park
- Mears State Park*
- Muskegon State Park*#
- North Higgins Lake State Park*#
- Otsego Lake State Park*
- Port Crescent State Park*#
- Rifle River Recreation Area*
- Seven Lakes State Park
- Silver Lake State Park#
- Sleepy Hollow State Park#
- South Higgins State Park*#
- Tawas Point State Park#
- Traverse City State Park*#
- Wells State Park
- Wilson State Park#
Michigan parks with track chairs
A variety of state parks and recreation areas have lightweight track chairs available for use – some year-round. Below are several places they can be found. Check the DNR’s website for more details.
- Belle Isle in Detroit: The chair can be used on the park’s paved and unpaved trails.
- Grand Haven State Park: Three chairs are available at this waterfront state park.
- Island Lake Recreation Area: The chair can be brought to a parking lot for an easy transfer.
- Maybury State Park: The chair can travel the park’s 26 miles of trails and forested areas.
- Muskegon State Park: The chair can be delivered to a specific area of the park.
- South Higgins Lake State Park: The track chair is available for trails, the campground and the beach.
- Tawas Point State Park: The chair can be used throughout the park and on the beach.
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park: The chair is located at the Upper Falls.
- Waterloo Recreation Area: The chair is ready to help people explore the nature trails.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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