All-Terrain Track Chairs Now Available at a Handful of Minnesota State Parks

Minnesota — Beginning June 2, visitors with mobility disabilities can use an all-terrain track chair or an adaptive beach chair at six state parks throughout the state. The all-terrain track chairs enable visitors with mobility disabilities to explore non-accessible trails and other areas within state parks.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Assistant Commissioner Shannon Lotthammer says that  Minnesota state parks are for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age or ability and adaptive equipment like these all-terrain track chairs allows visitors to explore the great outdoors.

Approximately one in four people in the U.S. are living with some form of disability. Brittanie Wilson, Minnesota Council on Disability Communications Officer, says these all-terrain track chairs gives her the freedom to go places she normally could never go.

Adaptive equipment also is available for use in local and regional parks and trails systems throughout the state, including Camden State Park, Crow Wing State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, Maplewood State Park, Olmstead County Parks, and the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. The adaptive beach chair is located at McCarthy Beach State Park and enables visitors to enjoy a one-of-a-kind beach experience within a state park setting.

There is no charge to use the chair. However, a state park vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering the park.  There are discounted vehicle permits if you have a vehicle hang tag for a disability.

State park staff are not available to offer assistance in a transfer. However, each location has a transfer board available for use. No additional transfer equipment is available at this time. If you require assistance, please bring a friend or caregiver. If you have transfer equipment that works with your personal chair please bring that along.