New York State is home to all kinds of amazing adventures and incredible attractions, many of which offer accessibility features for travelers who have limited mobility or difficulty walking. Many museums offer benches and portable stools for visitors to rest on while a number of attractions, including Storm King Art Center and the Bronx Zoo, offer tram rides throughout their sprawling campuses. Check out these 28 destinations for people who have difficulty walking and start planning your next Empire State adventure! Photo Credit: @kh_kremer on Instagram
JUMP TO: Adirondacks | Capital-Saratoga | Catskills | Central NY | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Finger Lakes | Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Long Island | New York City | Thousand Islands-Seaway
ADIRONDACKS
Lake George Steamboat Company (Lake George)
Travel back in time aboard a scenic steamboat cruise with Lake George Steamboat Company. Each of the company’s three boats, the Mohican, the Minne Ha-Ha, and the Lac du Saint Sacrement, are accessible by a ramp with railings and have indoor and outdoor seating on a first come, first served basis. Lunch and dinner cruises have assigned seating. Choose from a variety of cruises including sightseeing tours, firework spectaculars, and romantic dinner cruises, all featuring views of the Adirondack Mountains as your backdrop. The Minne Ha Ha and the Lac du Saint Sacrement both have lifts to the upper decks. The Mohican is wheelchair accessible only on the first deck with stairs leading to the upper decks.
Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway (Wilmington)
Did you know you can drive up to the summit of New York State’s fifth highest peak? Follow the Whiteface Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway for a five-mile drive that rises over 2,300 feet towards the peak of Whiteface Mountain. On the way up, stop at some of the pull off spots for an amazing photo op or just soak up the sights of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks. At the summit, there’s a small castle made from native stone and an elevator built into the mountain to bring you to the very top, where an amazing 360-degree view awaits. Call ahead and check elevator opening schedules before arrival. The highway is open May-October.
Wild Center & Wild Walk (Tupper Lake)
The Wild Center & Wild Walk in Tupper Lake promises an unforgettable indoor and outdoor adventure for all! Start indoors at the museum, where wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow free of charge, and learn about the history and wildlife of the region at interactive exhibits. The main buildings and exhibit hall both have a flat, universal design and seating is available in the Flammer Theater where you can watch a short documentary. Then, head outdoors to experience the Wild Walk, a mostly flat, accessible trail of elevated bridges that wind through the Adirondack treetops. Along the way you’ll stumble upon some whimsical sights like a giant bald eagle’s nest, a human-sized spider’s web, and a four-story treehouse.
CAPITAL-SARATOGA
Albany Institute of History & Art (Albany)
Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York State’s oldest museum! Explore expansive collections showcasing permanent exhibitions on Hudson River School paintings, the history of Ancient Egypt, and other fine art, ceramics, and furniture, alongside an engaging lineup of rotating exhibitions. Numerous benches are located throughout the institute’s galleries and public spaces, which are fully accessible with elevators located in the atrium and sculpture gallery. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow during your museum visit.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) (Saratoga Springs)
Credit: @spacsaratoga on Instagram
Relax to jazz beats, jam out to classic rock, or soak up the sounds of a chamber orchestra, all at the renowned Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). This performing arts center is a summer staple in the Capital-Saratoga region with concerts and music festivals, plus performances from the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The 16-acre grounds can all be accessed via asphalt sidewalks and for those who may need assistance covering longer distances, courtesy carts are available to transport visitors and one companion to their seats.
The second floor of The Pines, comprised of The Nancy DiCresce Room and Live Nation’s VIP Club, can be accessed via an elevator in the first-floor lobby. All reserved seats on the amphitheater’s lower level (sections 1-14) can be accessed without using stairs and there is a wheelchair ramp on the north side of the venue behind the Hall of Springs Gate. There are ramps to the balcony, but only the accessible balcony seats behind sections 16-17 can be accessed without using stairs.
CATSKILLS
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel)
Get groovy at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival! Exhibit spaces within the museum are flat and accessible with benches scattered throughout the galleries and wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the welcome desk. A summer concert at the Bethel Woods outdoor amphitheater is an experience unlike any other. Free limited accessible parking is available in the paved drop-off circle next to the museum and, on concert days, an ADA shuttle is offered from the Transportation Depot located in Lot D to the Museum and into the concert venue. Lawn ADA seating is available between sections 12-18. Pavilion ADA seating is at the back of sections 6-11 and 100, available for people with disabilities plus one companion.
CENTRAL NEW YORK
National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (Cooperstown)
Credit: Milo Stewart Jr./National Hall of Fame & Museum
Baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike are sure to enjoy a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown! Take a stroll through the Plaque Gallery with benches to rest on while you admire Hall of Fame members’ bronze plaques honoring their achievements. The museum and Hall of Fame have elevator access to all floors, and benches are scattered throughout the museum galleries. Be sure to check out the Generations of the Game documentary from the 189-seat Grandstand Theater. Wheelchairs are also available on a first come, first served basis.
Ross Park Zoo (Binghamton)
Make friends with snow leopards, red pandas, lemurs, and two-toed sloths and more than 100 other animals at the country’s fifth-largest zoo! Dive into the wonders of the natural world throughout more than 25 acres, where you can participate in animal encounters, daily keeper talks, and all kinds of fun events. Note that certain parts of the zoo may have steep terrain. For visitors with mobility challenges, a tram service is offered, providing transportation throughout the zoo. Tram service must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance by calling the Ross Park Zoo gift shop at (607) 724-5461 x300. Wheelchairs are also available for guests to borrow.
CHAUTAUQUA-ALLEGHENY
Chautauqua Institution (Chautauqua)
Credit: @hasanelahi on Instagram
Every summer, thousands of artists from across the globe flock to the truly unique cultural center that is Chautauqua Institution for its nine-week summer celebration of the arts, education, religion, and recreation, and renowned morning lecture series. For those who have difficulty walking, mobility device rentals such as electric mobility scooters, transport wheelchairs, self-propelled wheelchairs, mobility walkers, and “knee scooters” are available to rent between May 1–September 30, and while the Athenaeum Hotel is open for regular operations. Mobility devices are available on a first come, first served basis for concert and daily rentals. Early reservations are recommended for long term rentals (one week or longer). Email mobility@chq.org or call 716-357-6250, option 7 to reserve. Regularly scheduled transportation service is also available in the Main Lot and on the grounds daily during the nine-week assembly season (June-August).
National Comedy Center (Jamestown)
Everyone loves to laugh! Pay a visit to one of New York State’s funniest attractions, the National Comedy Center, where you can explore the art of comedy through more than 50 interactive exhibits. As you giggle your way through galleries, you’ll find benches to rest on in between exhibits as well as sit down experiences such as Sounds Funny, Comedy Karaoke, and The Virtual Writer’s Desk. All levels of the museum are accessible by elevator and Comedy Center Park and Plaza are also accessible by ramp and elevator. Manual wheelchairs are also available to borrow free of charge on a first come, first served basis at the coat check in the main lobby.
FINGER LAKES
The Great New York State Fair (Syracuse)
Credit: @chanel_c_photography on Instagram
Summer in the Empire State just isn’t complete without a visit to The Great New York State Fair! This 13-day celebration promises delicious fair food, high-flying midway rides, adorable animals, electrifying live performances, and accessible fun for everyone. Mobility devices such as standard and HD scooters and wheelchairs are available to rent for the fair through Scootaround and must be reserved online at least one day prior to arrival. Free trams also run continuously on the Fairgrounds, making 10 stops from 9am-10pm and a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10 to tram stop 3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building each day. An accessibility map is available noting mobility device rentals, electric scooter charging stations, accessible restrooms, parking areas, tram stops, ramp and accessible building entrances, and concert seating.
Ithaca Area Waterfalls (Ithaca)
Credit: @theworldandthensome on Instagram
Discover why “Ithaca is gorges” and explore a few of the area’s 150 waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible for travelers with limited mobility! Unlock a breathtaking view of Buttermilk Falls right from the turnaround area in the paved parking lot at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Taughannock Falls State Park (pictured) has an accessible overlook located right behind the visitor center with a stunning vista of its waterfall, one of the tallest east of the Rockies. If you’re driving, you can cruise right up to the 150-foot Ithaca Falls and watch as Fall Creek takes its final plunge into Cayuga Lake.
George Eastman Museum (Rochester)
Credit: @jbocianski on Instagram
Explore the home of film pioneer and Eastman Kodak Company founder, George Eastman in Rochester! Founded in 1947, this photography museum is one of the world’s oldest, encompassing several million objects in the fields of photography, cinema, and photographic and cinematographic technology. While admiring the mansion and galleries, you’ll find benches and other seating to rest on as well as an elevator with access to the second floor. Canes and wheelchairs are also available for visitor use on a first-come, first served basis.
GREATER NIAGARA
Buffalo AKG Art Museum (Buffalo)
Credit: Marta Zielinska
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is a must-stop for art lovers, known for having one of the greatest collections of modern and contemporary art in North America! Intriguing exhibits and special installations rotate frequently so there’s always something new to explore. All galleries, entrances, and facilities are flat and accessible with elevators, benches, and chairs. Portable stools, walkers, and wheelchairs are also offered for visitor use on a first come, first served basis. Upon arrival, be sure to pick a museum map which details the museum’s buildings, including the locations of all elevators and lifts.
Niagara Fall State Park (Niagara Falls)
Not only is Niagara Falls one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, it’s also packed with amazing experiences for visitors of all abilities! Climb aboard the Niagara Falls Trolley, which is lift-equipped, and take a narrated journey throughout the park. Soak up the sights on the entire three-mile route or get off and on as you wish. Due to the popularity of the trolley, wait times to board may be long. Plan to arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Looking to get up close to the falls? Reserve a spot for a Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, where all boats are ADA compliant with ramps with railings and seating on both the upper and lower decks. The Observation Tower offers a spectacular view from its universally accessible viewing platform at the bottom of the falls that can be accessed by elevator and ramp. Niagara Falls State Park also has a walking distance guide with walking times between attractions.
Letchworth State Park (Castile)
Credit: @kh_kremer on Instagram
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is home to over 14,000 acres of scenic beauty. The best part is many of the park’s most awe-inspiring sights are accessible by car! Follow Letchworth State Park Road along the western side of the Genesee Gorge, where amazing overlooks like Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls can be accessed from pull offs and parking areas. Pack a picnic and enjoy a snack with a view or stop for lunch at Caroline’s at the Glen Iris Inn and dine alongside a view of Middle Falls.
HUDSON VALLEY
Storm King Art Center (New Windsor)
Admire the relationship between art and nature at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor sculpture park and museum known for its large-scale outdoor art pieces. For those who have difficulty walking, wheelchair-accessible tram service is available to help visitors navigate the site, making stops at popular areas where you can get out and explore. Storm King staff are also available with golf carts to help reach areas with inaccessible terrain. There is one ramped golf cart that is wheelchair accessible. The carts make short trips to specific destinations and sculptures and can be reserved in advance or onsite. Benches are also available near tram stops and art pieces.
Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site (Hyde Park)
Step into history at the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, where the 32nd and longest-serving President found renewal during times of personal and political crisis. Discover the Roosevelt legacy through the historic homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, engaging exhibits at the nation’s first Presidential Library, and over a thousand acres of gardens and trails.
Much of the site, including both outdoor landscapes and building interiors, has been designed with accessibility in mind for visitors with physical or mobility challenges. Benches are also located periodically throughout the grounds. Accessibility assessment ratings offer detailed information to help individuals with a variety of disabilities plan their visit and fully enjoy the gardens, historic buildings, and museum. Two wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center, no reservation needed.
Olana State Historic Site (Hudson)
Credit: @bently.potter.photography on Instagram
Olana State Historic Site is one of Frederic Edwin Church’s greatest masterpieces, home to a 250-acre artist-designed landscape with a Persian-inspired house at its summit. Admire unrivaled views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley from the historic home on a guided or self-guided tour. The first floor of the historic house is fully accessible via a ramp or wheelchair lift. The second floor of the historic house and the special exhibition galleries are only reachable by several sets of stairs. Portable stools and a wheelchair are available for visitor use in the historic house and a few benches are located throughout the grounds for resting. The 60-minute Electric Vehicle Tour is an unforgettable way to experience Church’s landscape, where you’ll unlock sweeping vistas from historic carriage roads. If you prefer to explore on your own, note that while the landscape and amenities immediately around the historic house are reached via accessible paved paths, trails outside the vicinity of the historic house are made from loose gravel and may have steep and uneven terrain.
LONG ISLAND
Nassau County Museum of Art (Roslyn Harbor)
Located in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast on a former Frick estate, the Nassau County Museum of Art is a must for art lovers. As you make your way through the three-story Georgian Mansion, you’ll notice eye-catching galleries with a few benches for those in need of a rest. Lightweight art stools and manual wheelchairs are also available for visitor use while visiting the Mansion galleries. The museum is also equipped with ramps and an elevator to the upper floors.
Parrish Art Museum (Watermill)
Credit: @mexikko on Instagram
With a collection of more than 3,500 works by contemporary painters and sculptors, the Parrish Art Museum is one of the region’s most vital cultural institutions. Explore 10 sky-lit galleries with an ever-changing lineup of exhibits from the museum’s permanent collection and special installations. For those with limited mobility, all of the museum’s public areas are wheelchair accessible and benches can be found throughout the galleries. A limited number of wheelchairs are also available to borrow free of charge.
NEW YORK CITY
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Manhattan)
Credit: @dario.nyc on Instagram
With a more than 5,000-year collection of art from around the world, there’s nowhere in the world like the Met! As you make your way through the museum, you’ll find plenty of benches and seating throughout galleries and elevators to upper levels. Portable stools and wheelchairs are also available for visitors to borrow.
New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx)
Credit: @prettypics64 on Instagram
The New York Botanical Garden is a haven for plant lovers, home to more than a million plants and 50 unique collections across its 2,500 acres. Wonder at year-round seasonal beauty throughout the indoor or outdoor living collections and world-class exhibitions. A wheelchair accessible tram is available for visitors with mobility needs and makes stops at accessible destinations throughout the gardens. Manual wheelchairs are also offered to visitors on a first come, first served basis at the Leon Levy Visitor Center and Mosholu Entrance. The New York Botanical Garden also offers an accessibility guide with suggested routes and points of interest.
Bronx Zoo (The Bronx)
Credit: @amparo.the.photog on Instagram
Let the fun times run wild at the Bronx Zoo! Make friends with more than 11,000 animals like kangaroos, snow leopards, bison, or turtles found in diverse habitats throughout the 265-acre zoo. If you’re visiting any time from April through October, the zoo offers a shuttle included with admission with seats and a ramp to transport visitors throughout the park. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent. It’s recommended for visitors with limited mobility to enter at Southern Boulevard, which has fewer incline changes and is closer to the central section of the zoo. All buildings at the Bronx Zoo are wheelchair accessible. For more accessibility information including walking distances between exhibits and buildings, types of terrain, and ride access, visit the zoo’s accessibility page.
Circle Line Cruise (Manhattan)
Credit: @themikexpression on Instagram
A Circle Line Cruise is one of the coolest and easiest ways to see the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks! Dedicated to sightseeing, Circle Line offers all kinds of guided cruises to fit your crew like the 2.5-hour Best of NYC Cruise, where you’ll get a tour of the whole island, or the shorter Landmarks Cruise which includes a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Passengers use ramps with railings to board boats, and indoor and outdoor seating is available.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (Manhattan)
Credit: @dianazakem on Instagram
As one of top museums in the world dedicated to modern art, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art lover’s dream, where visitors can admire some of the most important artwork created since the late 19th century. For those who have difficulty walking, all MoMA galleries, entrances, and facilities are accessible, and many areas have benches and seating. Elevators are located throughout the museum with access to all floors. Wheelchairs, portable stools, and rollators, which also offer a portable seat for users to rest, are available for visitors free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
THOUSAND ISLANDS-SEAWAY
Frederic Remington Art Museum (Ogdensburg)
This North Country museum dedicated to Frederic Remington is a true hidden gem, home to the world’s largest collection of art and archival materials of this great artist of the Old West. Check out exhibits displaying original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more throughout the museum, as well as rotating exhibits. The museum features a ramp and elevator access to the second floor, and there are benches throughout galleries. Two wheelchairs are also available for public use.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours (Alexandria Bay)
Nothing beats a day cruising out on the St. Lawrence River! With Uncle Sam Boat Tours you can soak up some of the region’s most amazing sights like Boldt Castle, Millionaire’s Row, Singer Castle, and more. Indoor and outdoor seating is available on all floors for you to sit back and relax. All passengers board boats using ramps with railings. The first levels of all boats are wheelchair accessible, but stairs are required to reach the top two floors.
Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!
