Open Outdoors_Content Page_Equipment

Adaptive Equipment

Open the Outdoors

Many state properties host adaptive equipment for outdoor recreation. The DNR adaptive equipment fleet includes adaptive kayaks, outdoor wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs, beach access mats, cross-county sit skis and more with new equipment being added regularly.

Park conditions can change, and adaptive equipment is added or moved at properties throughout the year. Please call the property before your visit to ensure the equipment or accessible features you're interested in using are available. Be sure to ask about new equipment that may have been added, any questions you have about using the equipment or get updated information on any closures of accessible features.

ADAPTIVE KAYAKS

Individuals of all abilities, including those with mobility impairments, now have a unique way to experience the outdoors. Adaptive kayaks feature several adaptive devices that help paddlers of all abilities get started on their adventure. These kayaks are available for use through the park’s canoe/kayak concessionaire, and typical rental fees apply. It is recommended to call the park before your visit to make sure it's available. The DNR is also adding universal kayak launches to some properties, and the first location is Merrick State Park.

A blue and yellow adaptive kayak with outriggers on the back, which is available at Devil’s Lake State Park.
A blue and yellow adaptive kayak with
outriggers on the back, which is available
at Devil's Lake State Park.

Some of the kayaks available are tandem models with two seats (one standard seat and one adaptive seat) and can be used individually or with a partner.

Adaptive kayaks are currently hosted at these properties:

These adapted kayaks are available for everyone and are a great option for new paddlers and people with a wide range of disabilities, including people who need a more stable kayak for balance issues, ailments due to aging, etc. Whether you were a paddler before a disability or have never had an opportunity to get out on the water in a kayak due to physical limitations, you should get to one of these state parks to try it.

The adaptive kayaks feature outriggers near the back of the kayak (adjustable to four different widths depending on the user's level of function), providing incredible water stability (although they can still tip, so use caution). A raised back with side supports also offers the user a comfortable and secure seat while paddling. Not only is this adjustable but parts of the seat can be removed altogether for individuals with greater upper-body function. The adaptive kayak paddle is equipped with hand braces that make paddling easier for individuals with limited grip.

Many of the department's kayaks also have a corresponding kayak chariot, which is a wheeled device that holds the adaptive kayaks. The chariot allows transfers on a flat, level surface (like a parking lot) by positioning the cockpit rim at wheelchair height. With the paddler(s) in the kayak, the rig can be rolled into the water and floated off of the chariot, making most water entry points (like boat ramps) more accessible.

BEACH WHEELCHAIRS

Many Wisconsin state parks provide beach access for people with mobility disabilities by use of beach wheelchairs or beach access mats.

Several parks have specialized beach wheelchairs with large inflatable tires that allow for easy maneuvering on sand and entry into the water. Others feature accessible beach access mats that provide a stable surface for walking and the use of mobility devices. Beach wheelchairs can be checked out at no cost from the park office.

A young girl smiling and entering the water in a beach wheelchair at Big Bay State Park.
A young girl smiling and entering the
water in a beach wheelchair at Big Bay
State Park.

The properties below feature universal beach access.

CROSS-COUNTRY SIT SKIS

A skier uses the adaptive cross-country sit ski on the Man-Made Snow Trail at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak.
A skier uses the adaptive cross-country sit ski
on the Man-Made Snow Trail at Kettle Moraine
State Forest – Lapham Peak.
Photo courtesy of Travel Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin DNR is committed to providing universal access opportunities for all Wisconsinites, even in winter. Our cross-country sit skis are a fantastic opportunity for people of all abilities to get out into the peace and solitude of winter. The sit skis are available for free use at the locations listed below. All of the locations below have flat groomed trails that allow for easier maneuverability.

Several Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas offer a variety of options for people with disabilities to enjoy the wintry outdoors. 

OUTDOOR WHEELCHAIRS

Motorized Outdoor Wheelchairs

Park visitor driving tracked outdoor wheelchair on a trail through a forest.
Park visitor driving tracked outdoor
wheelchair on a trail through a forest.

There are all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs at Peninsula State Park, Point Beach State Forest and Buckhorn State Park that are free to use and feature tracks that can handle rough, rocky and unstable surfaces (even snow) so everyone can explore Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors.

Non-motorized Outdoor Wheelchairs

The DNR is excited to host a new GRIT Freedom Chair, a manual all-terrain wheelchair. The GRIT Freedom Chair is a lever-driven wheelchair with rugged mountain bike wheels, a big, sturdy front wheel that doesn’t get stuck and optional trail handles, allowing you to choose your own adventure.

People using GRIT wheelchair bikes on a crushed rock trail in the woods<BR /><BR /> .
People using GRIT wheelchairs on
a crushed rock trail in the woods.         

Instead of grabbing onto the wheels directly, push the levers forward to propel yourself. To brake, pull them backward all the way until they touch the tires. There is a part that comes out perpendicularly from the lever, such that when you pull the levers backward beyond a certain angle, it engages with the tire and stops it. The brakes are also used for turning; braking one wheel rotates the chair in that direction.

The DNR’s first GRIT Freedom Chair is free to use and can be requested for checkout from the park office this fall. The GRIT chair is currently hosted at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake, and can be reserved by calling the property office.