TRAVEL TIPS & IDEAS how to navigate minnesota with a disability By Baya Clare Minnesota welcomes people of all abilities. GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers assistance for wheelchair users, electric cart service to gates, web and phone-based interpreting services at information booths, hearing-loop technology and text paging for deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers. For blind and low-vision travelers, the airport offers Aira (aira.io) to help navigate. Therapy animals are part of MSP’s Animal Ambassador program, and MSP also has a partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Organization. All bus, light rail and commuter rail transit provided by the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is accessible. In addition, Metro Mobility — a shared ride public transportation service for certified disabled riders— is available in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. Other parts of the state are served by regional paratransit providers. ATTRACTIONS & THE ARTS Mall of America® in Bloomington has stores and restaurants on four levels plus an amusement park (Nickelodeon Universe). It offers wheelchair access throughout and a service animal relief area. MOA® is also a Certified Autism Center. Minnesota’s many professional sports teams offer accessible parking, ramps, elevators, seating options, listening devices, closed captioning and some have sensory kits for check out. Most university and college sports facilities and gyms are also accessible for spectators and participants. The Minneapolis Institute of Art , with art from around the world, is all accessible, from wheelchair access to captioned videos, ASL and Protacile interpreters to audio descriptions of artwork. Other accessible museums include the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul and the Minnesota Museum of Marine Art in Winona. Other sensory-friendly attractions include the Minnesota Children’s Museum , the Walker Art Center , the Minnesota Orchestra and movie theaters throughout the state. The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis presents plays in a fully-accessible space that includes mobility accommodations and assistive options for deaf, hard of hearing, blind and low vision patrons. Other accessible metro theater options include Penumbra , Chanhassen Dinner Theatres , the Children’s Theatre Company and Mixed Blood Theatre . Rochester Civic Theatre , Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre and the Duluth Playhouse are among many regional theaters offering accessible performances. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Minnesota boasts 64 state parks with accessible camping and lodging options and an extensive network of multi-use state trails. ( dnr.state.mn.us ) There are hundreds of award-winning regional and city parks throughout the state as well, with a variety of accessible recreation opportunities. 16 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 16
