Birding For All (formerly the Disabled Birder’s Association) seeks “to improve access for people with disabilities to reserves, facilities and services for birding. We have members across the world but the majority live in the UK. There is a separate chapter in the USA.”
Author: Cecilia
Fatbirder
Fatbirder is a comprehensive website with the motto “linking birders worldwide” There is a wealth of information about birding, some of which also gives information about accessibility.
Fatbirder MN
Fatbirder is a comprehensive website with information about birding just about anywhere. Sue Levy, the contributor of the Minnesota information gives useful information on accessibility of birding sites and trails.
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
The 425 acre Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is at at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers near Hastings. The nature center has two campuses: Minnesota Campus Trail Map Wisconsin Campus Trail Map Admission is free. Here is their website . Phone 651-437-4359 Here is a page of trail descriptions. They sound easy and Explore Minnesota describes the center as “accessible to the disabled.”
Savannah trail 1 mile paved “through several habitats including a grassland, a deciduous forest, an oak savanna, and an apple orchard. Visit the Ravine Lookout & the River Overlook.”
North Loop trail 1 mile paved circles an old plantation.
Big Bluestem Trail 1.25 miles “easy stroll” that circles a restored prairie.
Wheels on Trails MN
The organization Wheels-On-Trails is an outdoor program in the Duluth area that “tries to involve people with all types of disabilities in outdoor trails and camping activities for all ages.” Here is their Facebook page. Thank you Cyndy Kliksiek.
Accessible WMAs in MN
This is a list of Wildlife Management Areas that have accessible features. These are primarily blinds and viewing platforms, but wheelchairs can access mowed trails, boardwalk, and observation deck at Sand Prairie and the
Two mile Schultz walking trail is maintained for wheelchairs at Red Lake Wildlife Management Area . I don’t find much information about these, so call 218-783-6861 to learn more.
Hunting in Minnesota
Here is a website to help disabled hunters in Wildlife Management Areas in Minnesota. An example of one is the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area which has 18 wheelchair accessible blinds available for use during the Turkey season or as part of a special Deer hunt conducted by Capable Partners.
State Trails
State Trails
Douglas State Trail is a 12.5 paved rail/trail which “crosses outstanding rural scenery, traversing some of the richest agricultural land in Minnesota. The trail begins in northwestern Rochester, travels through the small town of Douglas … and terminates in Pine Island.” Map “trail segment between the towns of Douglas and Pine Island will be closed beginning October 22 to replace two trail bridges. There is no detour without riding on roads. The anticipated completion date is December 5.”
The Matthew Lourey State Trail is an 80 mile multi-use, natural and gravel surfaced trail that links St. Croix State Park with Chengwatana, St. Croix, and Nemadji state forests. It is mostly level, but none of it is paved.
Willard Munger State Trail is an 86 mile collection of mostly paved trails, many former railroad beds. Map There are two segments: Hinckley – Duluth segment and the Alex Laveau Memorial Trail.
Root River State Trail is a paved 42 mile rail/trail between the towns of Fountain and Rushford. The trail is ” generally level and wheelchair accessible. However, the eastern segment between Vinegar Ridge and Houston is more challenging than the western segment with a rather steep, half-mile segment that may not be suitable for all users.” Map The trail provides views of the limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley. Wildlife is abundant.
William O’Brien State Park MN
William O’Brien State Park
William O’Brien State Park is just one hour from Minneapolis-St. Paul. It “…provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park’s rolling, wooded hills. ” Here is the Park website.
Riverside Trail 1.6 miles. “This self-guided, accessible trail winds by the St. Croix River, Lake Alice and majestic 100-year old pine trees.” Map
Wild River State Park MN
Wild River State Park
Wild River State Park lies along 18 miles of the St. Croix River.
Here is a list of trails in the Park, some of which are classed as “easy”.
Here is the Park website. Phone 651-583-2125
There is an accessible 2.6 mile Old Logging Trail (map) which “runs from the Trail Center to Visitor Center, then to picnic area and past the camper cabins to the campground.”