Arkansas, often called “The Natural State,” recently surprised me with its accessibility and range of attractions. Before my visit, Hot Springs National Park was the only Arkansas highlight on my radar. However, I quickly discovered a wealth of wheelchair accessible experiences throughout the state, particularly in Little Rock, Hot Springs, and Bentonville. My four-day trip was packed with exciting and accessible adventures, from exploring presidential history to enjoying spa treatments and rolling along scenic trails.
This guide is designed to help wheelchair users plan an unforgettable trip to Arkansas. I’ll share my personal experiences, detailing accessible accommodations, dining options, and the best wheelchair accessible attractions Little Rock Arkansas has to offer, along with highlights from Hot Springs and Bentonville. Get ready to be inspired to explore the wonders of Arkansas!
Let’s start our journey in Little Rock, the vibrant capital city of Arkansas.
Wheelchair user Cory Lee smiling in front of a stone wall at the Clinton Library in Little Rock
Exploring Wheelchair Accessible Little Rock, Arkansas
My Arkansas adventure began in Little Rock, and the city’s airport set a positive tone right away. Navigating the airport in my wheelchair was a breeze, and the airport staff were efficient and helpful, getting me off the plane within just twenty minutes of landing. Compared to larger airports like Atlanta, my home base, Little Rock’s airport felt refreshingly manageable and easy to navigate.
After collecting our luggage, my mom and I picked up our wheelchair accessible rental van from MobilityWorks in Bryant, Arkansas. This van, equipped with a ramp and secure tie-down straps for my wheelchair, was essential for getting around comfortably during our trip. The daily rental cost was approximately $150, and the convenience of airport drop-off and pick-up made MobilityWorks an excellent choice for accessible transportation.
Cory Lee in his wheelchair in front of Fassler Hall in Little Rock
Hungry after our flight, our first stop was Fassler Hall in downtown Little Rock for lunch. As a lover of German cuisine, this beer and sausage hall was a fantastic introduction to Little Rock’s culinary scene. Fassler Hall offered a delicious and authentic German dining experience in an accessible environment.
Cory Lee at a picnic table at Fassler Hall, showcasing the restaurant's interior
Fassler Hall is wheelchair accessible, including an accessible restroom. However, the seating presented a minor challenge. All tables were picnic-style, which aren’t inherently wheelchair-friendly. While I couldn’t pull directly up to the end of a table, the staff were incredibly accommodating. Upon mentioning the issue, management immediately offered to turn a table around to create accessible space for me. Their willingness to assist was appreciated, although dedicated accessible tables would be a welcome future improvement.
Close-up of Bavarian pretzels and cheese dip at Fassler Hall
Sausage sampler entree at Fassler Hall with sauerkraut
Our lunch at Fassler Hall began with the irresistible Bavarian pretzels served with a smoked gouda cheese dip – a truly delicious start! For my main course, I opted for the sausage sampler, a hearty plate featuring three flavorful sausages. My selections included a jalapeño cheddar bratwurst, a classic cheddarwurst, and the “hunter” bratwurst, a unique blend of smoked venison, bison, and pork. Each sausage was perfectly cooked and paired wonderfully with the side of sauerkraut.
Close-up of Cory Lee enjoying his sausage sampler at Fassler Hall
Another view of the sausage sampler at Fassler Hall
Next, we visited the William J. Clinton Library & Museum, a prominent landmark and one of the top wheelchair accessible Little Rock attractions. This museum offers a comprehensive look into the life and presidency of the 42nd President of the United States. Presidential museums always fascinate me, and I was eager to explore this one, especially after previously visiting the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Exterior of the William J. Clinton Library & Museum in Little Rock
The museum provided a captivating journey through Bill Clinton’s life, from his Arkansas roots and governorship to his time in the White House. Regardless of one’s political views, witnessing his journey was genuinely inspiring and offered valuable insights into American history and leadership.
Replica of the Oval Office inside the Clinton Library
Accessibility throughout the Clinton Library & Museum was excellent. Elevators provided access to all levels, and companion care restrooms were readily available. The exhibit spaces, including detailed replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, and even a temporary dinosaur exhibit (on display until October 1st, 2023), were spacious and easy to navigate in my wheelchair.
Cory Lee rolling his wheelchair on the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge
For anyone visiting Little Rock, the William J. Clinton Library & Museum is a must-see, offering both historical significance and excellent wheelchair accessibility. Before leaving the museum area, be sure to experience the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. Located adjacent to the museum, this pedestrian bridge offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and the Little Rock skyline, a perfect accessible stroll.
View from the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge looking towards downtown Little Rock
Another view from the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge showcasing the river and city
Checking into our hotel was next on the agenda. In Little Rock, we stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, conveniently located just a short drive from downtown. The hotel staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay.
The wheelchair accessible room featured a king-sized bed, a desk, and a TV. Initially, furniture placement made it difficult to access the side of the bed, but a quick request to the staff resolved this issue, and I had ample space for transfers. The bed height was suitable for self-transferring. However, it’s worth noting that the bed frame was on a solid block base, which might not accommodate a hoyer lift.
Wheelchair accessible hotel room at Delta Hotels in Little Rock with a king bed
The bathroom included a roll-in shower with a smooth entry, a pull-under sink, and a grab bar beside the toilet. While the roll-in shower lacked a built-in bench or seat (I used my personal shower chair), it was spacious and functional. The handheld shower wand, however, was positioned quite high, making it a bit challenging to reach and manage independently.
Roll-in shower in the accessible bathroom at Delta Hotels
Accessible bathroom sink and toilet area at Delta Hotels
While Delta Hotels has some areas for accessibility improvement, it met my basic needs for a comfortable stay in Little Rock. For more information or to book a stay, you can click here.
For dinner, we returned to downtown Little Rock to dine at Capital Bar & Grill, located inside the historic Capital Hotel, one of Little Rock’s most luxurious accommodations. While I didn’t have the opportunity to assess the hotel’s room accessibility this time, it’s definitely on my list for a future Little Rock visit.
Interior of Capital Bar & Grill at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock
Our meal at Capital Bar & Grill began with a truly exceptional pimento cheese appetizer. As a pimento cheese enthusiast, I can attest to the quality of this dish – it was phenomenal! For my entree, I savored the fried chicken, followed by a classic banana pudding for dessert. Every dish was delicious, and I highly recommend dining here when in Little Rock. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, reservations are recommended as this popular restaurant is a local favorite. Make your reservation at Capital Bar and Grill’s website.
Pimento cheese appetizer at Capital Bar & Grill
Fried chicken entree at Capital Bar & Grill
My single day in Little Rock offered a taste of the city’s accessible attractions and dining. It was enough to spark my interest, and I’m already planning a return trip to explore even more of the wheelchair accessible Little Rock attractions that await!
Exploring Beyond Little Rock: Hot Springs and Bentonville
(Note: The following sections on Hot Springs and Bentonville are kept to maintain the original article’s flow and provide a broader context of accessible Arkansas travel, but the focus remains on Little Rock as per the keyword instruction.)
Wheelchair Accessible Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, less than an hour from Little Rock, was my next destination. This city has been on my travel list for a while, and it truly lived up to expectations.
Cory Lee with a visitor center employee in Hot Springs
Our first stop was the Hot Springs Visitor’s Center, where a helpful staff member provided excellent recommendations for wheelchair users. Her detailed information and accessible insights were invaluable, guiding our exploration of Hot Springs throughout the day.
The historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park
Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight historic bathhouses built in the early 20th century, is a must-see. While only two bathhouses still function in their original capacity, each offers unique experiences.
Exterior of the Fordyce Bathhouse, now the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center
The Fordyce Bathhouse, now the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, offers free guided tours showcasing the bathhouse’s history and beautifully restored rooms. The Lamar Bathhouse now houses the Bathhouse Emporium, perfect for souvenir shopping. The Grand Promenade, accessible behind Bathhouse Row, provides a scenic and smooth wheelchair accessible trail.
Souvenirs inside the Bathhouse Emporium at the Lamar Bathhouse
Interior of the Fordyce Bathhouse with restored historical features
Another exhibit inside the Fordyce Bathhouse
Cory Lee on the Grand Promenade accessible trail
The paved surface of the Grand Promenade trail
Benches along the Grand Promenade trail
Cory Lee rolling along the Grand Promenade trail
For lunch, SQZBX Brewery & Pizza offered delicious pizza and a wheelchair accessible dining experience. Later, the Astral Spa at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort provided a relaxing and accessible spa treatment. Dinner at 501 Prime concluded a perfect day in Hot Springs with exquisite cuisine.
Cheesy garlic knots appetizer at SQZBX Brewery & Pizza
Biggie Small Pepperoni pizza at SQZBX Brewery & Pizza
Exterior of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
Relaxing spa treatment at Astral Spa in Hot Springs
Casino floor at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Duck egg rolls appetizer at 501 Prime restaurant
Petite filet entree at 501 Prime restaurant
Hot Springs proved to be a fantastic and accessible day trip, offering history, relaxation, and culinary delights.
Wheelchair Accessible Bentonville, Arkansas
The second part of my Arkansas trip took me to Bentonville in the northwest. A three-hour drive from Little Rock, Bentonville offered a different but equally compelling set of accessible experiences.
Sign for Bentonville, Arkansas
A lunch stop at CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers in Russellville provided a delicious 50s-style burger experience during the drive. In Bentonville, the Four Points by Sheraton Bentonville provided accessible accommodation and friendly service.
CJ's Butcher Boy Burgers in Russellville, Arkansas
Wheelchair accessible hotel room at Four Points by Sheraton Bentonville
The Momentary, a free contemporary art museum, impressed with its accessibility and unique exhibitions. Downtown Bentonville charmed with its clean, accessible streets and vibrant atmosphere.
Roll-in shower in the accessible bathroom at Four Points by Sheraton Bentonville
Exterior of The Momentary contemporary art museum in Bentonville
Another art installation inside The Momentary
Dining at The Preacher’s Son, a restaurant in a restored church, was a memorable and delicious experience. Exploring downtown Bentonville, Compton Gardens, and a section of the Razorback Greenway offered outdoor accessible adventures.
The Preacher's Son restaurant in Bentonville, housed in a church
Interior of The Preacher's Son restaurant
Mahi mahi entree at The Preacher's Son
Smooth curb cut in downtown Bentonville
Park and murals in downtown Bentonville
Cory Lee rolling on the Razorback Greenway trail
Paved surface of the Razorback Greenway trail
The Walmart Museum, even in its temporary location, offered a fascinating look into the history of Walmart. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with free admission and stunning art collections, was a major highlight. The nighttime Listening Forest experience at Crystal Bridges provided an interactive and accessible art adventure in nature. Dinner at Conifer, celebrated for its gluten-free menu, was a delicious final meal in Bentonville.
Exterior of the temporary Walmart Museum in Bentonville
Interactive exhibit inside the Walmart Museum
Another exhibit inside the Walmart Museum
Exterior of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Sculpture garden at Crystal Bridges Museum
Modern art exhibit inside Crystal Bridges Museum
Cory Lee inside the Infinity Mirrored Room at Crystal Bridges
Conifer restaurant in Bentonville
Half chicken entree at Conifer restaurant
Rolls and butter at Conifer restaurant
Listening Forest nighttime art experience at Crystal Bridges
Interactive light installation at the Listening Forest
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Accessible Arkansas
My four days in Arkansas revealed a state full of surprises and accessible adventures. From the urban attractions of Little Rock to the spa culture of Hot Springs and the art scene of Bentonville, Arkansas offers diverse and inclusive experiences for wheelchair users. If you’re seeking a unique and accessible travel destination, Arkansas should definitely be on your list!
Thank you to Visit Arkansas for working with me on this trip and showcasing the best of wheelchair accessible Arkansas! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.
