For the entire state of Montana, the overall percentage of those with disabilities is 13.6%, according to one 2018 state report. With 61 million adults in the US living with a disability, many face accessibility challenges in their daily lives. For those heading to the Missoula area for a visit or who are residents looking for accessible fun, here are just three worthy attractions worth checking out.
Exploring art in Missoula
For those who are interested in art, visiting the Missoula Art Museum is a great choice. With all public areas of the museum (including the entrance, galleries, classrooms, and the library) being wheelchair accessible, the museum is a great way to see a variety of exhibits. However, additional accessible opportunities to explore art in Missoula also exist, with a variety of events by Arts Missoula offering a range of accessible services.
First Night Missoula is just one event by Arts Missoula worth checking out. Well known for being a New Year’s Eve music and arts festival that highlights a variety of talents (and gives those in attendance the opportunity to experience and create art), the event is also highly accessible in several ways to those who may experience a disability. For starters, most venues are wheelchair accessible, and STS handicapped-accessible shuttles are free as well. Additionally, those with hearing impairments who may need an interpreter can also get such resources by calling in ahead of time (and allowing two weeks notice for interpreter services).
Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center
For those who can’t wait for the First Night event, Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center is a great place to go for summer fun. With both Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center being fully ADA compliant, services that involve a wheelchair lift and even a water wheelchair make the location that much more accessible. For individuals who may live with a condition like cerebral palsy, various wheelchairs may make such activities easier. For example, a cerebral palsy wheelchair may involve a basic, manual wheelchair (depending on the individual’s needs, of course), which can be easily folded up and put out of the way when using the location’s water wheelchair. With Splash Montana well known for being a great place for swimming lessons in addition to recreational swim — as well as savings via resident discount cards, and annual/seasonal passes, there’s no doubt that the attraction can be a wonderful destination for the whole family.
A breath of fresh air — accessibility outdoors
For families who prefer to get out and enjoy the open outdoors, Missoula has a variety of locations perfect for doing just that. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is just one great example that also offers accessibility alongside a vast array of wildlife. With more than an impressive 240 species of birds in addition to white tailed deer, yellow bellied marmots, beavers, and porcupines, there’s no shortage of wildlife to watch. Featuring a half-mile, paved accessible trail that begins at the parking lot and leads to a picnic area, this location is a great place for a family picnic.
When it comes to finding family-friendly activities that are also accessible in Missoula, Montana, there are a variety to choose from. Whether you’d like to survey artistic talent, experience summer fun at Splash Montana, or spend time outdoors at a family picnic, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re from out of town or a resident looking for something new to do.