Chicago in a wheelchair : 3 Days in the Windy City
In July 2018, we had the chance to spend three days in Chicago before attending the annual LGMD2I conference in Iowa City. Three days under the hot summer sun were enough to get a great first glimpse of the city and its accessibility. Let me share my experiences with you.
Some basic facts
The City of Chicago in Illinois lies on Lake Michigan, one of the five great lakes of North America. In 2017 Chicago was the second most visited city after New York. Two airports serve the city: Midway Airport (MDW) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Why the ‘Windy City’
Why do people actually call it ‘The Windy City?’ It’s likely because of the breezy wind from Lake Michigan. However, there are controversial opinions about the nickname’s origins. The web mentions several possibilities like the rivalry with Cincinnati or the weather, the World’s Fair, or politics. So far, there is yet to be a final answer to this question.
The Chicago Style Pizza
Deep Dish Pizza at Giordano’s
Chicago is also well-known for its food, the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza or Chicago Style Pizza. As a European and authentic Italian pizza addict, I had to taste that dish! Two deep-dish pizza chains were recommended to us: Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s. We decided to try Giordano’s. Admittedly, this is very personal, but I preferred something other than this type of pizza.
Accessible L-Train from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago
The wheelchair-accessible CTA Blue Line Train connects O’Hare Airport to the city center for only 5 USD. A Single-Ride Ventra ticket is good for up to three rides within two hours of use, which means you can transfer at no extra cost. However, there is an about 10 cm (3.9 inches) step between the platform and the train. The station staff provides a mobile ramp for wheelchair users upon request. So, the Blue Line Train definitely is a convenient and affordable way to get to downtown Chicago. Also, the ride only takes about 45 min.
Small step between the platform and CTA Blue Line Train at O’Hare Station
Accessibility of Chicago’s L-Train Metro System
Unfortunately, not all train stations of the L-Train metro system are accessible. Therefore I recommend visiting CTA’s official website before departure. Moreover, also remember to check the elevator status in advance. Below you will see a list of accessible L-Train Metro Stations.
Wheelchair-accessible Jackson Station (transfer between Blue and Red Line)
List of wheelchair-accessible CTA L-train stations on the Chicago Downtown Loop
Blue Line
Clark/Lake
Jackson
Brown Line
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wabash
Harold Washington Library
Washington/Wells
Orange Line
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wabash
Harold Washington Library
Washington/Wells
takes you also to Midway Airport
Red Line
Lake
Jackson
Purple Line
Merchandise Mart
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wabash
Harold Washington Library
Washington/Wells
Green Line
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wabash
Pink Line
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wabash
Harold Washington Library
Washington/Wells
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Chicago
Another option is to take a wheelchair-accessible taxi. You can either go to the taxi counter at the airport or book an accessible taxi via the Curb Taxi App. You can also call Open Taxis, Chicago’s centralized wheelchair-accessible taxi dispatch (toll-free number 1-855-928-1010) or download their app.
Wheelchair-accessible Chicago City Taxi
Wheelchair-accessible things to do in Chicago
Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail was close to our hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood, so we decided to walk to the Navy Pier. The wheelchair-accessible trail takes you along the shore of Lake Michigan to Ohio Street Beach and the Shed Aquarium.
Milton Lee Olive Park
We also stopped at Milton Lee Olive Park, where you can see Chicago’s skyline beautifully. The black skyscraper on the right is the former John Hancock Center. It is now called 875 North Michigan Avenue and is home to the observatory 360 Chicago.
The Skyline seen from Milton Lee Olive Park
Accessible 360 Chicago Observation Deck
We visited the accessible observation deck 360 Chicago, in the former Hancock Building, during our second stay in August 2019. A high-speed elevator takes you up to the 94th floor, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago. Better not be afraid of heights, though!
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is an entertainment area and one of the city’s landmarks. We enjoyed strolling along the accessible pier. There are many shops, restaurants, attractions like the Navy Pier Wheel and the indoor Crystal Botanical Gardens, as well as other cultural and fun things to do.
Good to know: There are two accessible family restrooms beside McDonald’s inside the food hall!
Wheelchair-accessible Chicago Riverwalk
We also explored the accessible Chicago Riverwalk waterfront. The way from Navy Pier to the Riverwalk entry is not that long (about 20 min.). It leads across the Lake Shore Drive Bridge. You get stunning views of Chicago’s architecture from the Riverwalk, not to mention the impressive DuSable Bridge with the Trump Tower right behind it. Access ramps are clearly indicated and very easy to find.
Millennium Park
Another great place certainly not to miss is Millenium Park with its famous Cloud Gate. Millennium Park is part of Grant Park, a large urban park in the Loop district. Millennium Park is fully wheelchair-accessible and there are several accessible restrooms.
Cloud Gate inside Millenium Park
Summary
To sum up, Chicago’s general wheelchair accessibility is great, besides the fact that the L-Train system is not fully accessible. As a wheelchair user, I enjoyed my time in the Windy City and will surely be back soon with some more time.
Have you been to Chicago yet?
Leave a comment below or send a message to share your travel experience!
La dernière photo est impressionnante et je ne comprends pas la technique ?
La ville devrait grouiller de monde…Mais elle semble bien calme avec des espaces immenses où il fait bon se promener.
Très moderne et nickel à priori.
Bons conseils pour ceux qui souhaitent y aller.
Le lac Michigan doit faire rêver !
Merci Méli,
Françoise
Dear Little Tuttle
Your page is fantastic! I had a few adventures myself. I arrived in Chicago and had to take the Schuttle bus to another terminal and it was a nightmare. The bus driver did not care I was in a wheel chair and did not help me to tie my chair to the floor , so my chair, my bags and my two companions were rolling all over the bus. The driver did not stop and drove like mad. I could have had a terrible accident. The same happened in Chicago. Their is no education or rules to help handicap people inside of the bus. So I DO NOT RECOMMEND TAKING THE BUS IN CHICAGO.
IN NEW YORK THE DRIVER DOES HELP YOU TO TIE YOUR CHAIR TO THE FLOOR.
OTHERWISE CHICAGO IS GREAT AND THE PEOPLE ARE GREAT TOO.
Dear Marta,
Thank you for your comment and your experience in Chicago. It’s good to know, that the bus drivers don’t seem to care for the safety of clients in a wheelchair. I’m happy that you could enjoy your stay despite the crazy bus drivers :-)!