Monroe - West Monroe offers attractions and activities suitable for individuals with diverse mobility needs, providing wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly venues.
Macaroni KID Monroe - West Monroe is highlighting 5 businesses, parks, and attractions where everyone can fully participate and enjoy.
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Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
1405 Bernstein Park Rd., Monroe, LA
The zoo has wide paved walkways for visitors, but the big attraction is the train! The wheelchair-accessible train leaves the James Gang Depot frequently and rolls gracefully over almost one mile of track through open grassland and areas with majestic, mature cypress trees. It crosses our lagoon on two occasions, giving a good view, at times, to a variety of ducks, geese, turtles, and pelicans. Most of the 10-minute ride is through areas where the animals are free to roam as they wish. This often results in close encounters with zebra, camel, ostrich, emu, and even an African watusi!
Railroad Park Downtown Ruston
101 E. Park Ave., Ruston, LA
Railroad Park is a city park that serves as the entertainment hub of downtown Ruston. The park is versatile, hosting a variety of events such as concerts, festivals, speaking engagements, pet shows, and more. This outside venue is within walking distance of many charming shops and delicious eateries. The charm and vibe of Railroad Park make it a local favorite.
You will also be right around the corner for Heard Freight House Food Truck Park! This food truck park is Ruston's best-kept secret!
Children's Museum of Northeast Louisiana
323 Walnut St., Monroe, LA
The museum is full of exhibits for all ages and abilities with so much of the fun being the correct height for accessible play. One of our favorites is the AR Sandbox which casts vibrant graphics onto the sand. You can touch the sand for great sensory input, see fish swimming, and plant life.
What's even more incredible is that the museum will soon be making a move to Forsythe Park with a beautiful cutting-edge facility and an All-Children's Park will be built in close proximity.
Highland Park Wetland Trails
316 Otis St., West Monroe, LA
The City of West Monroe (140th Birthday Bash Coming Soon) officially opened the park and wetland trails in February of 2022. It has 1.25 miles of beautiful wide paved accessible trails that are made for wheels and feet with accessible bathrooms on site. This park is so beautiful and while you are walking you will see wildlife everywhere. There is also an accessible picnic table available on the Otis St. side of the park.
Kiroli Park (No it isn't reopened just yet, but it will be soon)
820 Kiroli Rd., West Monroe, LA
Kiroli Park offers 150 acres of nature's beauty. You can enjoy several playgrounds, a unique conservatory, a dog park, tennis courts, numerous gardens, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and hiking trails within the park. Most of the park is wooded and accessible through paved streets and trails that hold surprises like a suspension bridge, covered bridge, observation tower, and elevated walkways.
An all children's park is also on site: Civitan Smiles Park at Kiroli. The West Monroe Civitan members raised funds by hosting the Annual Ark-La-Miss Fair to construct the park in 2018; typically, 250,000 people visit the park each year.
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It's great to see so many attractions that embrace inclusivity by providing a wide range of wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly attractions and activities. This commitment to accessibility ensures that individuals of all abilities can explore and enjoy cultural, natural, and recreational offerings.
