4 Michigan cities make accessible vacation destination list by international travel group
Four Michigan cities have been given the “accessibility seal of approval” by international travel group, Wheel the World.
Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Lansing all earned the “Destination Verified” badge from Wheel the World. They’re among an elite group of more than 30 tourism spots around the world, according to the travel group.
Wheel the World visits cities across the globe verifying accommodations throughout the trip like measuring hotel rooms, mapping out cityscapes and testing routes at restaurants and entertainment venues.
Wheel the World’s wanderlust reaches from tours of the Colosseum in Rome to winetasting trips in Barcelona.
Most recently, Wheel the World saw the wonders of Beer City as representatives toured Founders Brewing, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, among other destinations.
Wheel the World, an international accessible travel group, certified Grand Rapids as a “Destination Verified” for their travel list. The Wheel the World team visits each destination city to make an accessibility report and suggest other accessibility improvements. They also carefully map every detail, take measurements and photos to record and show the accessibility of activities and accommodations. (Photo Courtesy of Wheel The World for Experience GR)Wheel The World for Experience GR
Experience Grand Rapids made accessibility a key part of enhancing the visitor experience to make the city a year-round destination, said Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids.
Small presented part of the Wheel the World marketing campaign for Grand Rapids at the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan press conference this week.
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All four Michigan cities received a Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Over the course of two grant cycles in 2023 and 2024, the Accessible Traveler Grant awarded more than $860,000 in funding, according to Pure Michigan.
The state awarded 25 cities grants up to $100,000, requiring a 50% match from the city’s visitor’s bureau.
In 2024, Experience Grand Rapids used their $100,000 grant to bring Wheel the World to Grand Rapids and train Disability Advocates of Kent County team members to conduct accessibility assessments, according Experience Grand Rapids.
The Disability Advocates of Kent County then led assessments of 50 local businesses and amenities and provided participants with confidential evaluations that advised them on accessibility improvements, according to Experience Grand Rapids.
Moving forward, Experience Grand Rapids is currently cataloging accessibility information for hundreds of local tourism venues and will be making this information available to both travelers and locals, said Kate Lieto, vice president of marketing at Experience Grand Rapids.
Wheel the World, an international accessible travel group, certified Grand Rapids as a “Destination Verified” for their travel list. The Wheel the World team visits each destination city to make an accessibility report and suggest other accessibility improvements. They also carefully map every detail, take measurements and photos to record and show the accessibility of activities and accommodations. (Photo Courtesy of Wheel The World for Experience GR)Wheel The World for Experience GR
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Discover Kalamazoo used their grant in a similar way, mapping at least 130 locations around the county. The project is ongoing but currently there are 57 completed and listed maps on Wheel the World’s Kalamazoo page.
Wheel the World highlighted Kalamazoo food and drink staples like Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Green Door Distilling Co., Harvey’s on the Mall and Principle Food & Drink.
“This work with Wheel the World and Disability Network Southwest Michigan will help us attract and welcome visitors with accessibility needs, who make up a significant portion of travelers,” said Jane Ghosh, president and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo.
In Lansing, Wheel the World highlighted multiple tours to dig into Michigan’s rich history from the state capitol building to R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and the Michigan History Center.
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Ann Arbor was Michigan’s first city to receive the “Verified Destination” distinction in November 2024.
The Wheel the World accessibility assessment inspired opportunities outside of mobility, like sensory kits at the U-M Museum of Natural History for guests on the autism spectrum and sign language interpreters for any performance at both Michigan and State Theater.
“From accessible hotels and attractions to inclusive dining and outdoor spaces, we’re creating a thoughtful visitor experience for everyone. Accessibility is more than a checklist — it’s about fostering inclusion,” said Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor.
While in Ann Arbor, Wheel the World team explored Michigan’s great outdoors.
The city’s “Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Guide” highlights the paved paths weaving through the 123- acre botanical garden at The Arb as well as taking advantage of Michigan’s growing number of Trackchairs at the Waterloo Recreation Area.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources now has Trackchairs available to rent for free at 29 state parks and recreation areas.
These off-road wheelchairs use tracks instead of wheels, allowing them to easily navigate snow, sand, and even up to 8 inches of water.
Discover more verified destinations through Wheel the World, here.
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