From presidential views to historic halls, these iconic U.S. sites pair awe-inspiring tales of our country’s past with accessibility features that make learning inclusive, because greatness should never come with barriers.
LessYou’ve seen it on the big screen and postcards – now it’s your turn to explore. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is a who’s who of American monuments, with level walkways, ramps, and accessible restrooms near every major site. From the towering 555-foot Washington Monument, to a larger-than-life statue of Lincoln, to the solemn MLK Jr. Memorial, it’s the motherlode for American history buffs. Bonus: Braille brochures, closed captioning, and even ASL interpretation (be sure to book ahead!).
See where it all began in Philadelphia, PA! This park packs serious historic heat with stops like Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), the Liberty Bell Center, and the modern Benjamin Franklin Museum. Amenities here are refreshingly modern, with plenty of accessible entrances, wheelchairs (first-come, first-served), and assisted listening devices available upon request.
Get up-close-and-personal with Lady Liberty in New York Harbor. Marvel at the majesty of this 300+ foot steel and copper statue from the manicured grounds. While the statue’s crown isn’t wheelchair accessible, the pedestal has plenty of ramps and elevators. On Ellis Island, see the Museum of Immigration’s heirlooms, sift through records of the 12 million immigrants who made their way through America’s grand entrance hall, and navigate the mobility-friendly exhibits with a descriptive audio tour.
This ultra-famous landmark in Keystone, South Dakota, features four presidents, one mountain, and endless, unforgettable views. Take a self-guided tour or tune in to an inclusive audio tour through the photos and artifacts from the monument’s construction in the Information Center. Snag a front-and-center spot on the Grand View Terrace to snap selfies with the presidential profiles. Walk or roll down the wide, paved walkways and take in the Black Hills National Forest.
Travel back in time to the 1700s in Williamsburg, VA – just with more ramps and fewer powdered wigs. Soak in the immersive streetscape of costumed performers, horse-drawn carriages, and historic buildings on 301 acres of America’s preserved past. Modified entrances and pathways make the journey smoother, and their shuttle buses are wheelchair-friendly. Marvel at manicured gardens and massive ancient trees, take in the grandeur of the Governor’s Palace, and watch colonial life unfold before you.
This deeply moving park in the heart of Atlanta includes the late Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church (where he was baptized and later co-pastored), and the single-level King Center. See where MLK was raised and bask in the serenity of the starburst-shaped MLK Jr. World Peace Rose Garden while you contemplate the leader’s legacy. Ramps and wheelchair lifts make the park easier to navigate, but the birth home has some tight corners, so call ahead for a guided tour.
Remember the Alamo! This iconic 300-year-old San Antonio landmark delivers history with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, designated wheelchair routes, audio tours, and thoughtfully placed exhibits with readable panels. Experience an epic story of resilience in the very halls where volunteer Texans, including the famous Davy Crockett, fought for the state’s independence. This beautifully preserved site is part battlefield, part museum, and offers history for all.
George Washington’s estate isn’t just for history geeks – the Virginia property has rolling gardens, museum exhibits, and even live sheep. Pay your respects at the tomb of the First President, try whiskey at the replicated distillery, and explore a dozen historic outbuildings. The mansion’s first floor is accessible via ramps, while the museum and visitor center have elevators. The gardens are mostly flat with gravel or earthen paths, and wheelchairs are available for guests to borrow.
Come for the reflection, stay for the panoramic harbor views and the deep sense of reverence that transcends every barrier. History meets the Pacific at this solemn and stunning site in Honolulu, HI, where the first attack on U.S. soil took place. From the visitor center to the museum galleries and the theater, it’s all wheelchair accessible, including the shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial. With descriptive audio tours and written guides, the experience is truly immersive for everyone.