If you use a wheelchair to get around, stairs, bumpy paths, and narrow passageways can all get in the way of a great time. And there’s perhaps nothing more disappointing that showing up to a venue to find out it’s not at all ADA accessible. Fortunately, you can avoid that by looking into the accessibility of venues before heading out the door – and we’re here to help. Simply use this guide to learn all about the top wheelchair-accessible activities in Sevierville.
SkyLand Ranch
SkyLand Ranch will soon serve as the newest mountain theme park to grace the greater Sevierville area. Built with an authentic western theme in mind, this park offers chances to go on thrill rides, learn how to rope dummies, and so much more. You can even spend time with mini horses, donkeys, cows, and many other adorable farm animals.
The experience starts with an ADA-friendly gondola ride nine minutes up the mountainside. For even better views, you’ll want to go up the ramp to the bridge walkway and gaze at the stunning geological formations in your midst.
After that, the sky is the limit to what you can enjoy. Beyond all their main attractions, you can shop and dine at their two big barns, play lawn games, and even relax alongside the firepits for an evening to remember.
Ancient Lore Village
Although it’s well-known as a boutique luxury resort, Ancient Lore Village is much more than a place to stay. With its old-timey buildings, landscaping, and décor, their quaint property is well worth coming to explore all on its own.
Beyond that, they’re happy to welcome you onsite to enjoy dinner and drinks followed by axe throwing and archery fun. Then, you can return to the firepit for smores, scary stories, and laughs galore if you wish.
They have wheelchair-accessible parking spots for regular cars and transport vans. And the majority of their paths have a cobblestone look but are smooth enough to roll along with ease.
Tanger Outlets Sevierville
Are you looking for a wheelchair-friendly place to shop and dine to your heart’s content? If so, you’re going to love Tanger Outlets Sevierville. As you explore the stores and more, you’ll find all the top brands, such as:
- Aerie
- Ann Taylor
- Banana Republic
- Bath & Body Works
- Coach
- Converse
- Disney
- Eddie Bauer
- Gap
- Hot Topic
- Journeys
- Lululemon
- Nike
- Pandora
- Sperry
- Under Armour
- Vera Bradley
- Zumiez
Many of the shops are factory outlets, so you can expect deals of all kinds to sweeten the pot.
As far as food and drinks go, you can get your fill at Auntie Annie’s, Cinnabon, Ben & Jerrys, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and Subway. There’s even a beef jerky outlet if you’re into preserved meats and other tasty snacks.
It’s easy to get around this shopping center since they put in dedicated paths for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Their accessible walkways are not covered, however, so it’s best to avoid this spot when it’s raining out.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
When you’re craving fun in the sun, just set your sights on Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Their thrill rides, wave pools, and everything in between promise to get your adrenaline pumping in an instant. Plus, there are often musicians playing live, magicians putting on fun acts, and other live entertainment to enjoy.
As far as accessibility goes, the waterpark strives to follow ADA guidelines in all they do. Their paths are easy to navigate. Plus, they have zero depth entry points at their wave pool, The Hive, and Boomer’s Bay. Want to go to the Coyote Springs pool? That attraction has a lift to make it truly accessible to all who want to join in on the fun.
Rainforest Adventures Zoo
If you want to see ultra-cute axolotls in beautifully constructed habitats, you’ll definitely need to put the Rainforest Adventures Zoo on your itinerary. Although those sweet creatures serve as the main attraction, there are over 130 other species to learn about as well, like Parrots, Lemurs, and Scorpions.
Even more exciting, their Black-Capped Capuchins, Puff and Shelby, just had a little one of their own. So, you’ll want to come down soon to ooh and ahh over her cuteness and then come back often to watch her grow.
Thanks to their roomy walkways and single-floor layout, you won’t have to miss out on any of the creatures onsite. There is one small incline near the front doors, but it’s not too steep to navigate.
Tennessee Museum of Aviation
If you love to explore history and admire planes all at the same time, it’s time to get on over to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. They have jets, helicopters, amphibious aircraft, and many other warbirds set up on display across their 50,000-square-foot facility.
Beyond that, aircraft engines, military vehicles, and aviation exhibits of all kinds fill out the space beautifully. With so much to see all across the museum, it’s best to plan to spend at least an hour exploring.
The vast majority of their exhibits are wheelchair accessible. If you find something that’s not, you can likely check it out in their virtual gallery.
Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf
Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf is the perfect place to let your competitive spirit shine. Only two of their courses are wheelchair accessible, but that’s still 36 challenging holes to conquer.
All the interactive obstacles will keep you on your toes, too, ensuring you have to spend plenty of time thinking up winning strategies. As you do that, take advantage of the shady spots and sip on icy cold water to stay cool and refreshed.
After you’re done with all the mini golf fun, there are even more things to do inside, including arcade games. You can then spend the rest of your time trying to get your initials at the top of all the best high-score lists.
As you explore these wheelchair-accessible activities in Sevierville, let their staff know if you need any extra support to enjoy your visit to the fullest. They’re ready and willing to do whatever they can to help you have a wonderful time at their venues. So, don’t hesitate to speak up if the experience could improve in any way.
