Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Baltimore!

Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful journey into the heart of baseball history with a wheelchair-friendly visit to the Babe Ruth Birthhouse and Museum, located conveniently in Baltimore, Maryland. This historic site celebrates the life of George Herman "Babe" Ruth, an American baseball legend, offering an accessible and engaging experience for all.

Getting There

Situated at 216 Emory Street, the museum is easily accessible for those with mobility devices. For visitors driving, the museum provides accessible parking spaces nearby. Public transportation options are equally convenient; the museum is just a short distance from the Camden Yards MARC Station and several bus stops, ensuring a smooth ride for those on mobile scooters or wheelchairs.

Visiting the Museum

Start your tour by exploring the preserved birthplace of Babe Ruth, which has been meticulously adapted for accessibility. Ramps and lifts are installed, allowing easy movement through the historical rooms where Ruth"s early days unfolded. The museum"s exhibits are thoughtfully displayed at accessible heights, and videos include closed captions.

Exhibits and Highlights

Delve into exhibits like "Babe Batted Here," which features a tactile model of the 1914 Oriole Park at Terrapin Point, allowing visitors to physically connect with the site where Ruth"s professional career began. Don"t miss the "Ruthian Records" room, showcasing his iconic career with memorabilia that includes original bats, jerseys, and photographs, all exhibited within easy sight and reach.

Interesting Facts

- Babe Ruth was born here on February 6, 1895. The museum building was originally his grandparents" home.

- The museum not only celebrates Babe Ruth’s baseball career but also his life off the field, including his charitable work and family life.

Complete your tour with a stop at the gift shop, which is fully accessible and offers unique souvenirs to remember your visit. This tour is not just a journey through a sports legend’s life but a trip through American culture and history, tailored for accessibility and enjoyment.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Hard Rock Café Baltimore

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable day in Baltimore, tailored for travelers using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, with a highlight visit to the iconic Hard Rock Café. Located in the heart of Baltimore"s Inner Harbor, this legendary spot combines history, music, and culture with accessibility.

Morning: Explore the National Aquarium

Start your journey at the National Aquarium, just a 5-minute roll from the Hard Rock Café. The Aquarium offers accessible entrances and elevators throughout, providing an inclusive experience for all. Marvel at the colorful aquatic life in the Blacktip Reef exhibit and the rainforest ecosystem. Rent a wheelchair free of charge at the information desk if needed.

Lunch: Hard Rock Café

After your aquatic adventure, head to the Hard Rock Café for a memorable meal set against a backdrop of rock "n" roll memorabilia. The Café is fully accessible, featuring an elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms. Dive into a classic Hard Rock burger or a tangy barbecue pulled pork sandwich while surrounded by items from music legends. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the Rock Shop to commemorate your visit.

Afternoon: Stroll Around the Inner Harbor

Post-lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll or roll around Baltimore"s scenic Inner Harbor. The promenade is well-paved and spacious, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. Enjoy the street performers, shop for unique gifts, and taste local treats.

Evening: Catch a Sunset at Federal Hill Park

Cap off your day with a sunset view from Federal Hill Park, which is accessible via pathways and offers a panoramic view of the Inner Harbor. The park has paved paths suitable for mobility devices, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the stunning skyline as the sun dips below the horizon.

This itinerary offers a smooth, enjoyable experience with all the charm that Baltimore has to offer, ensuring accessibility remains a priority at every stop.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Maryland Science Center

Why Visit?

Accessible Adventure at the Maryland Science Center

Welcome to the Maryland Science Center — a hub for discovery, located right at Baltimore’s scenic Inner Harbor.

Getting There: Start your journey with ease by opting for the Light RailLink service, which is fully accessible and stops at Camden Yards, just a short, flat stroll from the Science Center. Alternatively, park at one of the nearby garages which offer accessible parking spaces; the most convenient being the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court garage across the street from the center.

Start Your Tour: Begin at the main entrance, which is fully accessible, leading you directly into the heart of the Science Center. Wheelchair users can also find relief in knowing all floors are served by elevators and there are plenty of accessible restrooms throughout.

Must-See Exhibits

- Dinosaur Mysteries: Travel back in time and wheel among life-size dinosaur replicas. The exhibit is spaciously laid out, ensuring easy navigation.

- Newton"s Alley: Engage with hands-on experiments demonstrating physics in action. All interactive elements are at accessible heights.

- Your Body: Explore this fascinating exhibit where you can learn about human biology. It"s interactive and designed to be accessible to everyone.

IMAX and Planetarium: Don’t miss the stunning visuals at the IMAX theater and the Davis Planetarium. Both venues offer wheelchair seating ensuring unobstructed views of the cosmos or cinematic wonders.

Lunch Break: Roll over to the Beakers Café, where tables are appropriately spaced and at the right height for wheelchair users. Enjoy a bite with a view of the harbor!

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the Maryland Science Center, founded in 1797, is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States?

End your visit by browsing through the gift shop, which is spacious and offers aisles wide enough for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, making it easy to navigate and find a perfect memento from your visit.

Safe travels and stay curious!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

American Visionary Art Museum

Why Visit?

Unveiling the Quirky Charm of the American Visionary Art Museum: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide

Welcome to Baltimore’s most whimsical art destination, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), an establishment celebrating the spirit of self-taught artists from around the globe. Perfectly accessible, the museum ensures a seamless experience for visitors on wheelchairs and mobile scooters.

Getting There

Nestled at the base of historic Federal Hill and directly adjacent to the Inner Harbor, AVAM is accessible via Key Highway in South Baltimore. Those driving can park in the museum’s own lot with ample accessible parking spots available. For those opting for public transport, several bus lines stop nearby, and the Charm City Circulator offers a free and accessible service with a stop right outside.

Begin Your Tour

Start at the Jim Rouse Visionary Center, accessible via a ramp at the entrance. Here, you"ll find the enchanting 16-foot whirligig, towering majestically just inside. Don’t miss the immersive film at the all-accessible theater, showcasing stories of visionary artists.

Main Building Marvels

Next, make your way to the Main Building, equipped with elevators and accessible restrooms. Here, the exuberance of outsider art unfolds in exhibitions like ‘The Art of Storytelling’. Every piece tells a personal tale, resonating with the inventive spirit of their creators.

The Sculpture Barn & Wildflower Garden

Conclude your tour at the Sculpture Barn and adjoining Wildflower Garden. The paths are wheelchair-friendly, ensuring you enjoy the serene outdoor sculptures and seasonal blooms without hindrance.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? AVAM hosts an annual kinetic sculpture race where human-powered works of art traverse land and water, embodying the museum’s ethos of creative resilience.

Before departing, consider stopping at the museum’s shop, which, like the rest of AVAM, is fully accessible, offering unique souvenirs crafted by visionary artists. Enjoy the inspiring journey through the art of passion and ingenuity!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the birthplace of America"s national anthem. This wheelchair-accessible adventure offers a seamlessly inclusive experience, making it a delightful day out for everyone.

Getting There

Fort McHenry is located at 2400 E Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD. For those driving, accessible parking spaces are available near the Visitor Center. Public transport users can take the Banner Route of the Charm City Circulator, which is free and wheelchair-friendly, directly to the fort.

Start at the Visitor Center

Begin your visit at the fully accessible Visitor Center. Here, you can watch a captioned introductory film that sets the scene with dramatic flair, depicting the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. The center also features exhibits equipped with audio aids and tactile models, offering insights into the fort"s pivotal role during the War of 1812.

Explore the Star Fort

Paved pathways lead to the historic Star Fort, where in 1814, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" as he witnessed the valiant defense against the British. The fort"s lower areas, including the enlisted men’s quarters and the officers" quarters, are accessible, allowing you to delve into the life and stories of those who once guarded this stronghold.

Guided Tours and Events

Fort McHenry offers ranger-led tours that are accessible, providing fascinating anecdotes and historical facts. Make sure to check the schedule for special events like flag change ceremonies, which are a sight to behold and accessible to all visitors.

Relax and Reflect

Conclude your visit at the scenic picnic area overlooking the Patapsco River. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on the significance of this national symbol of resilience and freedom, all from the comfort of accessible seating areas.

Fort McHenry"s blend of accessibility, historical depth, and inspiring stories makes it a fulfilling outing for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.