The Driftless Area—a rugged patchwork of bluffs, river valleys, and ancient ridgelines untouched by glaciers—is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Stretching across southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and a slice of northwestern Illinois, this region is known for its trout streams, hiking trails, and winding byways. But for individuals with mobility impairments, accessing this wild beauty has long been difficult—if not impossible. That’s changing thanks to an innovative program from Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW).
AAW’s Outdoor Wheelchair (OWC) program is helping people with physical disabilities reclaim their place in the wild. Whether it’s a hunter returning to the woods after a spinal cord injury or a hiker revisiting favorite trails alongside family, the impact is powerful and personal. These OWCs are not your average mobility devices—they’re rugged, battery-powered, all-terrain wheelchairs designed to handle dirt trails, rocky inclines, muddy fields, and snow-covered paths.
The impact of these chairs is more than functional—it’s emotional, even transformational.
One Wisconsin hunter, paralyzed in a 2017 accident, feared he’d never set foot in the woods again. After connecting with AAW, he began using an outdoor wheelchair to return to the activities he loved—fishing, hunting, and simply being outside. Over several years, these opportunities led to new friendships, memories, and a renewed sense of freedom.
Another participant, found his passion for hiking, shared with his wife, was rekindled through trail outings using the OWC. He also returned to deer hunting after a five-year gap, finally able to scout the same spots his brother hunts. For him and many others, the chairs have been a gateway back to the world, not just the woods.
Veteran-focused organizations have also tapped into the program, using OWCs provided by AAW to host over 22 pheasant and goose hunts for disabled veterans. Referred to as “chariots,” the OWCs allow vets to move confidently through fields and forests, often for the first time since injury or illness limited their mobility. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about dignity, independence, and connection.
With a growing network of accessible destinations, OWCs are giving people the chance to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the Driftless Area. Here are just a few standout spots where these track chairs can unlock adventure:
- Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin – Perched above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, this park offers dramatic bluff-top views and miles of wooded trails. AAW partners have helped ensure OWCs are available for exploring the area’s scenic overlooks and birdwatching spots.
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wisconsin – With 8,600 acres of public land, this reserve near La Farge is ideal for wildlife watching, trout fishing, and quiet reflection along the winding Kickapoo River. The reserve has been praised for its accessibility initiatives, and OWCs are perfect for navigating its diverse terrain.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa – Located near Harpers Ferry, this sacred Native American site includes accessible trails and overlooks. While steep areas may be off-limits to traditional chairs, OWCs allow for deeper exploration into this culturally rich and geologically striking area.
- Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, Minnesota – In the southeastern part of the state, this park offers accessible camping and picturesque trails through hardwood forest and karst formations. OWCs make it easier to reach remote picnic areas and scenic creekside paths.
- Apple River Canyon State Park, Illinois – Tucked in the far northwest corner of Illinois, this hidden gem offers canyons, limestone bluffs, and hiking trails with river views. While some paths are rugged, OWCs can handle the uneven terrain and make this a feasible destination.
Access Ability Wisconsin’s OWC program is about more than technology—it’s about opening doors. As public lands and outdoor organizations increasingly prioritize accessibility, programs like AAW’s serve as a model for inclusion and innovation. Whether you’re chasing a gobbler, casting a fly rod, or just watching the sun set over a Driftless bluff, everyone deserves the freedom to get there. This program is helping ensure those experiences are within reach for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
To learn more or reserve an Outdoor Wheelchair, visit their website.
