Indiana State Parks introduce free all-terrain track chairs to boost accessibility

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) recently highlighted a major accessibility upgrade across Indiana's state park system, announcing the deployment of 45 new all-terrain track chairs designed to help individuals with limited mobility explore the great outdoors.

Made possible by a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has ensured that all 24 Indiana State Parks and seven State Park Inns now offer at least one of these specialized motorized wheelchairs.

"This is an exciting step toward ensuring our public lands are truly open to everyone," Jordan said. Noting that the addition of these chairs makes Indiana a national leader in state park accessibility.

Unlike standard wheelchairs, these track chairs are built specifically for off-road use. They allow users to navigate uneven, rugged terrain—such as sand or dirt trails—that are not traditionally ADA-accessible. This new equipment opens up scenic views and nature connections that were previously out of reach for many Hoosiers.

The all-terrain chairs are free for guests with mobility disabilities; there are a few guidelines visitors must follow.

As of March 2026, the chairs are offered primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, though an online reservation system is currently in development.

State park officials highly recommend calling the specific park office ahead of your visit to confirm the availability of a chair and to make a reservation if possible. Visitors can also check IN.gov for location-specific details and booking procedures.

While the chairs are free to use, the state parks welcome donations to help maintain the current fleet and purchase additional chairs in the future.