The Most Accessible National Parks in the U.S.
"When the National Park Service formed over 100 years ago, their main focus was on preserving natural spaces. But over time, the organization evolved to include preservation of sites with historical, scientific, and cultural significance. Gateway Arch National Park, known as the “Gateway to the West,” is one of those sites, paying homage to Thomas Jefferson and the pioneers who helped shape the United States expansion into the west. With the exception of the top of the arch and upper floors of the Old Courthouse, the entirety of the park’s grounds are wheelchair accessible. Various assistive devices are offered to maximize the experience of the exhibits and educational programs, including tactile features like a map of the grounds that allows guests to feel the arch, paths, and buildings, audio descriptions, and visitor-directed computer simulations. And for those who can’t access the top of the arch, there is an exhibit designed to replicate the experience of being up there at the tram lobby. The exhibit even broadcasts a live feed from the top of the arch." - Josh Laskin
