MOBILITY
IMPAIRMENTS
AmericInn – For those needing a wheelchair, the AmericInn has long, wide hallways and multiple exterior entrances on the main floor. The main door has motion-controlled auto openings. The lobby is easy to maneuver, making check-in a breeze, and the continental breakfast is easy to reach. The pool area has good space to move around in and offers a handi-capped lift chair for getting in the pool. This is a great open space to visit with people, play a game of pool, and relax in the hotel’s warmer-than-average pool. There is an elevator.
Darren Smesmo, Owner of Northern Horizons Hospitality Inc., had a recent review from a guest at the AmericInn stating, “I have stayed in many, many, many hotels, and the room at the AmericInn in Roseau was, by far, the most handicapped friendly room I have stayed in.” She had an artificial leg.
The North Country Inn – The North Country has handicapped rooms on level one. The push-to-open door is easy for travelers with wheelchairs to access. The hotel rooms and breakfast area are ADA-compliant.
There is no elevator.
City of Roseau Parks
The City of Roseau offers many different parks from small in town pocket parks to acres of wooded land. This link will help you decide what is right for best suited for your vacation type. https://goroseau.com/parks/
City Park Fishing Pier – The Fishing Pier at the City of Roseau Park is accessible for dock fishing. It does have a lip on the edge at the transition from land to dock. A guide or buddy to help position the wheelchair or hold a hand for support for the unsteady is advised. Once on the pier, a wheelchair can maneuver, and walking is very stable. As always, a life jacket is advised when on or near water.
Frisbee Golf – grab a frisbee and play this family-friendly game at City Park under the canopy of tall oak trees. Anyone can play from 3 to 103.
The Splash Pad Park has a basketball court and fire ring that is great for a game of horse with someone in a wheelchair. The shelter has a touch-open push door, an interior and exterior water fountain, accessible restrooms, and handicapped accessible changing area.
City Bike/ Non- Motorized Trails – Our paved bike paths can be easily used for those with motorized, three-wheeled or electric bikes. Handicapped accessible parking is available at the all parks.
Hayes Lake State Park –
State Park Permits are required: if your vehicle has been issued Minnesota disability license plates or a rear-view mirror hang tag, or if you have a Federal Access Pass, Minnesota residents can get a reduced rate year-round vehicle permit for $12
Please Take a moment to view this panoramic tour of Hayes Park https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/hayes_lake/vt_hayes.html
Fishing Pier – Accessible, somewhat steep hill leading down to the water.
Trails – The Park Office can arrange an ATV/side-by-side ride for elderly adults by calling ahead to the park office.
Special Handicapped camping sites are available but call the office as most are on level ground and have little to no restrictions.
Beach – Flat access to the water. The park is a distance from the parking area.
Fish the lake on an electric-powered boat.
Go on a Bird Watching Hunt around Roseau, including Hayes Lake State Park. Print off this birding checklist before taking flight. https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/hayes_lake/bird_checklist.pdf
When speaking with Hayes Lake State Park Guides in July, they told us the State has been testing adaptive track equipment. They expect the park to be seeing a machine soon. Here is an example from the MN DNR Website of what this looks like.
- Attend a concert at the Gazebo on Thursday Nights from 6:30- 9 PM. The restroom and park area meet ADA certification. https://sites.google.com/view/roseau-gazebo-night
- Fish off the Bridge (City Center or Stoley Bridge) or the City Center Pier
- Attend a Baseball game at Gilbertson Field
- Visit the Shed in Warroad. The shed houses over 100 vintage or collector cars.
- Stop by the Polaris Experience Center for a history of Polaris from its invention in 1954 until today. https://goroseau.com/polaris-experience-center/
- Visit the Roseau County Historical Society Museum and see the Roseau Ruin Stone
https://goroseau.com/roseau-stone/ - Jump on an ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) and ride the backroads and trails, taking in the local farmlands, big red barns, birds, and the nature surrounding you.
- Attend the Roseau County Fair, Listen to Live Music, Tour 4H exhibits, and take in the Grand Stand Events. The Grandstands have a metal ramp on the south end and front-row seating across the bleachers. https://goroseau.com/roseau-county-fair-schedule-events/
- Visit Memorial Arena, where many hockey legends have played. https://goroseau.com/hockey-arenas/
- Deer Hunt in one of the DNR’s handicapped-accessible stands. Contact the MN DNR or Wildlife Management for reservations in their blinds. In Roseau, the contact is Randy Prachar (218)452-7610
The blinds offer elevated scaffolding and a ramp for easy access. These stands are available in 3 day blocks. DNR for details. A state hunting license is required. - Ice Fish – Rent a house from a local lodge. We spoke with Sportsman’s Lodge, which has a ramp to get you in and out of a fish house. Taking a bombardier (ice road vehicle) is one step up into the seating area. YOu can fish from dawn to dusk and return back to Roseau.
- Visit the Polaris Experience Center and see one of the first sno-cats ever invented https://goroseau.com/polaris-experience-center/
- Drive the backroads looking at the barns of Roseau Countyhttps://goroseau.com/barns-and-back-roads/
The Minnesota DNR is opening the outdoors to people with disabilities by working hard to update its public spaces and programs to meet state and federal accessibility standards. To learn more, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/accessible_outdoors/parks/index.html
These web pages help you…
- Get information about accessibility in DNR-managed spaces
- Learn about special DNR hunting, fishing and camping programs and places
- Find out what permits and licenses are available for people with disabilities
ADA Coordination
Melinda Anderson
Development Consultant and (Interim) Title II (Public) ADA Coordinator | Parks & Trails Division
Phone: 651-259-5644
melinda.anderson@state.mn.us