NRF has been a proud supporter of accessibility in the outdoors since its early days as an organization. Over the years, access options have grown across Wisconsin, helping more people find belonging in outdoor spaces.
A rustic accessible cabin at Copper Falls State Park. A recent grant from the David & Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks supported improvements to the cabin. Photo by Lindsey Taylor
Why accessibility?
Wisconsin landscapes offer something for everyone—from fishing to wildlife viewing to hiking the Ice Age Trail. There are so many ways to get outdoors and experience the benefits of exercise and nature exploration. Yet there are still significant barriers that leave many Wisconsinites out of these shared outdoor experiences. There are many people who haven’t yet had the opportunity to discover a love for the outdoors because they haven’t felt welcome or safe in those spaces. Others feel a deep connection to nature but are physically unable to participate in certain activities.
Since its early days, NRF has been supporting projects that open up outdoor experiences to people of all abilities. Building accessible infrastructure is one way we can build a sense of belonging and help more people find joy in the outdoors. As the Foundation celebrates 40 years of conservation, we reflect on how efforts toward accessibility in the outdoors have continued to grow and catalyze change.
Early accessibility projects
Within its first 10 years, NRF funded several accessibility projects across Wisconsin through the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund. Established in 1990, the Besadny Fund supports conservation and accessibility projects every year.
One of NRF’s first grants for accessibility went toward a new fishing pier at DD Kennedy Park in Polk County. Accessible fishing piers are built wider to allow wheelchairs to turn around. Railings and rod holders are also placed lower so anglers can cast out. There are now many top-notch fishing spots around Wisconsin with wheelchair-accessible piers.
An accessible fishing pier on Loon Lake at Copper Falls State Park. Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
At DD Kennedy, making infrastructure accessible has been an ongoing process. According to Polk County Parks and Trails Supervisor Tony Novak, “Many of the facilities in our park system are old and were built at a time when accessibility wasn’t considered. So, as we look to replace and upgrade our park facilities, accessibility considerations are at the forefront.” Newer upgrades include an accessible playground with rubber surfacing, 1.5 miles of paved trails, and an accessible shelter and restrooms.
Accessible education
Another early grant went to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) in 1995 to support the construction of an accessible pier for aquatic education. At the time, ALNC was a newly established non-profit. Today, ALNC’s mission is “nurturing children, their well-being, and environmental sustainability through connecting and learning in nature.” Hands-on exploration remains central to the Nature Center’s educational approach. Learners of all ages can be found exploring aquatic ecosystems from piers on the Nature Center grounds, three of which are ADA accessible. Collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates from the pond is a favorite activity among kids and educators alike. These “pond dips” offer an up-close look at a hidden ecosystem and create memorable opportunities for children to build curiosity, confidence, and connection with the natural world.
The After-School Nature Club looks for tadpoles after a pond dip from the pier. Photo courtesy of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center
The Cabin by the Bay
Along the Door Peninsula, amidst rolling forested terrain and steep limestone cliffs overlooking Sturgeon Bay, lies Potawatomi State Park. Dense forests provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species across the 1200-acre property. It also offers recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. This popular destination is one of 10 state parks in Wisconsin that provides a fully accessible cabin for the exclusive use of visitors with disabilities.
This “Cabin by the Bay” was constructed in 1995 with help from an NRF grant of $25,000. Now visitors have been enjoying the beloved cabin for over 30 years. The cabin was designed according to ADA building codes and with the help of a committee of people with disabilities to make it a usable space for all. Accessible features include adjustable beds, a lift for transfer between areas, a roll-in shower, and appropriately positioned amenities like light switches and countertops.
Nestled within the Daisy Field campground and priced similarly to the campsites, the accessible cabin is meant to provide the same kind of outdoor experience that other campers are able to enjoy. It is a place where people of all abilities can join their friends and family to experience the park together.
It really gives an opportunity for people to get out and get that kind of traditional camping experience, being in a campground with other campers, but within a facility that’s better equipped to accommodate their needs.
Adaptive kayaks and launch areas can be used by people with a wider variety of physical abilities than standard kayaks. Photo courtesy of WDNR
Other accessibility improvements at Potawatomi
The staff at Potawatomi have been on a mission over the past 10 years to expand their access options. A universal access fishing pier was recently constructed at the south end of the park. Last summer, a universal access kayak launch was installed at the north end, and a universal kayak is now available to rent at the park store. Additionally, the Ancient Shore nature trail, which is just across the road from the cabin, will undergo resurfacing and other modifications to improve access this spring. Another upcoming improvement involves some road work outside the campground. This will lead to the addition of a bike and pedestrian lane that can also be used by those with mobility devices to travel safely.
The future of accessible outdoor recreation in Wisconsin
Over the past several decades, efforts have been made across the state to phase out inaccessible infrastructure and work towards opening up outdoor experiences to people of all abilities. This work is ongoing and requires continued support. In its 40 years as a Foundation, NRF has been proud to support accessibility across Wisconsin. Recent projects funded include trail enhancements through the Norma & Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund and parking lot improvements at Aztalan State Park.
Thanks to a 2025 David & Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks grant, Friends of Aztalan State Park installed a hard, flat surface from the lower parking lot to interpretive signs, and three wheelchair accessible picnic tables. Photo by Daniel Seurer
Building accessibility into design benefits not only those with permanent disabilities, but also young children, parents with strollers, elderly people with limited mobility, and people recovering from injury. Ongoing efforts help more people experience Wisconsin landscapes as places to gather together, learn about the world, be active in the fresh air, and feel grounded by their connection to the land.
Thanks to our supporters who have made this work possible. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating 40 years of conservation this year!
Written by Jess Heumann