Indiana DNR Places Accessible Track Chairs at All State Parks, Free to Visitors

Forty-five all-terrain electric track chairs are now spreading across Indiana's state park system, giving visitors with mobility limitations free access to rugged trails they previously couldn't reach. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources funded the $1 million purchase through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., itself part of a larger $50 million award Lilly made to the DNR in 2024.

"Through surveys, our guests tell us that hiking is the most popular park activity, but unfortunately, our friends with mobility limitations frequently cannot experience the joys of our amazing trails," said DNR Director Alan Morrison.

Unlike traditional wheelchairs, the Axis model track chairs use motorized tracks instead of wheels, allowing users to navigate uneven ground and off-road terrain. Each unit cost approximately $22,000 including a portable generator. The first 22 chairs arrived the week of March 10, with the remaining 23 distributed the following Tuesday. Maintenance costs will come from DNR operating funds.

Indiana State Parks Director Brandt Baughman said the chairs are available at no charge. "These track chairs will be available to use at no additional cost for our guests," he said. "They will be totally free." Visitors can reserve a chair online or take one on a first-come, first-served basis at any park.

The 45 new units supplement 13 powered mobility chairs already available across the system, most of which were acquired through donations and "friends of" groups. With the addition, Indiana now claims more track chairs at state parks than any other state system in the country, according to Baughman.

The Axis chairs arrive outfitted with outdoor accessories including fishing rod holders and firearm holders. Each machine has an hour meter so DNR can track usage. The agency will designate specific areas where the chairs can be used to prevent encounters with dangerous terrain. Baughman noted that if a user ventures into a low-reception area, staff will have a general sense of their location based on usage patterns.

Ric Edwards, the DNR's Americans with Disabilities Act compliance director, led the initiative and trained park staff on the chairs' operation. Baughman, who recalled seeing strong demand for the few track chairs available during his time managing Indiana Dunes State Park, said the 20-year lifespan of each unit makes the investment durable. "We've had a few of these out in our system for several years now, and they just get a great amount of use," he said.

Morrison credited Lilly Endowment for the scope of what became possible. "They have really, really invested deeply into Indiana DNR and into our park system. They are a great partner."

No single date has been set for when all units will be deployed at every location. A demonstration of the chairs was planned for Indianapolis in the days following the initial distribution.