Navigating Nashville with a Wheelchair
Take advantage of pre-trip scouting accomplished by friends, agencies, and myself to make travel less of a hassle.
Let’s talk topography.
Take heart if you use a wheelchair. Although Nashville is known for its hills, there’s a sweet spot of flat land that encompasses many downtown attractions. On Broadway (aka as Lower Broad) are the Honky Tonk District, Bridgestone Arena, and Riverfront Park. A block or two south of Broadway are the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, Music City Center, and Schermerhorn Symphony Hall. Heading north are the Ryman Auditorium and the Fifth and Broadway megacomplex.
Information resources
Roll Mobility is an app actively adding information to its website to make it easier to identify mobility-friendly destinations…and there’s an initiative expanding info on Nashville.
Blue Path is similar to Roll Mobility but overall currently has less engagement.
Access Music City Want to know about access to local attractions and restaurants around town? The staff and volunteers of Empower TN have done some fantastic scouting for you and even rate popular destinations for accessibility.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Operated through Vanderbilt University, it’s another all-inclusive hub worth investigating.
Tennessee Disability Information Office (615) 862-6492) may be able to answer general questions but is not visitor-focused.
Tennessee Disabilities Coalition Although the organization is not geared toward tourists, they may be able to answer your questions.
VisitMusicCity website Though not comprehensive, this guide geared toward tourists provides good information about accessibility at specific locations.
NOTE: Many areas of downtown are construction zones these days. Beware that sidewalks may stop abruptly with no curb cuts accessible.
Attractions and destinations
The Nashville City Vacation Guide, available online and by mail-order, answers all kinds of questions about accessibility of restaurants, hotels, attractions, shops, and nightlife around Nashville.
Accessible trails. Traillink.com gives you the location and description of wheelchair-friendly trails across the state. Zoom in on Nashville to explore which are near you. For nearby parks with paved pathways or trails, investigate these:
- Centennial Park
- Bicentennial Mall State Park
- Fort Negley Walking Trail
- Fort Nashborough
- Sevier Park–just south of the 12South shopping/restaurant district
- Wasioto Park (formerly Cumberland Park)
- Shelby Bottoms
The Tennessee State Park system now offers all-terrain wheelchairs for use at a dozen locations including Radnor Lake, Long Hunter, and Henry Horton Availability is limited so reservations are strongly suggested by visiting the link above.
Specifics on various attractions
Nashville Zoo Wheelchair rental is $12; ECVs can be rented for $32. Advance reservations are recommended to ensure one will be available.
The Listening Room. Though not as famous as The Bluebird Cafe, this songwriters’ haven is easily accessible on a single level and welcomes all ages all the time. It’s only a few blocks south of Lower Broadway.
Adventure Science Center. Primarily an attraction for kids but adults will find some attractions interesting. Almost all activities are wheelchair-accessible.
Grand Ole Opry. Accessible seating is available on both the main floor and balcony. Those seated in a wheelchair-accessible area are allowed to have one guest sit with them; other members of the party will be seated in close proximity unless additional seats in the accessibility area are available. With a valid ID, wheelchairs are available for “loan” from Customer Service during the performance. A staff member will facilitate getting the individual to and from the appropriate section but will not remain with him/her during the show. Speak with Customer Service if you inadvertently purchased tickets in an area that is not wheelchair-accessible.
Nashville Children’s Theatre. A courtesy wheelchair is available for use. Several forms of audio technology are available. They also offer sensory-friendly performances and a comfort room for those who react to light and sound.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. There’s a lot to see but wide passageways make it easy to navigate.
National Museum of African American Music. Once inside, everything is on one level. A few spaces may be a little tight to negotiate and few of the interactive tables may require some stretching to utilize but it’s a wonderful museum
The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music Offers a windowed elevator than can accommodate the person using the chair and a companion. One visitor proclaimed it “the nicest accessibility elevator she’d ever seen.” Walkers and wheelchairs are also available for free use.
Lower Broadway honky tonks and music venues. Although some elevators are practically hidden, all but the smallest establishments are fairly easy to negotiate and most rooftops are accessible as well. One glitch: many tables are high-tops so you may have be creative when dining.
Transportation
The most important advice I can offer: PLAN AHEAD. You’ll have better access to resources by preparing for desired help.
Nashville Airport. Click for what you want to know about accessible restrooms, parking, paging, service animals and more. You can also contact the onsite Information Center at 615-275-2085 and ask to speak to the ADA Coordinator.
WeGo buses. Most city buses have ramps and “kneel” to accommodate folding and motorized wheelchairs. For more specialized help:
I the visitor is approved for paratransit in their home county, they can provide that documentation to WeGo and use Access Ride services while visiting our city. Most people do not realize this until it is too late to do the paperwork, but they can just share their pre-approval from another county, or either submit a new application if their county does not offer paratransit (this takes longer). They would just contact WeGo ADA Coordinators for assistance in getting authorized. With questions or for more information, look here.
Accessible taxi vans. Since the last time I checked, several companies have removed accessible vans from their fleets. I can’t vouch for any of these companies but here are listed providers:
- Checker Cab — 615-256-7000. However, they ask that you book a trip three to four weeks in advance.
- Music City Taxi — 615-865-4100
- Volunteer Taxi Cab — 615-423-3118
- Yellow Cab — 615-256-0101
Covering the airport, the city, and surrounding areas, Prime Care’s Nashville fleet includes 10 vehicles which can transport 3 passengers including the individual using the chair. They state, “We can accommodate bariatric wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, walkers and ambulatory persons who need assistance.” Regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. but advance arrangements can be made for service 24/7.
Serving Nashville for a couple of years, this Chicago-based company provides 24/7 availability for wheelchair transport via ADA-compliant vans. They recommend reservations be made via phone or their website at least 24 hours in advance.
Take advantage of a FREE 24-loan of a mobility scooter. Check the link for details.
Parking
Check this map for ADA-compliant parking at the Music City Center.
Pay parking lots. A coalition of downtown businesses host our easiest and most detailed resource: Downtown Nashville Accessible Parking.
Changing tables
Here’s a great national resource which at the writing does not include many Nashville options but I’m posting it in hopes that it will expand.
Medical rentals and supplies
These are among the more highly rated providers according to YELP.
- Williams Medical Supply has been our go-to for years because they provide a broad spectrum of equipment and supplies. Their stock ranges from C-PAP machines and motorized chairs to adult diapers and wound care dressings. They also offer wheelchair repair. Our personal interactions for a variety of needs have always been positive. Call (615) 327-4931 or visit their website.
- All-Star Medical, with locations in Hermitage and Franklin, stocks a variety of wheelchairs and other mobility devices. They also operate a repair shop. It has a five-star rating from the Better Business Bureau.
