While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
St. Louis, MO by Brad
By the time we got to St. Louis we’d been on the road for weeks already, and I was excited to see my family. I started pointing out familiar landmarks as we got closer to the city: this riverside casino, that movie theater I used to go to with an old girlfriend. Finally we turned onto familiar streets and then into my own neighborhood. It was really nice to see my whole family. That night my mom cooked us a wonderful Korean meal, and Kunho and You-Myeong challenged my brother Grant to a Starcraft battle. In the morning we piled into the car I drove in high school and drove downtown to review the Arch and some other classic St. Louis attractions. I’d been up to see the Arch a couple of times, and we knew it was not going to be wheelchair accessible, but we still went just to see it and the Westward Expansion Museum underneath. We parked in the lot closest to the Arch and walked along by the river toward the steps. Unfortunately, Kunho could not go up the steps. There were no signs pointing to a detour, so we wandered around for a bit until
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museum, we saw how Lewis and Clark had begun their expedition here continue all the way to the Atlantic coast.
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Basics Weather St. Louis weather can swing from one day to the next, so check the weather for your trip in advance. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring Usually moderate temperatures, on the side of cool; highs in the 70s, low in the 40s. Bring a light jacket and umbrella.
Autumn Around moderate temperatures, though unpredictable; highs in the 80s, lows in the 50s. Bring a light jacket.
Summer Hot and humid! Can get up to 90s and even above 100. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Winter Low temperatures are possible, down to 20s and 30s. Bring a winter coat or a jacket.
Parking with a Disability Placard Missouri DOES recognize disabled parking placards from other states. Unfortunately, a disability placard does not allow you to park for free at regular metered parking in St. Louis.
Accessible Taxi The following are some companies in St. Louis that provide accessible taxicabs upon request. Make sure to call at least an hour in advance. Metro West Transport (636) 272-8294 A-Best Taxi Service (314) 781-1515 Harris Cab (314) 535-5087
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www.metrowesttaxi.net www.abesttaxi.net www.harriscab.com
St. Louis, MO
Accessible Van Rental The following are some companies in St. Louis that rent wheelchair accessible vans: United Access St. Louis North Toll-Free: (877) 501-8267
Local: (314) 989-1010
9389 Natural Bridge Rd, St Louis, Missouri 63134 www.unitedaccess.com/locations/st-louis-mo.php
United Access rents wheelchair accessible vans with hand controls. Reserve at least 2-3 weeks in advance. There is a $50 fee for delivery to the airport. Southern Bus & Mobility Toll-Free: (866) 327-1600
Local: (618) 526-4131
80 S. Highway Drive, Valley Park, Missouri 63088 www.southernbusandmobility.com
Southern Bus and Mobility rents wheelchair accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls.
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Public Transportation In St. Louis, to be eligible for reduced fares, people with disabilities must have a Metro Reduced Fare ID or Metro ADA Paratransit Permit. To obtain such permits, please visit the following website for more information: www.metrostlouis.org/FaresPasses/ReducedFarePrograms.aspx or call the ADA Services Department at (314) 982-1510
Bus
Fares:
Adults: $2.00 Reduced: $1.00 All MetroBus vehicles come equipped with lifts and/or ramps. Priority seating is reserved for the elderly and disabled. Call (314) 231-2345 for more information. Subway Fares: Adults: $2.50 Reduced: $1.25 All MetroLink vehicles have reserved seating for the disabled and all station platforms are accessible by ramp and/or elevator. Call (314) 982-1498 during working hours or (314) 289-6873 after hours to check elevator status. 20 States on Wheels St. Louis, MO
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Tourists enjoy the Westward Expansion Museum under the Arch.
Gateway Arch and Westward Expansion Museum 100 Washington Ave, St Louis, Missouri 63102 (877) 982-1410 www.gatewayarch.com Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
museum fully accessible; arch not accessible accessible restroom in corner of visitors center several lots with designated handicap parking within walking distance Journey to the Top (not accessible) $10 Documentary movies $4 Museum Free May 25 - Sept. 7 Daily 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sept. 8 - May 24 Daily 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Gateway Arch is the most iconic symbol of St. Louis and a monument to the historic westward expansion movement in the United States. Unfortunately, the Journey to the Top elevator to the top of the arch is not accessible. Only the Westward Expansion Museum and movie theaters, located beneath the Arch, are wheelchair accessible. The St. Louis Arch, Park in one of many lots in the downtown vicinity and be pre- iconic symbol of the pared to travel some distance along a slightly bumpy path to Gateway to the West. the foot of the Arch. There, a sloped entrance will lead you down through security to the ticket and information center under the Arch. The museum inside is free and accessible, with ramps throughout where necessary. Both movie theaters have designated handicap seating areas.
The entrance to the base of the Arch is accessible. 206
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The Eads Bridge, built in 1874, was the longest bridge in the world at the time of its construction.
St. Louis Riverfront
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50 N Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 Bathroom Parking
no public restrooms street parking
The Riverfront by the St. Louis Arch offers a view of the muddy Mississippi River and the Eads Bridge from Missouri to Illinois, which at the time of its construction in 1874 was the longest bridge in the world. Horse carriages for tourists trot up and down the street and there are helicopter tours of the city. Unfortunately, neither the horse carriages nor the helicopter tours are wheelchair accessible. Helicopter tours over the river are unfortunately not accessible.
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Forest Park 5595 Grand Dr, St Louis, Missouri 63112 (314) 367-7275 www.forestparkforever.org Bathroom Parking Map Park Hours Visitor Center Hours
accessible restroom at visitor center street parking map does not indicate accessibility Daily 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Dec. 1 - Feb. 29 Mon - Fri Sat - Sun Mar. 1 - Nov. 18 Mon - Fri Sat - Sun
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m
Forest Park is a vast, scenic park in St. Louis with a wide variety of mostly free attractions. Some of the park’s pathways are paved and some are gravel. The gravel paths can be quite bumpy and at parts the park has hills that can become steep; a wheelchair will need to be pushed at least partway around the park. See the visitor center for detailed information on which paths are accessible. An accessible hop-on bus service around the park operates from May to September. The boathouse, History Museum, Art Museum, Muny Theater, and St. Louis Zoo are all accessible and equipped with ramps where necessary. The Saint Louis Art Museum located in Forest Park has an accessible ramp at its main entrance.
Forest Park. Other
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Courtesy of Roger
The Climatron, a geodesic dome containing many tropical plants, at the Botanical Gardens.
Missouri Botanical Garden
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4344 Shaw Blvd, St Louis, Missouri 63110 (314) 577-5100 www.missouribotanicalgarden.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Tours Map Price Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restroom in visitor center lot with designated handicap parking $4.00 tram tour is accessible; walking tours available map does not indicate accessibility Adults: $8.00 Children (under 12): Free Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Missouri Botanical Garden has a lush and diverse collection of plants and manicured gardens for your enjoyment. An elevator at the entrance will take you up to the gardens. You might need some assistance on these gravel paths, which can be somewhat bumpy and hilly. All paths and buildings are accessible except for the Tower Grove House and Museum Building. The Temperate House -
sis at the visitor center, picture ID required to rent. 20 States on Wheels St. Louis, MO
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The restored St. Louis Union Station is now a shopping mall.
St.Louis Union Station 1820 Market St, St Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 421-6655 www.stlouisunionstation.com/info/aboutUs Entrance Bathroom Parking Map Hours
Market Street entrance not accessible; fully accessible entrances by South Plaza Garage and on 18th Street lot with designated handicap parking at South Lot behind station map does not indicate accessibility Mar. 1 - Oct. 31 Mon - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 Mon - Sat 11:00 a.m. -7:30 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The entrance by the South Lot behind the station is accessible.
St. Louis’s historic and grand Union Station, once a bustling train station, has since been restored and renovated into a charming shopping mall. Designated handicap parking is available in the garage at the 20th Street and South Plaza Entrance behind the station, where there is an accessible entrance. An elevator provides access to located at one side of the mall and transversing the station just to get up and down can be somewhat of a hassle.
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The vibrant and historic Delmar Loop.
Courtesy of Paul Sableman
Delmar Loop 6504 Delmar Blvd, St Louis, Missouri 63130 (314) 727-8000 www.visittheloop.com Bathroom Parking Map
no public restrooms several lots with designated handicap parking; street parking also available map does not indicate accessibility
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The Delmar Loop is a vibrant entertainment, shopping, and food district in St. Louis. Free parking is available at any of several lots off the main street, indicated by signs near the U City Grill and Fitz’s restaurant. You may also street park. Wheeling up and down
The “Tivoli Theatre,” a historic restored movie theater. 20 States on Wheels St. Louis, MO
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Hotels
in St. Louis
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in St.Louis.
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Hotel Name
Star Rating
Address
Phone
Knights Inn Ferguson
1
2790 Target Dr, St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 355-7808
Days Inn Downtown St. Louis
2
Red Roof Plus+ St Louis - Forest Park/Hampton Avenue
2
Americas Best Value Inn
2
1100 N 3rd St, St. Louis, MO 63102 (314) 421-6556
Super 8 St. Louis Airport
2
9798 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Lou(314) 428-6666 is, MO 63114
St. Louis Travelodge
2
9645 Natural Bridge Rd, Berkeley, (314) 890-9000 MO 63134
Magnolia Hotel St. Louis
3
421 N 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 436-9000
Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch - St. Louis
3
2 S 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 231-3003
Courtyard St. Louis Downtown
3
2340 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-9111
Drury Inn Union Station
3
201 S 20th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 231-3900
Rennaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel
4
800 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO (314) 621-9600 63101
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
4
315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 655-1234
Lumière Place Casino and Hotels
4
999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 881-7777
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
5
999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 881-5800
20 States on Wheels St. Louis, MO
2810 N 9th Street, Saint Louis, MO (314) 241-8400 63147 5823 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 645-0101
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 2
0
bathtub with grab bars
yes
14.9
2
1
none
yes
2.3
6
2
built-in bench
yes
6.6
2
0
built-in bench
yes
1
2
0
built-in bench
yes
16.5
2
1
Shower bench
yes
13.5
14
2
built-in bench
valet parking
0.3
8
4
chair by request
yes
0.3
3
3
built-in bench
yes
1.3
2
0
chair by request
yes
1.2
25
10
chair by request
yes; valet parking
0.4
27
10
built-in bench
yes
0.2
4
4
chair by request
yes
1.9
10
10
built-in bench
valet parking
1.9
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