Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Cambridge, Massachusetts!

Harvard Square

Why Visit?

Harvard Square Wheelchair-Friendly Tour Itinerary

Morning

Begin your adventure at the heart of Cambridge with a visit to Harvard Yard, the historic core of Harvard University. Accessible entrances around the Yard allow for easy navigation through this iconic collegiate landscape. Here, take a guided tour tailored for accessibility, starting from the Smith Campus Center, which offers step-free entry. Admire the majestic Widener Library and the historic Memorial Church, both featuring accessible pathways.

Lunch

Head over to Tatte Bakery & Café on Brattle Street, just a stone"s throw from Harvard Yard. Enjoy a delightful selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches in an accessible dining area with plenty of space for maneuvering mobility devices.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, explore the Harvard Art Museums, including the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, all interconnected and wheelchair accessible through the Quincy Street entrance. Elevators and spacious galleries ensure everyone can appreciate the vast collections of Western, Asian, Islamic, and Byzantine art.

Evening

Conclude your day with a stroll (or roll) along the Charles River. Access the river via the accessible paths available at the Weeks Footbridge. The serene riverside is perfect for witnessing a picturesque New England sunset.

Getting Around

Harvard Square is well-served by public transportation. The MBTA Red Line’s Harvard Station is equipped with elevators. For those using a car, designated handicapped parking spaces are available around the square and at tourist attractions.

Interesting Facts

- Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

- The Harvard Yard has ramps and curb cuts integrated into its historical landscape, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modern accessibility standards.

This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures a delightful and inclusive Harvard Square experience, rich in academic tradition and cultural heritage.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Why Visit?

Welcome to your accessible adventure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a beacon of innovation and intellectual prowess in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This itinerary ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for wheelchair and mobile scooter users.

Getting There

MIT is readily accessible via public transportation. The Kendall/MIT Station on the MBTA Red Line is equipped with elevators and is just a short roll away from the main campus. If you"re driving, accessible parking is available in several MIT lots.

Start Your Tour at the MIT Welcome Center

Begin your exploration at the MIT Welcome Center at 292 Main Street, which is fully accessible. Here, you can dive into the history and achievements of MIT through interactive exhibits and displays.

Stata Center

Your next stop is the Frank Gehry-designed Stata Center, known for its striking, deconstructivist style of architecture. The building is wheelchair accessible and houses fascinating labs and public spaces. The ground floor’s open layout is perfect for mobility devices, allowing you to explore freely.

MIT Museum

Continue to the MIT Museum on Mass Ave, which features exhibits on robotics, holography, and more, all showcasing MIT’s contributions to science and technology. The museum is fully accessible, providing lift-access to all floors and spacious galleries for an unhindered experience.

Killian Court

Conclude your tour at the picturesque Killian Court, overlooking the Charles River. The outdoor paths are smooth and wide, ideal for wheelchairs and scooters. It’s the perfect spot for reflecting on the innovative spirit that permeates MIT.

Interesting Facts

- MIT"s Infinite Corridor runs for 825 feet and aligns with the sun every November and January, a phenomenon known as "MIThenge."

- The Institute admits students from over 120 countries, making it a hub of diverse intellectual thought.

Enjoy your journey through one of the world’s leading institutions, where accessibility and innovation go hand in hand!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Charles River

Why Visit?

Exploring the Charles River: A Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Unravel the charms of the Charles River in a tour tailored for wheelchair and scooter users. This itinerary guarantees smooth navigation and enchanting views, making it a delightful escapade for everyone.

Morning - Charles River Esplanade

Start your journey at the Charles River Esplanade, an easily accessible park with paved pathways and stunning river views. Arrive via the MBTA Red Line to Charles/MGH station, which is equipped with elevators. From there, the Esplanade is a short, flat ride away. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and watch rowers glide over the calm waters. Don"t miss the accessible docks and the scenic overlooks designed for everyone to enjoy.

Lunch - Outdoor Picnic

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shade of a tree. The Esplanade offers numerous accessible picnic spots with fantastic views of the river. Indulge in a leisurely meal while you watch the city bustle around the serene waterway.

Afternoon - Charles Riverboat Company

Post-lunch, head to the nearby Cambridgeside Galleria, accessible via the #69 bus, which is equipped with a wheelchair lift. Board an accessible riverboat for a relaxing cruise offered by the Charles Riverboat Company. Learn about the historical and cultural significance of the area through an engaging onboard commentary. The boats are equipped with ramps for easy boarding.

Late Afternoon - Museum of Science

Conclude your tour at the Museum of Science, just a roll away from the riverboat company. The museum boasts fully accessible facilities and offers fascinating exhibits on natural science, technology, and engineering. Dive into the world of science and marvel at the innovative ways it shapes our understanding of the world.

Evening - Return Journey

Return to your starting point using the MBTA, fully equipped to accommodate your needs, ensuring a seamless end to an enriching day at the Charles River.

This wheelchair-friendly itinerary promises a day of exploration and enjoyment, highlighting the best of Charles River"s accessible attractions.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Kendall Square

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Kendall Square, Cambridge

Morning: Exploration and Education

Start your day at the heart of innovation and technology, Kendall Square. Easily accessible via the Red Line of Boston"s MBTA subway system, the Kendall/MIT station offers elevators right into the bustling square. Explore the public art installations peppering the area with their inspiring designs, all viewable from smooth, flat pathways ideal for wheelchairs and scooters.

A must-visit is the MIT Museum (accessible entrance on Main Street), which has adapted exhibits showcasing science and technology. Engage with interactive displays about robotics and holography, all designed to be accessible for all visitors.

Lunch: Culinary Delights

For lunch, roll over to the Cambridge Center Roof Garden via the elevator inside the Marriott Hotel. This hidden gem offers not only accessible dining options but also panoramic views of the cityscape — a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.

Afternoon: Riverfront Leisure

Post-lunch, head to the nearby Charles River. The paths are wide and well-paved, ideal for a leisurely stroll along the water. Access the riverfront via the Broad Canal pathway, featuring ramps for easy access.

Evening: Science on Display

Conclude your day with a visit to the Kendall Square Cinema, which provides accessible seating for movie enthusiasts. Enjoy the latest indie or blockbuster film in this accommodating venue.

Practicalities

Kendal Square is renowned for its commitment to accessibility, with most sidewalks featuring curb cuts and many buildings offering automatic doors. Restrooms in larger public buildings (like the Marriott Hotel and MIT Museum) are equipped with facilities for those with disabilities.

This tour not only highlights Kendall Square’s accessibility but also its vibrant mix of culture, science, and nature, ensuring a fulfilling visit for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

John Harvard Statue

Why Visit?

### Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to John Harvard Statue, Harvard University

Explore the historic allure of Harvard University, focusing on the iconic John Harvard Statue, with this accessible and engaging itinerary tailored for visitors using wheelchairs or mobile scooters.

#### Getting There:

Begin your journey at Harvard Square in Cambridge, which is easily accessible by public transport. The Red Line of Boston’s subway system, the MBTA, is equipped with accessible stations, with the Harvard station offering elevators and ramps for a smooth transition to the street level. From there, Harvard Yard is just a short, flat stroll away along paved paths that are suitable for wheelchairs.

#### Visiting the Statue:

Enter Harvard Yard through the accessible gates at either Wigglesworth Hall or Widener Library. The pathways are well-maintained and flat, leading directly to the John Harvard Statue, which is located in front of University Hall. Known as the "Statue of Three Lies," the famed sculpture is a must-see; despite the inscription claiming John Harvard as the founder of the college in 1638, the college was actually founded in 1636, and John Harvard was not the founder but a benefactor. Moreover, the image depicted is not John Harvard himself, but an anonymous model, as no images of Harvard exist.

#### Enjoy the Surroundings:

Adjacent to the statue, the Harvard Yard is lush with greenery and historic buildings like the Widener Library, which has ramps and accessible entrances. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and perhaps catch a student-led tour, many of which are accessible and offer deeper insights into the university’s rich history.

#### Dining and Rest:

Wrap up your visit with a meal or a coffee at one of the many accessible restaurants or cafes in Harvard Square. Options like Tatte Bakery & Café offer smooth access and space to accommodate mobility devices, making it a perfect spot to reflect on your Harvard experience.

This wheelchair-friendly journey through Harvard not only encompasses a visit to one of its most famous landmarks but also invites you to immerse yourself in the intellectual heartbeat of this prestigious institution.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.