Accessibility matters, and Henry County provides activities and outdoor recreation for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. Accessible trails, parks, and play spaces help families, seniors, and explorers with disabilities feel welcome. As Henry County invests in inclusive amenities, it not only improves the quality of life for residents but also makes the area more attractive to visitors.
Summit Lake State Park is preparing to install a new ADA-accessible playground, so now is a perfect time to highlight what already exists in Henry County, and what’s coming soon.
Summit Lake State Park: A Leader in Inclusive Access
Summit Lake State Park, near New Castle, spans almost 2,680 acres and includes an 800-acre lake, woodlands, wetlands, and prairie restoration zones. It’s a favorite destination for fishing, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and camping, and offers several ADA-accessible recreation options.
One of the park’s highlights is Trail 3, known as the Beach Trail, which is noted for being a relatively easy, ADA-accessible 0.9-mile trail with scenic views of the lake. Additionally, there is the option to drop off/pick up or park in handicap parking available at the beach. If you enjoy fishing, an ADA fishing dock is located by the south boat ramp. In the campground, the playground features an ADA-accessible adaptive swing set.
New ADA Playground Coming Soon!
The park is adding a brand-new ADA-accessible playground to the Picnic Area near the South Ramp, expanding its inclusive amenities for children and families. This development will help ensure children of varying abilities can enjoy safe, play-friendly environments in nature. The playground will feature accessible sidewalks, ADA-compliant parking spaces, mulch, and fall pads.
Outdoor Recreation & Parks
- Baker Park – This popular community park features accessible trails, playgrounds, restrooms, and recreational spaces. The Rock Disc Golf Course offers an accessible path for all players.
- Cardinal Greenway – A section of this extensive, paved trail network runs through Henry County, offering smooth surfaces suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and adaptive bikes.
- Henry County Memorial Park – Enjoy walking trails, fishing ponds, picnic areas, and playgrounds (including an accessible swing set). The on-site Henry County Veterans Museum is also fully accessible.
- Sunset Park (Knightstown) – Home to the Montgomery Creek Disc Golf Course with accessible paths, ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launches, and accessible picnic areas.
- Westwood Park – Offers accessible facilities and easily navigable trails from any parking lot.
- Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area – Features an ADA-accessible hunting area in a woodland environment, providing inclusive access for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Wilbur Wright Trail – A 3.1-mile paved trail ideal for walking, running, or biking, starting at the Henry County YMCA.
Family Fun & Community Spaces
- Jacobs Family Orchard – A charming, wheelchair-accessible orchard where everyone can enjoy seasonal treats and outdoor fun.
- Rose City Bowl – This modern bowling alley provides accessible entrances and parking.
- New Castle–Henry County Public Library – Equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms. The library also offers:
- Books to Your Door – Home delivery for homebound individuals, senior citizens, daycare centers, retirement communities, and families with disabled members.
- Books by Mail – Delivers audiobooks and large-print titles directly to readers’ homes.
Arts, Culture & History
- Guyer Opera House – A historic gem that’s wheelchair accessible, featuring a back entrance to reach the upstairs auditorium.
- Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame – Completely handicapped accessible and free to visit!
- Wilbur Wright Birthplace & Museum – Offers a handicapped-accessible environment to explore the life of aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright.
Henry County welcomes families of all ages and abilities to play, explore, and make memories here. And there’s more to come — new trails, better access, and ongoing enhancements that bring accessibility to everyone in Henry County.
