Little Cabin in the Woods

 

 

For the past few years, we have reserved one of the disability cabins in the Wisconsin State Park system, which allows my son Justin to enjoy the outdoors with us and to “hike” a few trails in his power wheelchair.  This summer, we spent two nights at Mirror Lake State Park, which is in the Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo region, a short drive from our home.

Justin would probably prefer to stay at home and play video games, but he has no choice in this matter.  The main characters in this adventure are Justin; his service dog, Elvis; my nephew, Zach; and my wife, Julia.

The cabins are an amazing resource and opportunity.  This one comes equipped with Hoyer lift, hospital bed, and full accessibility, including a roll-in shower. Rates are very reasonable.  There’s no television, but there’s a picnic table, bonfire pit, screened porch, and beautiful views.

We hiked all the accessible trails and a few that probably weren’t recommended for wheelchairs.  Justin is a daredevil in the power chair.  Somehow, he powered his way up a Nordic ski trail; I had to hold the back of his chair for the way down to keep it from tipping forwards and to hold it steady side-to-side.  After the bonfires, Justin still managed to find some indoor video game time.  Next year, Justin heads to college.  He has two in mind and has already been accepted by one with an offer for an academic scholarship.