All-terrain trackchair arrives at Blue Mounds State Park

Blue Mounds State Park became the sixth location last week where an all-terrain trackchair is available for public use through the DNR.
The trackchair is battery-powered and can travel on trails that can’t be accessed using a regular wheelchair.
According to Blue Mounds State Park manager Chris Ingebretsen, the trackchairs can maneuver on the majority of the park’s trails.
“They won’t be able to use it on the Burr Trail or on the 1- and 2-mile loop,” he said.
The trackchair is limited to trails with inclines of 20-percent or less and is unable to be driven over thick mud areas.
A battery-operated trackchair can travel four- to seven-miles before recharging.
There is no charge for use of the chair, but visitors must have a state park permit.
Reservations for the trackchair are made through the state park’s main entrance office.
Ingebretsen tried the trackchair himself last week.
Top speed is 3 mph.
“It’s a nice leisurely ride,” he said.
Ingebretsen had his own parents in mind when he filled out the application for a trackchair in the Blue Mounds.
“My mom is an avid hiker, but my dad can’t do long distances,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to do a long-distance hike together again.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched the trackchair program in 2022 with five chairs.
“These trackchairs represent the type of investment the DNR will make over the next several years, thanks to historic legislative funding for our Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) Initiative, which aims to ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy world-class outdoor experiences,” said DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen.
Action Manufacturing of Marshall was awarded the bid to provide the eight additional trackchairs to state parks, including the one at Blue Mounds.
Cost of the chair is currently $15,800.
The amount is more than last year’s $14,500 per chair cost.
“We added a few more amenities,” said Jamie McBride, a consultant for the state park and recreation program.
These include joy stick that can be operated from either side of the trackchair, a place to carry a backpack or bag, and extra pockets so users don’t have to hold personal items in their laps.
The trackchair can be used year-round.