Accessibility at Roper Mountain

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for free checkout at the front desk in the Environmental Science building. These will be available on a first come first serve basis. Users must leave a photo ID as a deposit to check out a wheelchair. Due to the limited availability of wheelchairs, we ask that you bring your own if possible. The Environmental Science building has an elevator and most areas of Roper Mountain are accessible by wheelchair.

Some of the cabins on the Farm are not accessible by wheelchair. They do however have a ramp so that you can view them from the door. The Cole Cabin Farmhouse and Cavender House Kitchen are accessible to wheelchairs via a ramp around the back. Please ask a staff member for assistance.

Parking is available in the main parking lot. Please be aware that there is a rather steep hill to walk up from the parking lot to the main entrance. If you are driving and would like to drop off a passenger at the front door, you may do that. You may also ask the security guard about handicap parking spaces that may be available.

The Center permits individuals with disabilities to use trained service animals at events as required by law. Service animals must be trained to perform tasks directly related to a disability; emotional support or therapy animals do not qualify. Visitors may bring service animals without advance notice however the Center may exclude or remove a service animal if it poses a safety risk, is out of control, not housebroken, or disrupts operations. Handlers are fully responsible for the animal’s care, supervision, costs, and liability. Access can be restricted in certain sensitive areas for health or safety reasons such as in buildings and areas that house the Science Center’s animal collection.

A private nursing room with a small table is located in the Discovery A room in Harrison Hall of Natural Science. Please see a staff member (someone with a gray lanyard) for assistance. Of course, feel free to nurse wherever you feel comfortable.

There are family restrooms on both floors of the Environmental Science building. There is a larger changing table available in the downstairs family restroom.

In Harrison Hall of Natural Science, there is a large changing table located in the family restroom in the middle of the building, by the Megalodon jaw. There are also standard size changing tables in the mens and womens restrooms located outside of the Ecology Lab.

Please note that a lot of our exhibits utilize lights and sounds to create a more thematic experience for guests. The quieter areas at Roper Mountain include our outdoor gardens and the Living History Farm.

Sensory Bags
We have a number of sensory bags available to check out at the front desk of the Environmental Science building. These bags include communication cards, fidget toys, and noise cancelling headphones (for kids and adults). Please let a staff member know if you’d like to check out a bag.

Sensory Friendly Day
Roper Mountain will host a sensory friendly day for a few hours during the summer where the lights, sound, and amount of staff will be toned down for a quieter and calmer experience for those of our guests that have sensory sensitivities. Please check the website for dates and times. As always, if you have any concerns or needs, please see a staff member or call 864-355-8900.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and EpiPens are located throughout Roper Mountain. We have a team of First Responders at Roper Mountain that are ready to assist in the case of an emergency.

Learn more about Roper Mountain’s Guiding Star Program here, which has a variety of options for families and groups with financial barriers.