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What's open during the shutdown? A running list for travelers.

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 7:09 GMT by washingtonpost.com
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When the Government Shuts Down, the National Parks Stay Open – For the Most Part

On October 3, 2025 the Washington Post ran a timely piece that tackled an increasingly familiar question: What happens to the United States’ national parks when a federal shutdown is declared? The article, which has become a go‑to resource for travelers and policy observers alike, explains the mechanics of the National Park Service (NPS), the layers of staffing that keep parks running, and the practical steps visitors should take if a shutdown lands in the middle of a spring break or a weekend camping trip.

The Anatomy of a Federal Shutdown

A federal shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill or a continuing resolution that keeps the government funded. The result is a cascading effect: many federal agencies lose funding, and employees may be furloughed or required to work “essential” duties. The NPS, a federal agency, is often one of the first to feel the pinch. However, the agency’s structure is layered, and the shutdown’s impact is not a blanket closure.

Which Parks Close and Which Stay Open?

The Post’s author, who has covered U.S. travel policy for the last decade, emphasizes that most national parks will remain open to visitors. “The majority of the 63 national park facilities that rely on NPS staff for day‑to‑day operations will stay open,” she writes. This includes visitor centers, museums, and the historic sites that attract millions of people every year.

The key distinction lies in the staff that remain on the ground. In a shutdown, only “essential employees”—typically security, safety, and certain maintenance workers—remain active. The NPS will lose its full roster of park rangers, museum curators, educational staff, and the teams that maintain trails and infrastructure. Many of these roles are classified as “non‑essential” for the purposes of a shutdown, and those employees will be furloughed.

This staffing reality means that while visitors can still enter and walk around, certain services are likely to be limited or unavailable:

The article also explains that concessionaire staff—those hired by private companies to run museums, gift shops, and some campsites—may keep the facilities functional. “Because the concessions are run by private entities, they are not subject to the same federal furlough rules,” the author notes. However, these contractors also often rely on NPS support for permits and coordination, which can create a complex web of dependencies.

The Role of State and Local Employees

While the federal agency might be partially shut down, state and local governments often step in to keep parks operational. Many national parks lie on lands that are jointly managed by federal and state agencies. In such cases, the states may supply additional personnel or volunteer groups to fill in gaps. For example, the U.S. National Park Service’s partnership with the New York State Parks Department has historically allowed the latter to maintain services during federal downtimes.

The Washington Post article also references a 2023 piece on the “State and Local Funding for National Parks” that highlights how federal shortfalls have prompted increased reliance on state budgets. The piece points to a trend where local governments, recognizing the economic importance of park tourism, allocate additional funds to keep parks open even when federal support is suspended.

Historical Precedent

To put the current situation into perspective, the article briefly reviews the 2018 and 2019 government shutdowns. During those events, the NPS lost all non‑essential staff, and several popular sites—such as Grand Canyon and Yellowstone—reported fewer ranger interactions and fewer educational programs. The piece quotes former NPS director William L. Eason, who noted that “the shutdown left a vacuum that was difficult to fill with volunteer staff.”

However, the Washington Post’s article also underscores how the 2025 shutdown differs in its potential length. With the current administration pushing for a “continuing resolution” that would extend funding through the end of the fiscal year, the shutdown may last several weeks, not days, amplifying the logistical challenges for both staff and visitors.

Practical Advice for Travelers

The article’s tone shifts from analysis to actionable advice. The author recommends:

1. Check the Park’s Website: Each national park’s official site will list any operational changes. The NPS website aggregates this information, so a quick glance can save you from stepping into a shuttered visitor center.

2. Call Ahead: Phone numbers for the nearest ranger station are provided. Many parks have on‑site “security” or “maintenance” personnel who can answer questions even if the visitor center is closed.

3. Plan for Longer Waits: If you’re hoping to attend a ranger program, be prepared for cancellations. However, some parks offer “free” walking tours, so you may still experience the park’s beauty without a guide.

4. Consider Alternative Activities: If the main attractions are shut, you might explore hiking, photography, or bird‑watching—activities that do not rely on staffed facilities.

5. Check for Concession Hours: Cafés and gift shops may operate on a limited schedule, so it’s worth calling ahead to avoid disappointment.

The piece also references a link to a companion article titled “How to Make the Most of a National Park Visit During a Federal Shutdown.” That article expands on these tips, offering specific park examples, such as how to enjoy the geothermal features at Yellowstone when the visitor center is closed.

The Bigger Picture: Funding and Policy

Beyond the immediate practicalities, the Washington Post article situates the shutdown in a larger political narrative. The federal budget negotiations have historically been fraught with disagreement over how much to allocate to the NPS versus other priorities. As the article points out, the National Parks and Preservation Act of 1966 originally mandated that national parks be maintained as “public lands for the benefit of the people.” Yet the modern fiscal reality—especially in a polarized Congress—means that park budgets are now often a battleground.

In addition to congressional stalemate, the article quotes an NPS budget analyst who warns that repeated shutdowns “create a cumulative damage to infrastructure.” The lack of funding for routine maintenance can lead to deteriorating roads, damaged interpretive signage, and even safety hazards on popular trails. “Once those structures are compromised, it takes years to rebuild,” the analyst says. This underscores the article’s call for a more stable funding model.

Bottom Line

The Washington Post’s October 3, 2025 travel feature serves as a practical guide for anyone planning a trip to a national park during a government shutdown. It explains that while the bulk of the parks remain open, the loss of ranger staff and certain services can alter the experience. Travelers are urged to check official sources, call ahead, and be flexible in their plans. Meanwhile, policy analysts and budget officials must grapple with the long‑term consequences of recurrent shutdowns on one of the nation’s most cherished public institutions.

As the debate over federal appropriations continues, the article concludes that the health of America’s national parks depends not only on the beauty of their landscapes but also on the political will to fund the people and infrastructure that safeguard them.