Francesca Aton, What to Expect When Visiting Museums and National Parks During the US Government Shutdown, ART News, 6 October 2025
Amid the United States government shutdown, it can be difficult to keep track of what is open and closed, as states, institutions, and parks follow different protocols.
Since Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding, as of October 1, the US government has been shutdown. As such, a number of government agencies and programs came to a screeching halt. This can include museums and historic sites as well as national parks, among other venues.
Though most outdoor parks and monuments remain accessible to the public, many are missing staff and workers who run tours and visitors centers. Despite an outlined contingency plan for national parks, for example, the lack of uniformity has left some shuttered while others are still open with suspended or limited services, with some states even stepping in to keep the parks running.