Government Shutdown Impacts National Parks: Limited Access and Visitor Concerns

Fri Oct 10 2025 18:34:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the government shutdown unfolds, many national parks remain accessible, but with limited staff and services. While some parks like the Statue of Liberty remain open, others like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia are closed to visitors, leading to confusion and frustration.

The ongoing government shutdown is affecting national parks across the country. While some sites like the Statue of Liberty continue to welcome tourists, others, such as the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, are closed. The furlough of nearly 9,300 park employees has resulted in limited services and concerns about the stewardship of park resources. States are looking into ways to keep parks operational, but uncertainty remains about which locations will stay open.

NEW YORK (AP) — Crowds of people loaded onto boats to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Wednesday morning with no immediate signs of the government shutdown that is triggering the furlough of about two-thirds of National Park Service employees.

However, in Philadelphia, tourists hoping to see the Liberty Bell were turned away from its entrance, left only with glimpses through a glass pavilion.

A recently released shutdown contingency plan indicated that while many park roads, lookout points, trails, and outdoor memorials would remain accessible, parts of parks without adequate staffing might close. Parks currently open may shut down if resources are damaged or if garbage accumulates.

Limited information on government websites led to several inquiries on social media regarding the status of camping permits and access to popular locations such as Rocky Mountain National Park.

The furlough of approximately 9,300 park employees severely limits the services parks can provide, focusing primarily on crucial safety measures. In Mississippi, for instance, the Vicksburg National Military Park has closed completely while nonprofit organizations are trying to find a way to fund staff to reopen.

Acadia National Park in Maine reported no visible park rangers, and visitors seeking trail maps were met with empty holders outside a closed visitor center.

Despite the shutdown affecting operations at over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service, some parks have remained open to visitors. However, concerns loom regarding vandalism and natural resource damage, reminiscent of disturbances during previous shutdowns.

Efforts by states to address park funding during shutdowns have included donations for staffing, as demonstrated in past situations where states like Utah provided financial support to keep parks operational. This time around, discussions continue, but states are facing varying budget constraints.

Ultimately, while some national parks like the Statue of Liberty welcome guests, many others grapple with closures, leading to widespread uncertainty about access and services amidst the ongoing government shutdown.