National Parks Face Uncertainty Amid Government Shutdown

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:11:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the government shutdown unfolds, national parks confront staffing reductions and visitor access limitations, leading to significant challenges for both tourists and park administration.

While some iconic parks like the Statue of Liberty remain accessible during the government shutdown, others such as the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia are closed to visitors. With around 9,300 National Park Service employees furloughed, many parks are offering limited services, raising concerns about potential damage and visitor safety. Various states are considering donations to keep parks open, which could prevent severe economic impacts on neighboring communities reliant on tourism.

NEW YORK (AP) — Crowds of visitors boarded boats to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on Wednesday morning despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has furloughed approximately two-thirds of National Park Service employees.

In contrast, in Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell resides, tourists found themselves turned away at its entrance, limited to peering at the landmark from outside the glass pavilion that houses it.

The National Park Service released a contingency plan stating that “park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.” However, many parks without designated “accessible areas” have closed, and open parks are at risk of shutting down if they cannot manage waste or prevent damage to resources, according to the plan.

Due to lack of clarity from government communication and social media inquiries, many visitors are questioning the status of various national parks, including whether camping permits are still valid and if facilities at renowned locations like Rocky Mountain National Park remain open.

The furlough of nearly 9,300 park employees means that open national parks can only offer limited services focused on essential duties, raising safety concerns. For instance, Mississippi’s Vicksburg National Military Park was completely shut down, while in Maine, visitors at Acadia National Park were met with unstaffed facilities and empty information boxes.

As the National Park Service administers over 400 sites ranging from national parks to historic locations, the implications of the shutdown extend beyond just the parks themselves, potentially impacting the economy of nearby communities that thrive on tourism.

During past government shutdowns, some states have stepped in to keep parks open by pledging financial support. However, states like Arizona have expressed inability to contribute this time around. The issues surrounding accessibility and management of the parks during the shutdown remain complex, as many face strain already due to workforce reductions and budget cuts.

It is crucial for ongoing discussions to explore viable solutions for the continuation of park services and the prevention of further economic downturn in areas heavily reliant on visitor traffic.