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Since October 1, 2025, the United States government has been in a state of shutdown due to Congress's inability to approve a funding bill. This situation has led to the furlough of non-essential federal employees and a halt in numerous government functions. A direct consequence of this shutdown is a significant disruption to travel, with some flights experiencing delays and a range of federal landmarks either closing their doors or operating under severe restrictions. This piece offers an overview of the major attractions that have been, or are expected to be, impacted by these closures, urging travelers to verify the operational status of their intended destinations beforehand.

Washington D.C., renowned for its impressive array of museums and historical sites, many of which typically offer free admission, has seen several of these institutions close. The National Gallery of Art is currently inaccessible, and tours of the White House and the U.S. Capitol are unavailable. While visitors can still access the grounds surrounding the Washington Monument, elevator access to its observation deck remains suspended. The Smithsonian's 21 museums and the National Zoo are managing to stay open until October 11, 2025, by utilizing funds from the previous year. However, if the government shutdown persists beyond this date, these popular destinations are slated to close their doors starting Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Beyond the nation's capital, major urban centers across the country are also feeling the effects, with access to federally managed historic sites being restricted. In Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, numerous locations within Independence National Historical Park, such as the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, are temporarily closed. St. Louis, Missouri, sees the Gateway Arch, a unique national park situated entirely within a city, partially closed, with tram rides to the top suspended. However, privately managed activities like helicopter tours and riverboat cruises continue to operate. In Atlanta, Georgia, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, is also closed.

America's more expansive and remote national parks are not immune to the shutdown's impact. Closures and partial restrictions are inconsistent across the country, creating confusion for visitors. However, several parks are completely shut down, including New Mexico's unique White Sands National Park, Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado. Underground attractions within national parks, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, are also off-limits, particularly those requiring guided tours.

Many national parks, including Grand Canyon and Yosemite, remain partially open but operate with reduced staff and curtailed services. This means many guided tours, ranger-led programs, and visitor centers are suspended. Some open parks might still offer basic amenities like trash collection and restroom cleaning, though these are often limited. A few states, such as Utah, Tennessee, and West Virginia, have stepped in to provide funding to keep parks open, while others, like Arizona and New York, have opted not to. During the 35-day government shutdown in late 2018, many parks suffered vandalism and environmental damage, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of prolonged closures. Furthermore, while no entrance fees are currently being collected at national parks, the continued uncertainty means that sites open today may not remain so if the shutdown endures.