Not Just In DC: How The Government Shutdown Is Affecting Popular US Attractions

In addition to the jobs of federal workers in the aviation sector and the overall impact on air travel in the United States, historic and significant attractions across the country are being affected by the latest government shutdown.

On October 10, the Smithsonian shared on social media that its museums, research sites, and the National Zoo will be temporarily closed due to the government shutdown. Notably, the latter closures include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of African Art, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery, to name a few.

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City and all other Smithsonian sites are also closed. The organization previously disclosed that its institutions — many of which are in Washington, D.C. — would rely on previously granted funding until October 6, only days after the government shutdown began on October 1.

National Parks

Due to the government shutdown, some national parks are closed and some are operating with reduced staff and minimal to no maintenance. Moreover, anticipate that visitor centers, restrooms, gift shops, and gated areas and parking lots will be closed. Ranger programming is also suspended.

The Department of the Interior says that, per the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks’ discretion, certain important areas within national parks will be inaccessible if they are “vulnerable to destruction” during the staffing shortage.

In the NYC area, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will remain open.

Monuments

Open-air monuments and memorials will likely remain accessible to the public for sightseeing and exploration. Those include ones in Washington, D.C. (even at the National Mall), as well as national parks across the country. However, as with everything on this list, it’s best to double-check whether there’s an update to a site’s hours of operation directly ahead of your visit (if possible) during the government shutdown.

In Philadelphia, another of America’s historic hubs, the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall are temporarily inaccessible to the public due to the shutdown. However, according to Visit Philadelphia, you may be able to experience some of the sites’ magic from outside.

Museums

“We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved,” says the Smithsonian. “We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status,” the organization adds before encouraging people to take advantage of its online resources.

In the nation’s capital, many museums will still be open. The full list is extensive, but museums open as of this reporting include the National Building Museum, the National Children’s Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Museum of the Bible, and the Phillips Collection.

What Is There To Do Instead Of Visiting Sites Impacted By The Government Shutdown?

This is an ideal time for travelers and locals alike to visit privately funded, smaller, city-run, and/or family-led hubs of history and learning. Consider signing up for updates from local tourism organizations about what’s happening in your city or your next U.S. destination. Additionally, research privately owned museums and sites open to the public.

Other things you may consider include attending local festivals, markets, and community events, as well as supporting small businesses. Embark on a privately-owned city sightseeing tour, enjoy local theater, and eat at city hotspots and hidden gems. Restaurants and bars in Washington, D.C., could particularly use foot traffic, as many have been severely impacted by the decline in federal workers commuting into the city.

Privately owned entertainment venues and amusement parks should be running as usual, so those could be worth checking out too.

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