What the U.S. Government Shutdown Means for Historic Sites in 2025
- Sam Truett
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 4
When the U.S. government shuts down, it doesn’t just affect Washington, D.C. budgets and politics, it also touches the places where history comes alive. From Civil War battlefields to Revolutionary landmarks, many historic sites are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and other federal agencies. A funding lapse forces these agencies to make hard choices about which operations to keep running, which to suspend, and how to protect irreplaceable cultural treasures.
Here’s what travelers and history lovers need to know about the current 2025 shutdown.
The Big Picture
Staff furloughs: Thousands of park rangers, interpreters, and museum staff are temporarily off the job.
Visitor centers closed: Indoor spaces like museums, visitor centers, restrooms, and guided programs are among the first to shut down.
Open-air access continues: Many battlefields, trails, and monuments remain open to the public, but with little to no staff on duty.
Limited safety & maintenance: Trash pickup, routine maintenance, and law enforcement are sharply reduced. Visitors are urged to “pack in, pack out” and use caution.
Local economies take a hit: Shutdowns reduce tourism, hurting small businesses that rely on historic site visitors.
Sites That Remain Open
Despite the shutdown, some historic sites are still welcoming visitors:
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites (Hawaii). Still open, supported by nonprofit and museum partners.
Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania). The museum and visitor center (run by the Gettysburg Foundation) remain open, and the battlefield grounds are accessible.
Yosemite National Park (California). Open to visitors, but with limited staffing and services.
Utah’s “Big Five” Parks. Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion all remain open, though expect reduced services.
San Francisco’s Alcatraz & Presidio. Operated in partnership with local groups, these remain open, though other Bay Area sites like Muir Woods face closures.
Sites With Limited Access
Some sites are only partially open, or have major restrictions:
Liberty Bell Pavilion (Philadelphia, PA). Closed, though Independence Hall’s outdoor areas may still be accessible.
San Antonio Missions (Texas). Grounds remain, but many services are suspended.
Weir Farm Historic Site (Connecticut). Trails are open, but all buildings and programs are closed.
Saint-Gaudens Historic Site (New Hampshire). Grounds are open, but visitor services are halted.
Sites Closed During the Shutdown
Eisenhower National Historic Site (Pennsylvania). House tours are suspended.
Many NPS visitor centers, restrooms, and museums nationwide, particularly in smaller or more remote historic sites without private partners or state support.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Check before you go: Each site’s status can change daily. Visit the official NPS site or call ahead.
Plan for no amenities: Bring your own water, food, and restrooms may be closed.
Respect the sites: With reduced staff, it’s more important than ever to treat historic grounds responsibly.
Support local towns: Small businesses near these historic sites rely on visitor traffic; consider dining or shopping locally to help offset the economic impact.
The Bottom Line
A government shutdown doesn’t erase America’s history, but it does affect how we can experience it. Many open-air historic sites are still accessible, yet the rich interpretive experiences, ranger talks, and guided tours that bring history to life are largely on hold. For now, travelers will need to come prepared, self-sufficient, and respectful while exploring the nation’s past.
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