One National Park is open during the government shutdown:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not shuttering its doors during the government shutdown.
businessinsider.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-open-government-shutdown-2025-10
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Great Smoky Mountains Open Amid ShutdownNearly $2M raised locally keeps the top US park running through October 19, 2025, despite federal budget impasse.
Key FactsOct 10, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: businessinsider.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: businessinsider.com
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is partially open during the government shutdown, with two visitor centers operating.
- Local governments and a nonprofit secured close to $2 million in funding to maintain park operations until October 19, 2025.
- The park hosted over 12 million visitors in 2024 and features 850 miles of trails plus 1,000 campsites.
- The federal shutdown starting October 1, 2025, furloughed most National Park Service employees, but local support kept this park accessible.
The park is a vital part of our regional economy, and closing it during peak fall season is simply not an option.— Sevier County's mayor, Larry Waters
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cessation of government functions following failure of the legislative branch to pass key bills which fund or authorize operations
U.S. national park in Tennessee and North Carolina
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The most visited national park is open during the government shutdown: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the border between North Carolina and ...
businessinsider.com/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-open-government-shutdown-2025-10
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