As tourists continue to visit national parks and DC, advocates and local businesses warn about long

People visit the National Mall during a government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Matthew Rodier/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The government shutdown didn’t deter 26-year-old Nudrat Mahajabin from visiting Grand Canyon National Park earlier this month, even though the signs were clear: No entrance fees would be collected, the visitors’ center was closed and no park rangers were nearby.

“We had planned this trip a while back. So, there was really no going back,” she said. “I feel like a shutdown might not close the gates, but it does affect and impact the caretakers. And I guess that’s what worries me the most.”

While many tourists like Mahajabin are yet to be discouraged by the government shutdown, national park advocates and businesses are worried about the safety of nation