Special Update: Government shutdown and Lake Superior’s national parks

What to know about visiting, and how you can help

Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the federal government shut down at 12:01 ET on October 1. The Department of Interior has issued an updated contingency plan, directing National Parks to observe established seasonal closures but remain open, while operating with significantly reduced staff and visitor services. 

The duration of the shutdown remains uncertain, but impacts will be felt quickly at Lake Superior’s five national parks, with implications for park staff, gateway communities, and visitors. 

As the nonprofit partner of these special places we want to share what we know about the park closures and assure you: NPLSF will be more active than ever at this time and we share your commitment to the health of our parks.

What to know about visiting 

Lake Superior’s national parks include natural areas and shorelines without entrance gates. You will still be able to enter park land during the shut down but it won’t be business as usual. 

The majority of National Park Service staff in all five of our national park units will be furloughed, with the exceptions made for a small number of staff deemed "necessary to protect life and property" and basic sanitation services, including law enforcement, fire safety, and custodial staff. 

The staff, including those who continue to work in the park, will not be paid until the shutdown ends. 

While there are slight differences among the parks, in general:

• Park buildings, including visitor centers, will be closed.

• There will be no staff to help visitors with interpretation, route planning, or other needs.

• With minimal park staffing during the shutdown, response time in case of emergencies will be impacted. Boating safety could be precarious at this time. 

Individual park unit websites will not be updated during the shutdown, so please check back to nplsf.org for updates. 

How you can help

You can speak up for our parks and support the people and places directly impacted. 

1. Engage with your policymakers: Contact your state's congressional delegation to stress the importance of stable funding and staffing for the National Park Service. Urge policymakers to lift the hiring freeze and restore full staffing levels to the national parks.

2. Recreate responsibly: Plan ahead and prepare, pack out your trash, and be considerate of the park's plants and wildlife, staff, and other visitors.

3. Express appreciation: Thank essential National Park Service personnel for continuing to serve during this shutdown period.

4. Support local businesses and organizations: Help keep our gateway communities vibrant by supporting local businesses and organizations through this challenging time.

5. Share information about community services: Spread the word on local organizations, including food pantries providing support to furloughed federal works and others impacted by the shutdown.

6. Stay informed: Stay connected with National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation for updates as the situation develops.

Our work continues

NPLSF’s work to raise philanthropic support for our parks means more now than ever. While implementation of some in-park improvements are now on hold, and many of our projects aren’t missing a beat.

We appreciate your commitment to Lake Superior and its national parks. As you know, NPLSF is a trusted philanthropic lifeline for our parks, offering a way for individuals to provide support for vital programs and improvements. Please consider a donation—your support will make a significant difference at this challenging time.

Together, we will move forward.

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About The NPLSF

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.

To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.