GREAT FALLS — The federal government shutdown is already creating ripple effects in Great Falls, from closing a major attraction to raising questions about healthcare funding for thousands of residents.

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, run by the U.S. Forest Service, has been forced to shut its doors. The closure comes at a time when the center typically sees more than 200 visitors per day. For many travelers, it’s a key destination stop.

Aneesa Coomer reports - watch the video here: Federal shutdown impacts Great Falls tourism and healthcare

Kelly Paladino, director of the Lewis & Clark Foundation, says, “Unfortunately, because it is a federal entity, the building is closed and we can’t accept any visitors. That is always difficult for us. There is the financial aspect of it, b

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