FRONT ROYAL — Visitors poured into the Shenandoah National Park’s northern entrance just south of Front Royal Sunday, undeterred by facility closures and limited services in the midst of the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

While the park remains open for cruising the Skyline Drive, hiking or visiting open-air memorials, the visitor’s centers and most restrooms are closed.

The timing of the shutdown — during peak tourism season for both the park and the town — is a concern for local officials, as is the safety of park goers and protection of the park’s natural resources with only minimal staffing.

Lizi Lewis, director of community development and tourism with the Town of Front Royal, said Monday that the Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center on Main Street is doing its

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