Since the beginning of the U.S. government shutdown, some national parks have been forced to close. Yet, some have managed to reopen thanks to local groups that decided to pay to keep these protected areas open .

One of these is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which had already closed twice but always managed to open again. Zion National Park had a similar story and was funded by the state of Utah to keep its doors open to visitors .

According to an article by National Parks Traveler, another national park in the Midwest is now joining the list: Gateway Arch National Park.

Gateway Arch National Park Opens Again To The Public Thanks To Local Donors

Today, Saturday, 18, Gateway Arch National Park is finally opening to the public despite the U.S. government shutdown. Visitors s

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