The 43-day government shutdown had a major effect on federally funded national parks across the U.S. The 63 national parks each took a different approach to navigating the shutdown, during which time they were directed to "remain as accessible as possible."

Some parks, such as White Sands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, were forced to close to protect their fragile landscapes. Others, like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, relied on public funding to fill in the financial gap.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was funded by city, county, and state taxpayer dollars, as well as funds from its partner non-profits, Friends of the Smokies and Smokies Life. In total, the park used $1.8 million of taxpayer funds to stay open during those 43 days.

Was it worth it? Accord

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