News Summary
Washington D.C. is facing major disruptions in its tourism sector due to an ongoing government shutdown, leading to the closure of many federally operated attractions. Despite these challenges, there are still various alternative destinations accessible to tourists. Notable sites include the College Park Aviation Museum, National Inventors Hall of Fame, and President Lincoln’s Cottage. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest details on websites before planning their trips to these alternative attractions.
Washington D.C. is currently experiencing significant disruptions in its tourism sector due to an ongoing government shutdown that has forced the closure of many popular attractions, including federally operated Smithsonian museums. With a variety of alternative destinations still accessible to travelers, visitors can continue to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and culture.
During the shutdown, tourists can explore a range of alternative locations, some of which offer free admission while others require a paid ticket or timed-entry pass. It is advised that tourists check the respective websites of these attractions for the latest details before planning their visits.
Alternative Attractions Available During the Shutdown
- College Park Aviation Museum: Situated along Metro’s Green Line, this museum features a diverse collection of aircraft, including a 1924 Berliner Helicopter and pre-World War I planes. Current exhibitions cover themes such as animals in flight, airmail, and contributions from Latina pilots.
- National Inventors Hall of Fame: Located in Alexandria, this attraction offers free insights into American innovation with displays showcasing the evolution of cars and various inventions.
- President Lincoln’s Cottage: This historical site requires one-hour tour reservations and allows guests to glimpse the home where Abraham Lincoln resided during part of his presidency.
- National Building Museum: Displays American history through architecture, featuring exhibitions on contemporary design and the evolution of American homes.
- Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream: Provides the American Dream Experience, focusing on American innovation, and offers free admission with high-tech displays.
- Hillwood Estate: Once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, this estate boasts gorgeous gardens including an array of orchids and a serene Japanese-inspired garden.
- The Spy Museum: Located near the Wharf, the museum offers an interactive experience about surveillance and espionage in U.S. history.
- Planet Word: An interactive museum dedicated to language, hosting exhibits that examine the influence of words in various facets of life, such as music and comedy.
- Glenstone: This contemporary art museum, located about 30 minutes outside D.C., features indoor and outdoor exhibits and requires advance reservation for free tickets.
- The Kreeger Museum: Showcases works from famous artists like Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso in a unique residential setting.
- Rubell Museum: Focuses on contemporary art created with unconventional materials, highlighting innovative pieces.
- Folger Shakespeare Library: This library near the Library of Congress includes galleries dedicated to Shakespeare along with family-friendly activities.
- National Museum of Women in the Arts: Celebrates contributions from over 1,000 women artists, featuring pieces that span over five centuries.
- The Phillips Collection: Located in Dupont Circle, this collection displays notable artworks and offers a pay-as-you-choose admission from 4 PM to closing.
Impact of the Government Shutdown
The government shutdown has been ongoing for over a week, significantly affecting tourism and economic revenue in Washington D.C. Many federally funded museums, including the National Gallery of Art, have closed due to the funding lapse. Although the National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum are still operating, they are using reserve funds and plan to continue this way until October 11.
Experts predict that the impact of the shutdown will worsen for D.C.’s tourism industry beginning October 12. City events and meetings are still happening, but participation may diminish if government employees are unable to attend. The previous shutdown, which lasted from December 2018 to January 2019, resulted in an estimated $47 million loss in revenue for D.C. This time, the ongoing shutdown has already caused over $1 billion in travel-related economic losses nationwide, leading to a disappointed atmosphere among visitors who find many attractions closed.
In response to these challenges, organizations such as Destination DC are striving to promote activities and attractions still open for tourists amidst the closures, hoping to mitigate the economic impact on the local tourism industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
D.C. Tourism Struggles Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Smithsonian Institution Closes Due to Government Shutdown
Federal Workers Face Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Government Shutdown Threatens Washington D.C. Tourism Industry
D.C. Businesses Struggle Amid Federal Layoffs
Federal Government Shutdown Enters Second Week, Affecting Workers
D.C. Businesses Scale Back Amid Federal Layoffs
Washington D.C. Faces Cultural Closures Amid Government Shutdown
Washington D.C. Prepares for Moderate Recession
Washington D.C. Faces Economic Downturn Amid Job Losses
Additional Resources
- Washingtonian: Visiting DC During the Shutdown
- Fortune: Government Shutdown Impact on Tourism
- NBC Washington: Shutdown Tourist Impact
- New York Times: Smithsonian Museums and the Shutdown
- BBC: Effects of the Government Shutdown on Tourism
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdown
- Google Search: Washington DC Government Shutdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Shutdown
- Google News: Washington DC Shutdown
- Washington Post: Smithsonian Closures Due to Shutdown
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
