Government Shutdown

Updated as of September 2023

There are many exciting things to do in Fairfax County if the federal government experiences a shutdown. The majority of our attractions will remain open for business, including George Washington's Mount Vernon, Sully Historic Site, and the Workhouse Arts Center, plus many more. For more information on what you can still see and do on your vacation, read below!

Colonial Flags in front of Mansion

Federal Government Shutdown Information

Despite a shutdown happening, we have over 80 attractions in Fairfax County that typically stay open for business.
Metro remains open.
The airports are open, the trains are still running and other transportation options remain unchanged.
There are hundreds of dining options in Fairfax County awaiting your reservation. Find one here.
For family-friendly activities, check out some of the things you can do with your children in Fairfax County. Read more here.

! What You Need to Know During a Government Shutdown !

National Park Service-affiliated sites, including the National Mall and its monuments and memorials as well as Great Falls Park, will likely be affected and closed. However, some sites may remain accessible with limited access and amenities. Wolf Trap shows remain unaffected, but please note that National Park Service ranger tours and other park-related amenities may not be available. The U.S. Capitol will also typically close.

All Smithsonian Institution sites and museums (including Chantilly's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) as well as the National Gallery of Art and National Zoo, typically close to the public when a shutdown occurs. For the latest updates from the Smithsonian, click here.

The National Museum of the U.S. Army would likely close.

Want more information on what's open in Washington, DC? Visit our friends over at Washington.org for a rundown.

Discounts & Deals for Federal Employees:

*Stay tuned!