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Grand Teton closure shut down park revenues along with public access

Grand Teton National Park will close some of its roads to seasonal travel in preparation for winter.

The 16-day closure of Grand Teton National Park forced visitors to scrap long-planned vacations, and it cost local small business owners badly needed fall revenue. But it also left cash registers empty at the bookstores and entry gates that help fund the park. Based on 2012 October visitation numbers and a solid increase in park traffic so far this year, Grand Teton missed out on collecting an estimated $150,000 in entrance fee revenues during the shutdown. Continue Reading →

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Shutdown Alternatives: The Next Best Things in Cody

Cody, Wyo. is an authentic Western town that is home to several family-friendly attractions and events, including the Plains Indian Pow Wow at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West. Mikala SunRhodes, from left, Jasmine Walks Over Ice and Tia Hoops chat between dances at the 2008 Plains Indian Pow Wow.

Cody is an authentic Western cowboy town founded by and named after William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, famed scout and showman whose Wild West Show dazzled crowds across America and around the world. It features an authentic Wyoming small-town experience amidst some of the most spectacular natural scenery and amazing wildlife in the country. Continue Reading →

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Shutdown Alternatives: The Next Best Things in Montana’s Small Towns

Charming small towns across Montana offer a variety of authentic shopping, dining and cultural experiences.

Montana has more spectacular unspoiled nature than anywhere else in the lower 48 states, and that's not limited to our national parks. Our vibrant and charming small towns serve as gateways to natural wonders throughout the state providing breathtaking experiences by day and relaxing hospitality at night. It's important to remember that although the federal government may be shut down, Montana's State Parks, hundreds of day hiking trails in our national forests and our cities and towns are still open for business. Continue Reading →

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Wyoming won’t pay to operate Yellowstone and Grand Teton during shutdown

Wyoming will not pay to operate Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks under a plan announced Thursday that could allow some states to cover the costs of reopening national parks closed under the government shutdown. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the federal government would consider offers from states to cover operational costs to reopen some parks, according to the Associated Press. Continue Reading →

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Group plans shutdown protest Sunday at Yellowstone East Gate

A group of Park County, Wyo. residents is planning a Sunday protest of the federal government shutdown that has closed Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to all visitors.

A group of Park County, Wyo. residents is planning a Sunday protest of the federal government shutdown that has closed Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to all visitors. Organizers describe their effort as a "peaceful but determined" gathering aimed at raising awareness of public displeasure with the shutdown. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone shutdown brings ‘overwhelming’ losses to small businesses

The Dude Motel sign lights up the night sky in West Yellowstone, Mont., where tourism has dropped sharply since the government shutdown closed Yellowstone National Park.

Locally owned small businesses around Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are facing "overwhelming" financial losses in the wake of the continuing government shutdown, but their concerns have not found traction in Washington, D.C. In small towns around the parks, the tourism industry has been hit hard by cancellations, shortened trips and a sudden drop in business. Continue Reading →

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Shutdown Alternatives: The Next Best Things in Jackson Hole

Trees near the Cache Creek trailhead in the Bridger-Teton National Forest show off their best fall colors near Jackson, Wyo.

Nothing quite matches the unique experiences you can have in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but these ideas represent the Next Best Things in nearby communities. Kate Foster, communications manager for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, offers a few of her picks for the Next Best Things to see and do in and around Jackson, Wyo. Continue Reading →

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Shutdown Alternatives: Next Best Things in Gardiner

Gardiner, Mont. lies at the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, and is the historic original entrance to the park.

Nothing quite matches the unique experiences you can have in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but these ideas represent the Next Best Things in nearby communities. Barbara Shesky, executive director for the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce, offers a few of her picks for the Next Best Things to see and do in and around Gardiner, Mont. Continue Reading →

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Shutdown Alternatives: The Next Best Things in Idaho

Mist from Upper Mesa Falls in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho keeps the surrounding area green despite fall colors emerging across the region.

Nothing quite matches the unique experiences you can have in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, but these ideas represent the Next Best Things in nearby communities. Laurie McConnell, a spokeswoman for Idaho Tourism, offers a few of her picks for the Next Best Things to see and do in and around southeastern Idaho. Continue Reading →

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