This page has been updated as of 10/3/2025.
Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the federal government has shut down. The National Park Service has announced on their website: “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.” Additional information on National Park Service operations during the shutdown can be found here: www.doi.gov
Within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, that means trails, roads, campsites, and picnic areas remain open. Vault toilets will be serviced at a minimum level.
TEKAKAPIMEK UPDATE
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station was initially closed as part of the shutdown, but with the support of a critical emergency donation from Friends, the facility will now be open as follows over the coming 2 weekends:
- Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Monday, October 6, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Friday, October 10, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 9am to 3pm
- Monday, October 13, 2025 | 9am to 3pm [Indigenous People’s Day]
If the shutdown extends beyond October 13th, our understanding is that Tekαkαpimək will be closed.
OUR EFFORTS, With your support
Friends has entered this time-limited agreement with NPS to fund Tekαkαpimək operations in order to help prevent disruption to travel plans and sustain the economic benefits visitors bring to Katahdin region communities. Visitor safety is also a major consideration: the opportunity to consult with a ranger and receive information before traveling in the monument is critical at this new unit with limited wayfinding. Equally important, Tekαkαpimək was born from deep partnerships with the Wabanaki Nations; out of respect for those partnerships, we are trying to ensure continued access to the stories within Tekαkαpimək, on Indigenous People’s Day especially.
Make no mistake: our first and greatest hope is for a swift resolution to the shutdown, and an FY26 budget that secures full funding and staffing for the National Park Service. We continue to advocate on this front and invite you to, as well.
our request of visitors
For visitors exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument during the shutdown, we urge extra attention to safety while staff and services are limited. As a reminder, monument roads are unpaved, there is no cell service, and there is no potable water within monument boundaries.
Additionally, we ask visitors to minimize their impact while recreating, including packing in and packing out all trash, for the protection of this cherished natural resource we all want to see healthy and thriving.
The Katahdin Region is rich with recreation and education opportunities for visitors beyond the monument, from the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum to Penobscot River Trails to the New England Outdoor Center. Consider spending more time in our welcoming gateway communities during this period of limited operations at the monument. Learn more at DestinationKatahdin.org.
We will continue to update this page as we learn how Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is impacted by this lapse in federal funding.
Thank you for your support and patience during this challenging time.
Government Shutdown Impacts
Posted: October 2, 2025 by Brian Hinrichs
This page has been updated as of 10/3/2025.
Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the federal government has shut down. The National Park Service has announced on their website: “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.” Additional information on National Park Service operations during the shutdown can be found here: www.doi.gov
Within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, that means trails, roads, campsites, and picnic areas remain open. Vault toilets will be serviced at a minimum level.
TEKAKAPIMEK UPDATE
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station was initially closed as part of the shutdown, but with the support of a critical emergency donation from Friends, the facility will now be open as follows over the coming 2 weekends:
If the shutdown extends beyond October 13th, our understanding is that Tekαkαpimək will be closed.
OUR EFFORTS, With your support
Friends has entered this time-limited agreement with NPS to fund Tekαkαpimək operations in order to help prevent disruption to travel plans and sustain the economic benefits visitors bring to Katahdin region communities. Visitor safety is also a major consideration: the opportunity to consult with a ranger and receive information before traveling in the monument is critical at this new unit with limited wayfinding. Equally important, Tekαkαpimək was born from deep partnerships with the Wabanaki Nations; out of respect for those partnerships, we are trying to ensure continued access to the stories within Tekαkαpimək, on Indigenous People’s Day especially.
Make no mistake: our first and greatest hope is for a swift resolution to the shutdown, and an FY26 budget that secures full funding and staffing for the National Park Service. We continue to advocate on this front and invite you to, as well.
our request of visitors
For visitors exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument during the shutdown, we urge extra attention to safety while staff and services are limited. As a reminder, monument roads are unpaved, there is no cell service, and there is no potable water within monument boundaries.
Additionally, we ask visitors to minimize their impact while recreating, including packing in and packing out all trash, for the protection of this cherished natural resource we all want to see healthy and thriving.
The Katahdin Region is rich with recreation and education opportunities for visitors beyond the monument, from the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum to Penobscot River Trails to the New England Outdoor Center. Consider spending more time in our welcoming gateway communities during this period of limited operations at the monument. Learn more at DestinationKatahdin.org.
We will continue to update this page as we learn how Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is impacted by this lapse in federal funding.
Thank you for your support and patience during this challenging time.
Category: Park Updates, Trip Reports, Uncategorized Tags: government shutdown, katahdin woods and waters, national monument, national park service, tekakapimek