ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Several key visitor centers and attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway will be open thanks to emergency funding from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which is stepping in to keep facilities running during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The foundation announced Friday that it will fund operations at three major sites: the Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. All three had closed last week when federal agencies paused operations.
The Parkway Visitor Center, at milepost 384, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 12. It features maps, exhibits and a film about the scenic roadway.
The Museum of North Carolina Minerals, at milepost 331 near Spruce Pine, will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 9-12. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that highlight the region’s geological and mining history.
The Blue Ridge Music Center, at milepost 213 near Galax, will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 9-13, featuring free “Midday Mountain Music” concerts from noon to 3 p.m. The center also houses the Roots of American Music Museum, celebrating the area’s traditional music through recordings, instruments, and family histories.
In addition, The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park in Laurel Springs will remain open weekends through Oct. 19, serving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The foundation said it will reassess its support as the Department of the Interior updates operational plans.
While the road remains open, travelers are advised to check for closures related to ongoing road work and Tropical Storm Helene recovery projects. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails and picnic areas remain accessible.
