Forget about enjoying the fall colors at Wisconsin’s national parks. The Apostle Islands and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are closed because of the partial federal government shutdown.

When seeking information at Chequamegon Forest headquarters, the phone recording suggested callers leave a message, but it wasn’t too promising. “Please leave a voice mail; however, note, we will not have access to email or voice mail due to the current lapse in funding.”

Meanwhile, state parks are, in fact, open for business. A spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says all state parks are open, despite some rumors to the contrary.

AUDIO: Outgoing phone message :32

AUDIO: Pronounce Chequamegon

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