Yosemite National Park Re-Opens Wednesday Night After Government Shutdown

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Yosemite National Park is reopening to visitors Wednesday night with the end of the 16-day partial government shutdown

The National Park Service announced that major highways and roads leading into and through the park are immediately open to vehicles. The park's main concessioner is reopening facilities and will welcome visitors right away.

Its visitor centers and campgrounds will open Thursday, October 17, 2013 when guided tours will also be available.

The park, one of the most popular national attractions, has been closed since October 1, 2013. Its closing brought local economies to a near standstill.

Another California attraction that was closed during the shutdown — Alcatraz Island near San Francisco — will reopen Thursday.