• Voyageurs National Park: Some ski trails will be open at Voyageurs, thanks to special funding from the Voyageurs National Park Association, the nonprofit friends group of the park. That funding and other fee revenue will allow staff to pack and groom some cross-country ski trails and staff the visitor center on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. over the next few weeks.

• Federal courts: Paid operations were secured through this Friday, but if the lapse in funding isn't resolved by then, Chief U.S. District Judge John Tunheim will decide whether to issue an order deeming all 223 staff members as "essential," which means they will be required to work without pay.

• Free tickets: Furloughed federal employees can get some free entertainment during the shutdown if they show a valid government identification card. The Minnesota Orchestra is offering two free tickets to certain concerts through June. Those tickets must be reserved before Feb. 28 with promo code FEDERAL. The Science Museum is providing free admission to the exhibit gallery and Omnitheater for federal employees and up to three guests.