Fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore this summer as part of a major Independence Day celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service announced that the memorial will host a July 3rd fireworks show — the first at the monument since 2021.
The event is expected to draw large crowds, and attendance will be determined through a public ticket lottery on Recreation.gov. . The lottery opens April 8th and closes April 12th. Applicants can request up to four tickets, and winners will be notified on April 14th. A one‑dollar application fee applies.
Mount Rushmore will close to the general public the evening of July 2nd and reopen to ticketed visitors at 1 p.m. on July 3rd. Festivities will run from roughly 4 to 10 p.m., and federal guidelines require all attendees 16 and older to present a valid photo ID. Security screening and item restrictions will be in place.
Officials say the fireworks display is part of a nationwide celebration of America’s founding and will serve as the highlight of the holiday weekend at the memorial. Regular operations for all visitors will resume on July 4th.
