Fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore National Memorial this year after a five-year pause. The show will take place on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, and according to the National Park Service, reflects President Trump’s vision of a “grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.”
“In partnership with the State of South Dakota, we are excited to reinstate a spectacular fireworks show as the highlight of Mount Rushmore’s Independence Day commemoration,” said Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, deputy assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “We invite the public to enjoy the show and reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey and the great patriotic leaders who established, preserved and expanded our country’s destiny.”
While fireworks were allowed at Mount Rushmore under the first Trump administration, the Biden administration stopped the display, citing objections from tribes that see the display as posing "an adverse effect to the traditional cultural landscape."
The Biden administration specifically denied a request in 2022 from South Dakota, where the memorial is found, to allow the fireworks display, noting that such displays can adversely impact the environment, could spark wildfires, interfere with cultural and historical presentations at the memorial for the holiday weekend, affect concessionaire operations, and create a public danger due to the gathering of a large group that couldn't safely be evacuated from the memorial in the event of a wildfire.
A 2016 study by the U.S. Geological Survey also concluded that surface and groundwater at Mount Rushmore were probably polluted with a chemical common to rocket fuels and explosives by past fireworks' displays. The chemical, perchlorate, has been found to interfere with the function of the human thyroid gland.
Tickets will be required for those wishing to attend the July 3 festivities and fireworks this year. The park will close to the general public the evening of July 2 and reopen for ticketed participants only starting at 1 p.m. on July 3. Public tickets for the event will be available through a lottery on Recreation.gov from April 8 – 12, and there will be a $1 non-refundable lottery application fee.
However, the Trump administration has determined that the lottery and event will only open to U.S. residents. The Park Service says this is “part of the Trump administration’s commitment to enhancing access for American residents.”
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