March 9, 2026:
The National Park Service will conduct a ticket lottery next month to determine who gets to attend the July 3, 2026, fireworks display at South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore National Memorial to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
The public ticket lottery will be available from April 8–12, 2026, on Recreation.gov.
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As part of the Trump administration’s commitment to enhancing access for American residents, the lottery and event are open only to U.S. residents.
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A valid, government-issued photo ID will be required for entry for ages 16 years and older.
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Applications for the ticket lottery can be submitted from April 8 at 8am MT through April 12 at 9:59pm MT.
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There is a $1 non-refundable lottery application fee.
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Each applicant can apply for up to four tickets and a parking space or shuttle service.
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Applicants will receive lottery results on April 14. Successful notices will include additional details and instructions for attendees.
Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, said they’re excited to reinstate a fireworks show as the highlight of Mount Rushmore’s Independence Day commemoration. After a five-year absence, she said the public is invited to enjoy the show and reflect on the United States’ remarkable 250 year history.
The park will close to the general public the evening of July 2. At 1pm MT on July 3, Mount Rushmore will reopen for ticketed participants only. Special events will take place in the park from approximately 4–10pm MT.
July 3 fireworks show ticket holders should allow ample time for security screening. There will be limitations on items allowed through security. Additional information is available on the park’s Independence Day website.
June 24, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the State of South Dakota and the United States Department of the Interior are moving forward with planning for the Mount Rushmore Fireworks celebration to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward with planning, which you can find here.
“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”
Back in February, Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum agreed that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This MOA serves as the legal binding document.
“Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country’s birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration.”
Governor Rhoden also invited President Trump to attend this fantastic celebration. He made this invitation in a letter to the President, which you can find here.
February 18, 2025:
A fireworks display will be held at Mount Rushmore in 2026 to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum reached the agreement last week (Feb. 14, 2025).
Mount Rushmore is a national memorial under the control of the United States Department of the Interior. Rhoden says he looks forward to partnering with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (Task Force 250) to make this historic event possible.
Rhoden says the nation’s 250th birthday will draw the attention of the entire world and he thanks Burgum for helping to make this historic event happen. President Donald Trump has been invited to attend the celebration.
2020 was the last time fireworks were last set off at Mount Rushmore in celebration of Independence Day. In years since, the Biden Administration rejected requests to continue the fireworks celebration.
February 3, 2025:
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House could mean fireworks will again be part of Independence Day celebrations at Mount Rushmore.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden is hoping to have a fireworks display next year as part of the United States 250th birthday celebration.
Rhoden sent a letter Monday (Feb. 3, 2025) inviting President Donald Trump to come to Mount Rushmore for Independence Day 2026 to celebrate the nation’s major milestone with fireworks.
Rhoden’s letter says the country is getting ready to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America and there is no better place to do it than Mount Rushmore. He pointed to Trump’s recent announcement of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the confirmation of former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior as positive developments that could make it happen.
Trump was at Mount Rushmore for Independence Day in 2020, the last time fireworks were allowed at the national monument. However, under the Biden administration, fireworks permits have been denied by the Department of the Interior, citing reason such as environmental impacts, fire danger and cultural objections from the area’s Native American tribes.
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