National Park Service announces return of Independence Day fireworks to Mount Rushmore

The National Park Service announced Monday the return of Independence Day fireworks to Mount Rushmore for the U.S.'s 250th anniversary, following a five-year absence.

The fireworks will be launched Friday, July 3, NPS said. A lottery will be held April 8–12 for public tickets for the event.

“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,” Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Dr. Jenifer Chatfield said.

“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.”  

“In just a few short months, our nation will throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America,” South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) said. “South Dakota is the freest state in a nation founded on the principles of freedom, so it is only fitting to celebrate in our backyard. We look forward to celebrating at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial!”

Fireworks returned to Mount Rushmore for an Independence Day celebration in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade, after previously being canceled because of wildfire risks, The Hill news outlet reported.

In 2021, the NPS denied a request from South Dakota for fireworks at Mount Rushmore to celebrate the Fourth of July. The following year, then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said that the NPS denied her request for fireworks at Mount Rushmore for Independence Day.