National Park Service: Fireworks to return to Mount Rushmore for first time since 2020 for Independence Day celebration

In celebration of 250 years of independence, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that fireworks will again be launched at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial after a five-year absence.

 However, the firework display will take place on July 3^rd, rather than July 4^th.

On Monday, in a news release, NPS announced that this reflects President Donald Trump’s vision of a “grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250^th anniversary of American Independence.”

“In just a few short months, our nation will throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America,” said South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden in the NPS statement.

 

“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,” he added.

Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, the deputy assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, also commented on the event in the release, expressing that NPS is excited to reinstate the fireworks show in partnership with the state.

“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,” Chatfield said.

 

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, July 3, 2020. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

After an 11-year hiatus, fireworks were held at the memorial in 2020, but the tradition hasn’t stuck. The NPS denied a 2022 permit request from then-GOP Governor Kristi Noem, with The Hill reporting that officials cited both drought risks and tribal opposition as primary concerns.

 

“Mount Rushmore is the best place in America to celebrate our nation’s birthday – I just wish President Biden could see that,” Noem said at the time. “Last year, the President hypocritically held a fireworks celebration in Washington, D.C., while denying us our own event. This year, it looks like they are planning to do the same.”

Public tickets will be available for the July 3^rd event through a lottery from April 8^th to 12^th, with NPS noting that it is only open to U.S. residents — in alignment with “the Trump administration’s commitment to enhancing access for American residents.”