South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebrations – July 3rd and 4th Visitors will be able to experience various educational programs, patriotic tributes and music. You won’t want to miss it!” Fireworks displays were once regular occurrences at Mount Rushmore during the late 1990s and 2000s. But the National Park Services stopped the shows in 2009 over wildfire and chemical contamination concerns. Fireworks returned in 2020 under former Gov. Kristi Noem in an event attended by President Donald Trump. (Seth Tupper – South Dakota Searchlight) – Mount Rushmore will host an Independence Day-themed fireworks display next year, bringing worldwide attention to the national memorial and South Dakota, but also bringing concerns about potential forest fires, water pollution, litter and other problems. Head an hour east to Badlands National Park, a Martian-looking landscape of jagged peaks, painted canyons, and some of the best stargazing in the lower 48. A few local tips: ️ Fireworks are not permitted at Rushmore due to wildfire risk—but trust us, the vibe doesn’t need them. ️ The lighting ceremony begins around 9 PM. Every Fourth of July, Mount Rushmore National Monument hosts a spectacular fireworks show. The event is free and open to the public. However, due to the popularity of the event, tickets are required and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are some tips on how to get tickets to the Mount Rushmore fireworks: 1. President Joe Biden's administration rejected permit requests for Fourth of July fireworks displays at Mount Rushmore in 2021 and 2022, citing concerns from local tribes and environmental worries. Enjoy a day full of fun at Mount Rushmore. Overview: Each year the Fourth of July or Independence Day Celebration at Mount Rushmore provides the visitor with great entertainment. During the day music is provided by live performers which are sure to please everyone. Presidential Re-enactors: Professional actors will portray the four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore throughout the day. Below are a list of scheduled apperances. They will also be found throughout the site in between their presentations. Presentations in Theater B (Visitor Center) 11:00 - 11:45am - Abraham Lincoln 12:30 - 1:15pm - Theodore Roosevelt 2:00 - 2:45pm - George Washington 3:30 RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Fireworks will return once again to Mount Rushmore for the 250th birthday of America. Governor Larry Rhoden announced in February that he and Doug Burgum, United States KEYSTONE, SD –– Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3 rd and July 4 th will have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. Will there be fireworks at Mount Rushmore on 4th July 2024 The Governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem has submitted an application for fireworks at Mount Rushmore for 2024, but in the past in 2021, 2022 & 2023 the National Park Service, did deny this application. There was a firework display held at Mount Rushmore in 2020, but prior to that, no firework display had been held since 2008, so the Experience the beauty and patriotism of the Fourth of July in the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota. This iconic region comes alive with a vibrant celebration of America's independence, offering a rich mix of traditional events and outdoor adventures. Complete list of Independence Day celebrations across South Dakota in 2025. From Mount Rushmore to Sioux Falls, find all Fourth of July parades, fireworks, rodeos, and patriotic events. KEYSTONE, SD –– Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3 rd and July 4 th will have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. All events are listed below. Specific times and locations are published on the park’s Event Experience the beauty and patriotism of the Fourth of July in the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota. This iconic region comes alive with a vibrant celebration of America's independence, offering a rich mix of traditional events and outdoor adventures. Whether you're drawn to the festive parades, the opportunity to dine al fresco amidst nature, or the call of the wild trails, the Black Hills Witness a Fourth of July celebration like no other! Watch videos and find out if the Mount Rushmore National Memorial fireworks are happening this year. Lots of events are happening at Mount Rushmore National Memorial for Independence Day. In addition to fireworks, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational Visitors help lift and fold the American flag on Independence Day. Each year on July 3rd and 4th, visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. Visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota on July 3rd and July 4th will have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. Every year Mount Rushmore has a program of cultural events that runs on the 3rd & 4th of July at Mount Rushmore. You can listen to a cultural talk, watch some live music and even see the 4 presidents featured on the mountain walking through the crowds of people for photo opportunities.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |