Gov. Rhoden Announces Ticket Lottery for Mount Rushmore Fireworks

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Gov. Rhoden Announces Ticket Lottery for Mount Rushmore Fireworks

 PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the upcoming ticket lottery for the return of Independence Day fireworks to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

“Mount Rushmore is a powerful symbol of freedom and American spirit,” said Governor Rhoden. “As the freest state in the nation, South Dakota is proud to welcome visitors from across the country as we celebrate America’s birthday and our values of independence, freedom, and liberty. God bless America!”

The event will be held on July 3, 2026, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Tickets are required and will be distributed through a public lottery.

“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.

The ticket lottery will take place from April 8 at 8 a.m. MT through April 12 at 9:59 p.m. MT. There is a $1 non-refundable lottery application fee. Each applicant may apply for up to four tickets and a parking space or shuttle service. Lottery results will be distributed on April 14, with additional instructions provided to selected applicants.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial will reopen for all visitors with regular business hours on July 4, 2026, with its annual Independence Day celebrations and programming.

Event details, ticket information, and visitor guidelines are available on the National Park Service website.

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9 thoughts on “Gov. Rhoden Announces Ticket Lottery for Mount Rushmore Fireworks”

  1. I love fireworks first of all. But if there is a concern for fires in the dry conditions, why not do a laser light show and drones? Still beautiful. I’ve been asking this for several years.

    1. What can burn. It’s just rocks. Water is already contaminated from the last time. Politicians could care less as long as they can puff up their chests at a ‘patriotic’ show.

      1. They’re probably just trying to use pretty lights to lure Trump in with another fireworks show. It’ll probably work. He wants his big stone head up there too.

      2. Pretty much every fireworks show has had spot fires out there. This is why they usually enlist wildland firefighters to stand and watch. You arent going to find too many of our coyote 1 crew in support of this. I know because I’ve been on severity during one show and we were tasked to make sure nothing happened. Its stupid. Drones are cooler.

  2. Are the Tribes on board with this?

    What will be the environmental impact be for the area from the fallout of the fireworks. Toxic materials end up in the soil and streams.

  3. A drone show would be incredibly exciting. Maybe not as exciting as fleeing a sudden forest fire.

  5. The fireworks at Mount Rushmore have been cancelled due to one issue or another. If they get cancelled due to ongoing drought, it won’t be the first time.

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