Mount Rushmore Hosts July 4th Fireworks for US Residents

Get ready for a spectacular display! After a few years away, one of America’s most iconic landmarks is set to host a dazzling Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota is bringing back its Independence Day event, but there’s a key detail: it’s exclusively for U.S. residents.

A Patriotic Evening at Mount Rushmore

Mark your calendars for July 3rd! The skies above the carved faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln will be illuminated with fireworks. But it’s not just about the dazzling pyrotechnics; the National Park Service (NPS) promises an evening filled with “educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment.”

The event is scheduled to run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Time (MT). Presented by the NPS and the State of South Dakota, this ticketed celebration aims to honor America’s independence with a memorable experience.

Exclusive Access for American Residents

Here’s the important part: attendance is limited to U.S. residents only. To ensure this, a government-issued photo ID – like a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or green card – will be mandatory for entry for anyone aged 16 and older. Recreation.gov clearly states this event is part of an “Administration’s commitment to enhancing access for American residents.”

Attendees should also be prepared for mandatory security screenings before entering the event grounds. This measure is in place to ensure the safety and security of all guests.

How to Enter the Ticket Lottery

Want to be part of this unique celebration? The ticket lottery will be open from 8 a.m. MT on April 8th through 9:59 p.m. MT on April 12th. You’ll need to pay a small, non-refundable $1 application fee to enter. Winners will be notified via email on April 14th.

This return of the fireworks is particularly significant, as it comes shortly before the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence in 1776. The last time Mount Rushmore hosted fireworks for the Fourth of July was back in 2020, during a celebration attended by then-President Donald Trump.