We are excited about the return of the fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Friday, July 3, 2026. The State of South Dakota is partnering with the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service on this signature Freedom 250 event.
Ticket Information
As it was in 2020, the July 3, 2026, event is a ticketed event. The public ticket lottery, hosted by Recreation.gov, accepted applications from April 8-12, 2026. The lottery results were announced on April 14, 2026.
Only lottery ticket winners will be admitted to the event at Mount Rushmore on July 3rd. Tickets are non-transferable.
Memorial Public Hours
Mount Rushmore National Memorial will be closed to the general public on the evening of July 2nd and remain closed on July 3rd.
It will be important to note to visitors: Mount Rushmore National Memorial will resume regular hours on July 4th with Independence Day programming open to all visitors. The Memorial grounds will open at 5 a.m. Starting at 9 a.m., there will be a full day of special events.
FAQs about the event are available on the National Park Service website.
Temporary Road Closures
Temporary road closures will be in place to accommodate security needs near Mount Rushmore. The temporary road closures on U.S. Highway 16A and S.D. Highway 244 will be in place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11 p.m. (MT) through approximately 11 p.m. (MT) on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The temporary road closure on Highway 16A will be located just west of the Keystone Mall south to Grizzly Gulch Road. A temporary closure is also planned on Highway 244 from the junction with Highway 16A south and west to the Wrinkled Rock Trailhead.
Motorists will not be able to access Iron Mountain Road or Highway 244 from Keystone during the planned closure. However, the routes will be open if accessed from alternate directions.
Find the temporary road closure map on the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov or see here:
Watch the Event Live
A livestream of the event will be available on TravelSouthDakota.com/RushmoreFireworks. A direct viewing link and additional details will be shared as they become available.
Visit Rapid City will be hosting a live watch party as part of their Real America Birthday Bash.
Important Links
FAQs and Independence Day at Mount Rushmore information (July 2, 3 and 4): NPS.gov/MoRu
Travel South Dakota webpage: TravelSouthDakota.com/RushmoreFireworks
U.S. Department of Interior webpage: DOI.gov/Freedom250
Freedom 250 website: Freedom250.org
America 250 website: America250.org
South Dakota America 250 website: Americas250th.sd.gov
Ticket Lottery webpage: Mount Rushmore Fireworks lottery details hosted by Recreation.gov
We encourage you to reference the full press release from the National Park Service regarding the ticket lottery process.
The State of South Dakota and National Park Service are cognizant of the environment. Together, we will work with The National Park Service, fire specialists, other subject matter experts, and partner agencies to make sure the park and its resources are protected. In addition to pyrotechnics, we also have the capability of lighting elements that can be utilized if environmental conditions require an alternative to fireworks.
For more information, visit the National Park Service's webpage: ParkPlanning - SUP 2026 Independence Day Holiday Fireworks Event.