The National Park Service (NPS) announced that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore after a five-year absence to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
“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,” Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, said in a statement. “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.”
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden (R) celebrated the announcement. “In just a few short months, our nation will throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America.” He said the state “is the freest state in a nation founded on the principles of freedom, so it is only fitting to celebrate in our backyard. We look forward to celebrating at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial!”
Tickets for the event are required and are available through a lottery.
Then-South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) sued the Biden administration in 2021 after it canceled the monument’s fireworks. “Unfortunately, the new administration departed from precedent and reneged on this agreement without any meaningful explanation,” Noem said at the time. “We are asking the court to enjoin the Department of Interior’s (DOI) denial of the fireworks permit and order it to issue a permit for the event expeditiously.”
Last year, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) introduced a resolution to arrange for a carving of President Trump to be added to Mount Rushmore.
