Mount Rushmore National Memorial will host a major Independence Day celebration July 2–4, 2026, marking both the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be a July 3 fireworks display over Mount Rushmore, returning to the memorial for a special one-night event. The fireworks will be part of an evening program that includes patriotic ceremonies, educational programs, and live music.
However, visitors hoping to attend the fireworks will need to plan ahead.
July 3 Fireworks Require Lottery Tickets
Tickets for the July 3 fireworks celebration will be distributed through a lottery on Recreation.gov.
The application window opens April 8 at 8 a.m. (MT) and closes April 12 at 9:59 p.m. (MT). Applicants will be notified of the results on April 14.
A $1 non-refundable application fee is required.
Key ticket details:
- Each applicant can enter the lottery once
- Up to four tickets per application
- Tickets are non-transferable
- Attendees 16 and older must present a government-issued photo ID
- Everyone over age 2 must have a ticket
The memorial will close to general visitors at 11 p.m. on July 2 and reopen only for ticket holders on July 3 starting at 1 p.m.
Evening events are scheduled from approximately 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Seating within the memorial will be first-come, first-served.
Parking and Transportation Options
Each ticket group will receive either a parking garage pass or shuttle transportation from Rapid City.
The option is assigned randomly through the lottery.
Parking option
- One vehicle entry into the Mount Rushmore parking garage
- Covers up to four ticket holders
Shuttle option
- Round-trip transportation from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore
- Free parking at the Rapid City shuttle departure location
All vehicles entering the memorial will be subject to security screening.
July 2 and July 4 Events at Mount Rushmore
While the fireworks require tickets, visitors can still enjoy free programming on July 2 and July 4 without reservations.
July 2
- Memorial grounds open at 5 a.m.
- Ranger programs and interpretive events throughout the day
- Patriotic concert by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band in the evening
July 3
- Park closed to general visitors
- Ticketed fireworks event only
July 4
- Grounds open at 5 a.m.
- Special programming begins at 9 a.m.
- Presidential reenactors and cultural demonstrations
- U.S. Air Force Academy Band performance at 7 p.m.
What If You Don’t Get Fireworks Tickets?
Visitors without tickets will not be able to view the fireworks from inside the memorial.
State tourism officials say watch parties, broadcasts, and livestream viewing opportunities will be available throughout the region.
More details are expected from Travel South Dakota as the event approaches.
Planning an RV Trip to Mount Rushmore
The Black Hills region is one of the most popular RV destinations in the country, and the 250th anniversary celebration is likely to draw large crowds.
If you’re planning to visit around Independence Day 2026:
- Book campgrounds early
- Expect heavy traffic in the Black Hills
- Consider staying in Rapid City, Keystone, or Custer for easier access to the memorial
If you’re planning to visit national parks during peak season, check out our tips for visiting busy national parks in summer to help avoid crowds and make the most of your trip.
More information and lottery applications:
https://www.recreation.gov
