Fireworks to return to Mount Rushmore for 250th celebration

Fireworks are set to return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250^th birthday celebration.

Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum say they’ve signed a memorandum of agreement to move forward with planning.

“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” Rhoden said. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade... Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”

Fireworks displays were once regular occurrences at Mount Rushmore during the late 1990s and 2000s. But the National Park Services stopped the shows in 2009 over wildfire and chemical contamination concerns.

Fireworks returned in 2020 under former Gov. Kristi Noem in an event attended by President Donald Trump. Displays were again prohibited under the Biden Administration, which cited environmental issues as well as opposition from tribes and health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. This led to years of political confrontations between Noem and the National Park Services.

Back in February, Rhoden and Burgum agreed that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This agreement sign this week serves as the legal binding document, Rhoden said.

"Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world," Burgum said. "With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country's birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration."

Rhoden said he has invited President Trump to the celebration.

Rep. Dusty Johnson praised the decision, saying he has asked for the return of fireworks to Mount Rushmore for years.