Mount Rushmore Fireworks

2010 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Canceled
The National Park Service has canceled the Independence Day fireworks display at Mount Rushmore National Memorial this year because of growing fire danger in a forest decimated by pine beetles.

Navnit Singh, chief of interpretation and education at the memorial said that the annual celebration of the Fourth of July holiday will go on at the popular memorial, but the events will not include a fireworks display on the evening of July 3.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial Independence Day fireworks have become a national celebration and vacation destination. It is one of the nation’s top rated fireworks displays and is held each year on July 3rd. Over 20,000 visitors visit the Memorial to take part in this spectacular celebration. A variety of entertainment takes place throughout the day on four different stages beginning at 10 a.m. At 9:20 p.m. the spectacular fireworks display will take place over the Memorial for nearly a half-hour. On July 4th entertainment continues throughout the day concluding with the showing of the movie “Freedom-America’s Lasting Legacy” and sculpture illumination at 9 p.m.



If you’re planning on visiting Mount Rushmore for the Independence Day celebrations there are a few things to keep in mind. Due to heavy traffic, parking is limited.  Security checks are conducted.  Plan to carpool and arrive early. The parking garage at the Memorial fills to capacity by around 10 a.m. Vehicles are allowed to park along the downhill shoulder of Hwy 244 from the Memorial. Visitors should expect to look for parking in the outlying community of Keystone by late afternoon. Keep in mind this is a 3-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain. Wearing light colored clothing and carrying a small flashlight is recommended. Visitors coming for the event should drink plenty of water and seek shade during the hottest times of the day. No personal fireworks, barbecue grills or pets will be allowed at Mount Rushmore National Memorial during the event. Umbrellas and lawn chairs are allowed in adjacent viewing areas, but not in the amphitheater. Park staff carefully monitors moisture levels and weather forecasts to determine if conditions are within allowable limits to have the fireworks. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks are postponed to July 4th.

Schedule of Events


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