NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Plenty of big celebrations are in the works for America’s 250th birthday this summer<\/a> \u2014 and fireworks are involved.\u00a0<\/p>\n On the eve of July 4th, Mount Rushmore will host a “spectacular Independence Day celebration in partnership with the State of South Dakota,” according to the National Parks Service<\/a> (NPS) website.<\/p>\n The evening will feature educational programs, patriotic tributes and musical entertainment to mark the occasion.<\/p>\n STEAK ‘N SHAKE’S $2.50 STATUE OF LIBERTY MILKSHAKE GOES VIRAL: \u2018ROLLING THE DICE ON DAIRY\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n An Interior Department spokesperson expressed enthusiasm to Fox News Digital about the celebration.<\/p>\n “Under President Donald J. Trump, America\u2019s 250th birthday will be marked by a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that encapsulates the American spirit \u2014 including a spectacular fireworks display<\/a> at Mount Rushmore that honors our history at the monument that symbolizes those who built it,” said the spokesperson.<\/p>\n Mount Rushmore will celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day on July 3 with fireworks and entertainment.<\/span> (Al Drago\/Bloomberg via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Unlike the prior administration,” the spokesperson added, “the\u00a0Department of the Interior is excited to be part of such an incredible event that, through careful planning and coordination, celebrates and honors the founding of the United States<\/a>.”<\/p>\n South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden wrote a letter to President Trump in February to invite him to the event, calling the occasion the “biggest birthday party ever.”<\/p>\n “Unlike the prior administration, the\u00a0Department of the Interior is excited to be part of such an incredible event.”<\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n It was determined the proposed event would not interfere with park operations, impair concession services or create significant conflicts with other uses.\u00a0<\/p>\n PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER BRINGING INDYCAR RACE TO DC FOR AMERICA250<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n A 2016 U.S. Geological Survey report found that past fireworks displays were the probable cause of elevated concentrations of a contaminant called perchlorate in groundwater and surface water within Mount Rushmore National Memorial<\/a>.<\/p>\n A fireworks display took place in 2020, when then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem hosted a fireworks show at the Mount Rushmore site for the first time in over 10 years, along with President Trump.<\/span> (Al Drago\/Bloomberg via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In 2021, NPS issued a statement that said the “use and possession of fireworks are illegal on all land managed by the National Park Service.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n A previous fireworks display took place in 2020, when then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem<\/a> hosted a fireworks show at the Mount Rushmore site for the first time in over 10 years, along with President Trump.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In 2022, an application for a fireworks permit from the South Dakota Department of Tourism was denied by NPS after the park found it would “cause injury or damage to parks” and would “interfere” with park and visitor operations.<\/p>\n Americans can enter a lottery starting April 8 through the 12th by paying a non-refundable $1 application fee to request up to four tickets for the special event at Mount Rushmore this July.\u00a0<\/span> (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The denial letter lists “environmental contaminants” in explaining potential harm to park resources from fireworks.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n To have a chance to attend the special event at Mount Rushmore, Americans can enter a lottery<\/a> beginning April 8 through the 12th by paying a non-refundable $1 application fee to request up to four tickets.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Fireworks](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1200\/675\/Mount-Rushmore-Fireworks-South-Dakota.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n\n
![\"mount](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1200\/675\/president-trump-mount-rushmore-fireworks.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n![\"mount](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1200\/675\/mount-rushmore-fireworks-july-fourth-fox-news.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n