Mount Rushmore to Host Fireworks for America's 250th Birthday

Celebration plans spark debate over wildfire risk and Indigenous land claims

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:13pm

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The National Park Service has announced plans to host a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, the decision has faced criticism from those concerned about the wildfire risk in the drought-stricken region and ongoing disputes over the Black Hills' status as sacred land for Native American tribes.

Why it matters

The fireworks display at Mount Rushmore is a highly symbolic and controversial event. While it aims to celebrate the nation's founding, it also reignites longstanding tensions over the federal government's treatment of Native American lands and the environmental risks posed by such events in a fire-prone area.

The details

The National Park Service plans to host a ticketed lottery system for 4,100 attendees to view the fireworks display, which is expected to cost millions of dollars. The agency says it has a fire management plan in place and will have firefighting crews on site, but critics argue the risk is too high given the dry conditions in the region. Native American leaders have also voiced opposition, claiming the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, are sacred land that was taken from them through broken treaties.

  • The fireworks display is scheduled for July 3, 2026.
  • The ticket lottery will be held from April 8-12, 2026, with results announced on April 14.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who collaborated with South Dakota's governor to bring back the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore in 2020.

Larry Rhoden

The current governor of South Dakota, who announced the plans for the 2026 fireworks display to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday.

Kristi Noem

The former governor of South Dakota who worked with President Trump to revive the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore in 2020.

Native American tribes

Indigenous groups who claim the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore, as sacred land that was taken from them through broken treaties.

Emma Groninger

The director of tourism for the town of Keystone, located two miles from Mount Rushmore, who expressed both excitement and concerns about the planned fireworks display.

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What they’re saying

“Our nation will throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America.”

— Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota

“People love to celebrate America's birthday. We wish there was a way to celebrate but also take care of the environment.”

— Emma Groninger, Director of Tourism, Keystone, South Dakota

“The Black Hills are sacred and the U.S. government is desecrating land that belonged to Native American tribes.”

— Native American leaders

What’s next

The National Park Service will review a safety and security checklist on the day of the event to confirm any concerns, and the ticket lottery results will be announced on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The planned fireworks display at Mount Rushmore highlights the ongoing tensions between celebrating American independence and respecting the rights and concerns of Native American communities. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th birthday, this event underscores the need for more inclusive and environmentally responsible ways to commemorate such milestones.