Mount Rushmore Gets a Big Night: President, Fireworks and Weather Drama

A Historic Gathering with Fireworks, Presidential Presence, and Patriotic Flair

Rapid City, SD — South Dakota is poised to host one of the nation’s most spectacular celebrations yet, commemorating 250 years of American independence with a star-studded event featuring $700,000 in fireworks, a visit from President Donald Trump, and a keynote speech by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

A National Spectacle in the Making

Earlier this year, Governor Kristi Noem extended an official invitation, aiming to draw national attention to the festivities. The White House swiftly confirmed Trump’s attendance, while Burgum—former North Dakota governor—will deliver remarks alongside South Dakota Governor Dennis Rhoden, who will give the opening address.

Part of the nationwide "Freedom 250" program, the event is a collaboration between the National Park Service, South Dakota state officials, and the Department of the Interior. Despite a public lottery in April that distributed 4,800 on-site tickets, the celebration will be broadcast live for viewers nationwide.

A Weekend of Patriotism and Pageantry

• July 3 (Wednesday): Gates open at 1 p.m. for ticket holders, with festivities running until 10 p.m.
• Family-friendly programs & educational exhibits
• Historical reenactments & Native American cultural demonstrations
• Military tributes honoring all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Ceremonial flyovers & performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band

• Grand finale: A $700,000 fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., synchronized with patriotic music and speeches from Burgum, Rhoden, and Trump.

• July 4 (Thursday): The park reopens to the public for Fourth of July celebrations, featuring:
• All-day historical displays (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
• Live music, reenactments, and family activities

Logistics & Safety Considerations

• Road closures will affect U.S. Highway 16A and S.D. Highway 244 after 11 p.m. on July 2, limiting access to Iron Mountain Road and Highway 244 from Keystone. Alternate routes remain open.
• Fireworks safety was a key concern—environmental assessments confirmed no significant impact on wildlife, cultural sites, or wildfire risk. However, the region remains in a severe-to-extreme drought (D2–D3), with fire danger still elevated despite recent storms.
• Weather outlook:
• 60% chance of daytime thunderstorms (some potentially severe)
• 30% chance of storms at night
• Haze expected in late morning, with temperatures at 81°F (high) / 57°F (low)
• Calm winds (under 20 mph), though a low tornado risk cannot be ruled out

If fireworks are cancelled due to weather, they will *not* be rescheduled.

Can’t Attend? Tune In from Anywhere

For those unable to witness the spectacle in person, multiple networks will broadcast live from Mount Rushmore:

• Fox News: "Hannity" (7–9 p.m.)
• Fox News: "Special Report with Bret Baier" (4–5 p.m.)
• News Nation: Continuous coverage
• C-SPAN: Six-hour broadcast starting at 5 p.m.

Livestreams will also be available via the Travel South Dakota website and at local venues in Rapid City.

A Celebration of Freedom, History, and Unity

As South Dakota prepares to host this historic milestone, the event promises to be a dazzling display of national pride, blending military tradition, cultural heritage, and modern patriotism—all under the watchful gaze of America’s most iconic landmarks.