With the nation's 250th birthday celebration fast approaching, excitement is building in the Black Hills.
Thousands of people vied for a chance to watch fireworks burst over Mount Rushmore for the first time in six years. Nearly 103,000 ticket requests poured in for 4,800 spots at the July 3 celebration.
Fireworks are scheduled at the national monument for July 3 rather than July 4 to keep Independence Day accessible and safe for everyone and ease traffic congestion on the holiday, according to Travel South Dakota, the state's tourism agency.
That enthusiasm is already translating into more visitors for nearby Keystone, where businesses are preparing for crowds expected to swell.
Keystone, a town of about 300 residents less than four miles from Mount Rushmore, has seen a 124% increase in visitors this year compared to 2025, along with a 32% jump in daily visitors, according to Emma Groninger, tourism director for the Keystone Visitors Center.
"We've definitely seen a very large uptick in visitors," Groninger told Cowboy State Daily. "Everyone's excited."
On average, more than 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore annually, according to the National Park Service, with June, July and August drawing the largest crowds.
Fireworks Return Amid Dry Conditions
The July 3 celebration marks the return of fireworks to Mount Rushmore after a six-year absence, although the display has drawn criticism because of western South Dakota's dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.
Katlyn Svendsen, global public relations and content services senior director for Travel South Dakota, said 30 pyrotechnicians and high-line operators will install fireworks and lighting at designated locations around the memorial.
The state contracted with Pyro Spectaculars, the same company that produced the 2020 Mount Rushmore fireworks display.
Svendsen said the 2026 contract also includes lighting elements that can be used if conditions make fireworks inadvisable.
The fireworks display is a joint effort between the National Park Service and the State of South Dakota.
Festivities are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The memorial grounds will be closed to the general public that day. Attendance was limited to the 4,800 winners of the ticket lottery, which closed April 12.
Temporary road closures near Mount Rushmore will be in effect from 11 p.m. July 2 through 11 p.m. July 3 to accommodate security needs, according to South Dakota tourism officials.
No reservations or tickets are required for activities planned July 2 and July 4. Those events include military concerts, historical reenactments and other patriotic programming.
Trump Visit Still Unconfirmed
Speculation continues about whether President Donald Trump will attend the fireworks display, but no official announcement has been made.
Cowboy State Daily reached out to Gov. Larry Rhoden's office seeking information about official state participation at Mount Rushmore and had not received a response by publication time.
Trump is scheduled to visit North Dakota on July 1 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
NBC News reported earlier this month that Trump had considered traveling to the Mount Rushmore fireworks display as part of an inaugural trip aboard the new Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar.
The governor's office confirmed with Cowboy State Daily on Monday that Rhoden has invited Trump to be at Mount Rushmore for the Fourth of July.
"Governor Rhoden will indeed be in attendance at the historic America 250th fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore," says an email from his office. "The governor personally invited President Trump to join him at this historic event, and we are optimistic he'll attend.
"Any announcements regarding presidential travel or attendance would come from the appropriate federal offices."
Keystone Readies For Crowds
Even though a limited number of people are allowed at Mount Rushmore for the fireworks, Groninger said visitors continue asking about places in Keystone to watch the show.
"We do have alternatives," she said. "People can still come to Keystone and see the fireworks."
Keystone businesses are embracing the celebration with a decorating contest and preparations aimed at handling larger crowds. The town has added trash receptacles, expanded public restroom areas, updated signage and produced additional visitor maps.
Many businesses also have increased inventory in anticipation of a busy holiday week.
Groninger described the festivities as "a nice, classic small-town America celebration."
Those unable to secure tickets to Mount Rushmore can also watch the fireworks in Rapid City, where a viewing party begins at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at Main Street Square. Wyoming country singer Chancey Williams is scheduled to perform, and the fireworks display will be broadcast live.
Kate Meadows can be reached at kate@cowboystatedaily.com.
