Fireworks Returning to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th Birthday

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced plans for a Mount Rushmore Fireworks celebration to commemorate America’s 250^th birthday on the Fourth of July 2026.

“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” said Rhoden. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade … bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.

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“Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world,” said Burgum. “The department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration.”