South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery

Tickets · South Dakota ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (National Memorial) · Restricted Access

5,255 ft
Elevation
A panoramic view of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Photo: Courtesy of the State of South Dakota · Recreation.gov

The State of South Dakota and the National Park Service are teaming up to bring fireworks to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for a spectacular Independence celebration on July 3, 2020. The event will include fireworks displays and other entertainment.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a symbol of American freedom and hope for people of all cultures and backgrounds. The enduring images from this Memorial welcome more than three million visitors a year from across the country and around the world.

The surrounding Black Hills, Jewel Cave National Monument, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and Devils Tower National Monument, Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks, offer a variety of experiences and plenty of recreation opportunities for those who plan to visit any time of year. 

Event Details:

  • Visitors wishing to attend the event will be required to obtain tickets in advance through the online lottery. The park will be closed to general visitation effective the evening of July 2nd and will reopen for only ticketed participants the afternoon of July 3rd.
  • Security screening is required. Each ticket, for your group of 6 people or less, will include one parking space within the Memorial, or shuttle access to the event.
  • Tickets will be assigned through the lottery for the following viewing options:
    • Zone 1 - Seating will be in the amphitheater area or on the Grand View Terrace. All participants may be subject to health screening requirements.
    • Zone 2 - Viewing will be along Highway 244 within the Memorial. Visitors need to provide their own seating. Viewing may be limited in some areas.
  • Participants may be in proximity with multiple visitors for hours.
  • All event details are subject to change with little notice.
  • The programming and event are currently scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and completed about 10 p.m. Mountain Time. Please allow ample time for security screening. There will be limitations on items allowed through security.  

Lottery Details

  • The lottery will open on June 5th at 8 a.m. MT and will close on June 8th at 9:59 p.m. MT.
  • Only one application per individual.
  • Tickets will be assigned at random with opportunities for either Zone 1 or Zone 2. You cannot request a zone; it will be assigned through the lottery process. Applicants will be notified on June 12th with the lottery results. If successful, your reservation confirmation will indicate which zone you have been assigned and your ticket with event details will be included with the notification. Please review your ticket for event details, terms and conditions.
  • Each ticket includes up to six participants within the vehicle including the driver, or shuttle service to and from the event for your group of up to six participants. When applying for the lottery the total number of participants, up to 6 per vehicle, must be declared. Those awarded tickets will be limited to the number initially declared.  

Fees and Cancellations

  • There is a $1 non-refundable lottery application fee.
  • Tickets are non-transferable.
  • No refunds or cancellations will be issued in the event of cancellation.

Getting there

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is accessed by South Dakota Highway 244, from Keystone, South Dakota. Follow informational signs regarding security screening locations.

The postal street address (13000 Highway 244, Keystone, South Dakota) for Mount Rushmore National Memorial does not register in many navigation systems. To find Mount Rushmore National Memorial using a navigation system, consider using one of the alternatives below: 

  • Keystone, South Dakota 57751 (closest town, 3 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial) 
  • Intersection closest to Mount Rushmore National Memorial Keystone, South Dakota, South Dakota Highway 244 and U. S. Highway 16A (Alt) 
  • Highway 244 west of the Memorial will not be open for event traffic; a road closure will be in place at Horse Thief Lake. All ticket-holder vehicles must approach the Memorial from the east; the ticket checkpoint will be located at the intersection of Highways 16A and 244. 
  • Use Points of Interest setting, search for "Mount Rushmore National Memorial” 
  • Do not rely on your mobile GPS or similar automated navigation systems to get to the park.

43.87721, -103.45617 · 43°52'37.9"N 103°27'22.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 79°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Feb.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F373644506071797869554437
Low °F191825324252595850372720
Precip in0.50.81.42.64.83.63.62.31.81.80.60.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery

Can you reserve a site at South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery?
Yes, South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Camping near South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.