Mount Rushmore to Light the Fuse on Fireworks For America's 250th

America is having a whopper of a birthday next year, and the state of South Dakota is going to be celebrating the historic event with a bang at one of the country's most storied monuments.

Dakota News Now is reporting that United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden started taking steps on Tuesday, June 24th, to bring back the 4th of July fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore to help commemorate our nation's 250th birthday in 2026.

America to celebrate 250 years of Independence in 2026!

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Both gentlemen signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Tuesday, June 24, to move ahead with the planning stages for this monumental event.

Dakota News Now reports, that Rhoden, in a press release, said, “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.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”

Back in February, both Rhoden and Secretary Burgum agreed to light the fuse once again on an Independence Day fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore on July 4th 2026, to help commemorate America's 250th birthday.

In a press release, Burgum said, “With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country’s birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration."

You can bet South Dakota will throw Uncle Sam one hell of a party, and I'm guessing the guest list will be rather extensive.

According to Dakota News Now, Governor Rhoden plans on inviting several high-profile people to the celebration, including President Trump.

Source: Dakota News Now

11 Things You’ll Only Understand After Living in South Dakota

From soda to pop to sloppy Joes, different parts of the country have their local quirks and language. Simple phrases can have totally different meanings, local events may seem weird, and food may go by a unique name.

If you're new to South Dakota, here is a sort of translation guide for some odd things you may see or hear.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

Filed Under: South Dakota