CUSTER, S.D. – Regional travelers and Rapid City commuters should prepare for significant traffic disruptions near Mount Rushmore National Memorial next month as state officials implement major road closures for an upcoming holiday celebration.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation announced that temporary road closures will be put in place on U.S. Highway 16A and S.D. Highway 244 to accommodate security needs for the Freedom 250 at Mount Rushmore event. The pre-sale ticketed fireworks celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026.

According to transportation officials, the temporary closures will begin on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11 p.m. Mountain Time and are expected to remain in effect through approximately 11 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The closure on Highway 16A will stretch from just west of the Keystone Mall south to Grizzly Gulch Road. Additionally, a closure on Highway 244 will run from the junction with Highway 16A south and west to the Wrinkled Rock Trailhead.

Motorists traveling from the Rapid City area and surrounding Black Hills communities will not be able to access Iron Mountain Road or Highway 244 from Keystone during the designated 24-hour closure period. State officials noted that the routes will remain open to drivers accessing them from alternate directions.

Access to the Freedom 250 at Mount Rushmore event on July 3, 2026, is strictly limited to pre-sale ticket holders. Officials emphasized that only individuals with tickets will be permitted to attend.

For the general public and visitors looking to view the monument without event tickets, Mount Rushmore will reopen at 5 a.m. Mountain Time on Saturday, July 4, 2026.