RAPID CITY, S.D. – The National Park Service announced Wednesday that the public ticket lottery is officially open for the July 3 fireworks display and patriotic celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The event, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States, marks the return of pyrotechnics to the memorial for the first time since 2020. The application period for the randomized lottery is brief, closing April 12 at 9:59 p.m. MDT.

Officials stated that tickets are required for all attendees over the age of two to join the July 3 festivities. The memorial will be closed to the general public starting the evening of July 2 and will remain closed on July 3 except to those who successfully secure tickets through the lottery.

Each applicant may request up to four tickets. During the application process, residents must choose between a parking space at the memorial or shuttle service departing from Rapid City. According to the National Park Service, only one application per household is permitted, and a non-refundable $1 application fee is required.

“The National Park Service is coordinating closely with partner agencies to support a safe and memorable celebration for all attendees while continuing its commitment to caring for the landscape and cultural resources of the Memorial,” the agency said in a statement.

Lottery results will be distributed to applicants via email on April 14. Successful applicants will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID to enter the event, as the celebration is limited to U.S. residents.

Planned activities for the day include educational programming, musical performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and appearances by presidential reenactors. The park is scheduled to open to ticket holders at 1 p.m., with the formal program and fireworks display occurring between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Those interested in attending can submit their applications through the Recreation.gov website. Additional information regarding the full schedule of Independence Day weekend activities is available on the official Mount Rushmore National Memorial website.