MENU
  • Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Accommodation Directory

Latest News Accommodation Directory

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

Famed national park drops 'environmental contaminant' ban ahead of America's 250th birthday

22 Mar 2026 By foxnews

Famed national park drops 'environmental contaminant' ban ahead of America's 250th birthday

Plenty of big celebrations are in the works for America's 250th birthday this summer - and fireworks will be involved. 

On the eve of July 4th, Mount Rushmore will host a "spectacular Independence Day celebration in partnership with the State of South Dakota," according to the National Parks Service (NPS) website.

The evening will feature educational programs, patriotic tributes and musical entertainment to mark the occasion.

STEAK 'N SHAKE'S $2.50 STATUE OF LIBERTY MILKSHAKE GOES VIRAL: 'ROLLING THE DICE ON DAIRY'

An Interior Department spokesperson expressed enthusiasm to Fox News Digital about the celebration.

"Under President Donald J. Trump, America's 250th birthday will be marked by a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that encapsulates the American spirit - including a spectacular fireworks display at Mount Rushmore that honors our history at the monument that symbolizes those who built it," said the spokesperson.

"Unlike the prior administration," the spokesperson added, "the Department of the Interior is excited to be part of such an incredible event that, through careful planning and coordination, celebrates and honors the founding of the United States."

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden wrote a letter to President Trump in February to invite him to the event, calling the occasion the "biggest birthday party ever."

It was determined the proposed event would not interfere with park operations, impair concession services or create significant conflicts with other uses. 

PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER BRINGING INDYCAR RACE TO DC FOR AMERICA250

A 2016 U.S. Geological Survey report found that past fireworks displays were the probable cause of elevated concentrations of a contaminant called perchlorate in groundwater and surface water within Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

In 2021, NPS issued a statement that said the "use and possession of fireworks are illegal on all land managed by the National Park Service."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

A previous fireworks display took place in 2020, when then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem hosted a fireworks show at the Mount Rushmore site for the first time in over 10 years, along with President Trump.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

In 2022, an application for a fireworks permit from the South Dakota Department of Tourism was denied by NPS after the park found it would "cause injury or damage to parks" and would "interfere" with park and visitor operations.

The denial letter lists "environmental contaminants" in explaining potential harm to park resources from fireworks.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

To have a chance to attend the special event at Mount Rushmore, Americans can enter a lottery beginning April 8 through the 12th by paying a non-refundable $1 application fee to request up to four tickets. 

Entry will begin on July 3 at 1 p.m. MT, with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. MT, according to the NPS.

More News

Booking.com
If someone gets into your email, they own every account you have. These 3 moves lock them out for good
If someone gets into your email, they own every account you have. These 3 moves lock them out for good
Spring clean your digital footprint: Why retirees are scam targets
Spring clean your digital footprint: Why retirees are scam targets
Air taxis in the US could launch this summer
Air taxis in the US could launch this summer
Century-old US airport to shut down to make way for taxpayer-funded park as critics push for housing
Century-old US airport to shut down to make way for taxpayer-funded park as critics push for housing
Team USA star Alex Bregman says Navy SEAL's speech gave squad clear perspective: 'Playing for a lot more'
Team USA star Alex Bregman says Navy SEAL's speech gave squad clear perspective: 'Playing for a lot more'
Saints sign former No 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as backup quarterback: reports
Saints sign former No 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as backup quarterback: reports
BBC taps ex-Google exec as new director general following Trump documentary controversy
BBC taps ex-Google exec as new director general following Trump documentary controversy
GREGG JARRETT: Jury blames Meta, Google for teen harm-but appeal could crush case
GREGG JARRETT: Jury blames Meta, Google for teen harm-but appeal could crush case
'Mormon Wives' star claims estranged husband lived double life with escorts, sex parties
'Mormon Wives' star claims estranged husband lived double life with escorts, sex parties
New COVID variant spreads across US as CDC raises concerns: 'Viral evolution'
New COVID variant spreads across US as CDC raises concerns: 'Viral evolution'
DAVID MARCUS: Why are we letting foreign foes use X payouts to wage war against us?
DAVID MARCUS: Why are we letting foreign foes use X payouts to wage war against us?
Teen mob storms gas station, lone clerk shelled with snacks in caught-on-cam chaos
Teen mob storms gas station, lone clerk shelled with snacks in caught-on-cam chaos
Joy Behar has sharp clash with GOP guest after questioning military's accomplishments in Iran
Joy Behar has sharp clash with GOP guest after questioning military's accomplishments in Iran
Meet Iran's hardline speaker who threatened to burn US forces - reportedly Tehran's point man for talks
Meet Iran's hardline speaker who threatened to burn US forces - reportedly Tehran's point man for talks
EXCLUSIVE: Kentucky barista takes legal action after termination, claims she was fired for sharing her faith
EXCLUSIVE: Kentucky barista takes legal action after termination, claims she was fired for sharing her faith
White Sox legend sues team over alleged unauthorized use of likeness on new jerseys
White Sox legend sues team over alleged unauthorized use of likeness on new jerseys
Jacob Winterton, former OHL player and brother of NHL's Ryan Winterton, dead at 25 after cancer battle
Jacob Winterton, former OHL player and brother of NHL's Ryan Winterton, dead at 25 after cancer battle
Alleged predator accused of kidnapping UCLA students, sexual assault - police fear more victims
Alleged predator accused of kidnapping UCLA students, sexual assault - police fear more victims
Alleged narco-terrorists killed as US forces strike suspected drug-trafficking vessel in Caribbean
Alleged narco-terrorists killed as US forces strike suspected drug-trafficking vessel in Caribbean
US Army raises enlistment age to 42 and eases marijuana policies to bolster ranks
US Army raises enlistment age to 42 and eases marijuana policies to bolster ranks
Latest News

copyright © 2026 Accommodation Directory.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z