– By #Powder House Lodge
Each year, thousands of people from across the country and all over the world visit the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. The Fourth of July marks one of the busiest times of the year for the area as well as the Shrine of Democracy. Many people are attracted to the monument during this holiday because of the history it represents, as well as its own personal story.
There is no shortage of patriotic themed activities to enjoy in the Black Hills. In addition to the many state and national parks to visit, as well as a slew of festivals to attend and firework displays to watch.
Here is a list of activities for you and your family to enjoy this Fourth of July weekend.
Mount Rushmore & Keystone
A visit to Mount Rushmore is enough to bring out the patriot in anyone. With sweeping vistas and miles of breath taking Black Hills National Forest surrounding the monument, it’s not difficult to get a little sentimental about this beautiful land we live in. While Fireworks are no longer a part of the Independence Day Celebration at Mount Rushmore, there is still plenty to do and see. Have you ever wanted to meet or ask a question to a President of the United States? Professional re-enactors Carl Closs as George Washington, Tom Pitz as Thomas Jefferson, Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln and Gib Young as Theodore Roosevelt will be at Mount Rushmore July 3rd and 4th. Don’t miss the evening lighting ceremony which begins each evening at dusk. This special ceremony is performed every night during the summer, but will be one you won’t want to miss this holiday weekend. There will be programming throughout the day in the amphitheatre area as well. Follow this link for the complete Mount Rushmore Fourth of July itinerary.
The City of Keystone is hosting a Monumental Independence Day Celebration including such activities as live music, a live chainsaw carving demonstration and a magic show to name a few. Events will run from noon to 5 pm, July 3. Visit the Keystone Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of events and times.
Rapid City Fire Works
If you’re looking to have a BLAST this Fourth of July, the Black Hills Speedway, located at 2467 Jolly Lane off of Hwy. 44, will feature a fireworks display Friday July 3 from 8:45 pm to 9:45 following the races. The Elks Club will also host fireworks from 8:45 to 10 pm at 3333 Jolly Lane in Rapid City.
Lead -Gold Camp Jubilee Day | Fire Works at the Open Cut
Gold Camp Jubilee Days celebrate the early days of Lead during the gold rush. Activities will go on all day throughout the weekend, July 3-5 at Manual Brothers Park in lead. Enjoy one of the most unique fireworks displays in the hills at dusk on the Fourth of July at the open cut mine in Lead.
The Black Hills Roundup Rodeo and Fire Works – Belle Fourche
The Fourth of July means it’s time for the annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche. Enjoy the rodeo and event festivities, which will run June 30th through July 5th. The city of Belle Fourche proudly presents a fireworks display following the evening rodeo on Friday July 3. Follow this link for a complete listing of the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo events.
Custer
The Custer Volunteer Fire Department will host a fireworks display, July 4th at dark on Pageant Hill. For more information go to www.visitcuster.com
The Powder House is located 4 miles north of Mount Rushmore, and we offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to stop by and enjoy any one of our delicious menu items on your way to or from Mount Rushmore. Whether you are celebrating your Independence Day in the Southern, Central or Northern Hills, the Powder House Lodge wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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