Mount Rushmore National Memorial Readying for Fourth of July Fireworks

Published Date

June 27, 2009

Crews will use a temporary highline to haul fireworks to the top of Theodore Roosevelt's head for Mount Rushmore National Memorial's Fourth of July celebration. NPS photo by Rhonda Buell Schier.

Ropes and pulleys have replaced helicopters as the preferred method to haul fireworks to top of Theodore Roosevelt's head for the annual Fourth of July celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

And on Sunday, weather permitting, crews will begin installing a temporary highline system on the mountain to prepare for the annual Independence Day Celebration. Park officials say the state-of-the-art temporary rope system is used to ferry supplies to the top of the memorial and replaces helicopter long-line loads as the preferred method to transport the fireworks up the steep mountainside.

The highline system consists of a 1350-foot highline rope and trolley pulley system. It will be temporarily connected to the Presidential Trail at the base of the memorial and reach the top of the mountain where a tripod will be installed on the top of Theodore Roosevelt’s head.

Firework loads and equipment will be secured to the pulley and pulled to the top of the sculpture using an electrical winch. Parts of the Presidential Trail may be temporarily closed while loads are lifted up the mountain.

The highline system is primarily used at the memorial for the long-term preservation of the sculpture. The technical ropes team uses the highline system throughout the year to check rock monitoring systems, to check and repair crack sealant, and for other systematic approaches to preservation.

The technical ropes team is also trained to use the highline system as a rescue device for medical incidents on the mountain.

The highline rope and trolley system will be clearly visible to visitors during their stop at the memorial. The system is being set up in the same location where a tramway existed in the 1930s during construction of the sculpture. The highline system will remain in place through Tuesday, June 30. Following the celebration, the highline will be reinstalled on July 5 to remove firework material from the top of the memorial on July 6 and 7.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society donated the funding for the tramway in 2006.

Story Categories:

Visiting the Parks

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks