State’s expenses for Rushmore fireworks were greater than economic impact, Tourism Department says

By: Meghan O'Brien

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: August 10, 2026

Words: 448

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

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The fireworks display last month at Mount Rushmore cost the state of South Dakota $450,000 more than the event generated in economic impact, according to the state Department of Tourism.

The state spent $2.8 million to plan and produce the July 3 celebration, which generated $2.35 million of economic impact, the department said in a Monday press release. The department attributed the economic analysis to the research firm Tourism Economics.

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