Rhoden, other officials donate money to turn lights on at Mount Rushmore

Gov. Larry Rhoden said he personally donated funds to keep Mount Rushmore illuminated after a federal government shutdown forced the lights at the national memorial to go dark.

“Mount Rushmore is a symbol of freedom – and I refuse to let its light dim!” Rhoden said in a statement Saturday. “Even when Washington shuts down, American freedom will keep shining bright right here in South Dakota. Thank you to the Mount Rushmore Society and the National Park Service for working with us to bring this vision to life. I am proud that the faces of our great presidents will continue to shine bright and serve as a beacon of freedom!”

Rhoden’s donation will cover lighting for the next week at the memorial honoring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Several others have pledged to continue funding illumination if the shutdown persists.

Those donors include Marilyn Oakes, in memory of her late husband Arthur Oakes, whose donation will cover lighting for days eight through 10. Other donors are:

Rhoden has received additional pledges to extend lighting beyond the 19th day of a shutdown if needed, the governor’s office said.

The federal government shutdown for non-essential services stated Oct. 1 after Senate Democrats and Republicans couldn’t agree on a shot-term funding proposal.

The cost to illuminate the memorial is $30.94 a night, Rhoden Spokeswoman Josie Harms told The Dakota Scout.

“Gov. Rhoden was made aware that the evening lights at Mount Rushmore had been turned off since the shutdown, and he took action to light up our great memorial as soon as he heard this news,” Harms said in a text message. “The lights will be turned back on beginning tonight thanks to his funding.”

According to the National Park Service, the sculpture is illuminated from sundown until 9 p.m. from Oct. 1 to March 9. From March 10 to May 22, the monument is lit from sundown until 11 p.m.

During peak tourist season from May 23 to Sept. 30, the monument is lit until 11 p.m. and there is also a nightly lighting program and history lesson.

“During the summer months join a park ranger in the park’s outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history,” the Park Service says on its website. “Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial.”

The Mount Rushmore Society, the memorial’s official nonprofit partner, facilitated the transfer of funds in cooperation with the National Park Service.

“This collaboration reflects the enduring commitment of individuals and communities who care deeply about preserving and promoting this national treasure,” said Diana Nielsen, CEO of the Mount Rushmore Society.

The society has worked for nearly a century to support preservation and educational programs at the memorial, which draws more than two million visitors each year.

More than 2.4 million people visited the monument in 2022, according to an NPS report. They spent more than $385 million in area communities, money that supported 5,694 jobs in the area.