Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience the untamed beauty of the Black Hills from a hot air balloon! Located in Custer, SD, near Custer State Park, our launch sites are just miles from iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Wind Cave National Park.
Soar over rugged granite peaks, sweeping valleys, and serene lakes, enjoying a bird's-eye view of abundant wildlife like roaming buffalo, elk, and antelope. There is nowhere else in the world where you can witness this historic, wild landscape from such an incredible vantage point.
Established in 1984, our pilots' unmatched expertise in navigating the region's unique microclimates makes us the premier ballooning company in the Black Hills, consistently recognized as a Top 10 U.S. flight.
Our daily sunrise flights (weather permitting) feature approximately one hour in the air, culminating in a traditional champagne celebration, light snacks, and a souvenir certificate.
Phone hours: 8am - 8pm daily.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 4 years
Black Hills Balloons will text and email the day before the flight before 6.30 pm for a flight status update and weather check.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Make your own way to the centrally located meeting point in Custer, SD. From here, you will be taken to the launch site where the crew will begin the task of unloading and preparing your balloon. Take part in a short safety briefing and enjoy photo opportunities as the balloon is being inflated.
Black Hills National Forest
Once the balloon is ready, you’ll gently take to the skies for an approximate 1-hour flight over the Black Hills National Forest. If you are new to ballooning, you’ll be surprised at the silence and serenity you’ll find high above the treetops. It’s truly magical. Upon landing, the ground crew will pack the balloon while you and your pilot celebrate the flight with complimentary champagne, light snacks and a story about the origin of hot air ballooning. Flights depart at sunrise and are weather dependent and always at the discretion of your experienced pilot.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Glass of Champagne
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Reviews
471 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Up Up and Away
Judith P,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, beautiful views, wonderful pilots and crew. I appreciate their detail to safety. We had to postpone a few times. But when we did go, it was unforgettable.
Soul inspiring
carriegH9021SR,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was phenomenal! A memorable 13th birthday trip for my son. Everyone should experience the soulful joy of dancing above the treetops. The landing was perfection and the champagne and ballon prayer was the cherry on top. I only wish the ride could have lasted all day. Thank you so much to this owner and their staff for a life changing experience.
Don’t even think about it, just do it!! It’s the best!
O9735LJdebm,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was AMAZING!! Damian and his crew are fantastic. So knowledgeable and funny - would do this again in a heartbeat! My whole family loved it, will be recommending Black Hills Balloons to others.
What a wonderful experience!
herberto510,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian was our pilot and was personable and experienced. We took off in 35 degrees cold but were soon warmed as we flew. The scenery was spectacular and we flew with another balloon. It was a smooth landing and we feasted on champagne and cheese. A balloonist’s tradition. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
A must do in the black hills!
Bob W,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first hot air balloon ride. It was fantastic! Mike our pilot did a great job. He was personable and entertaining.
Exciting fun and great experience
C427OKshirleyh,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was super fun the owners are fantastic people in the workers with them and of course I got to mention Charlie the four-legged companion I would do it again in a heartbeat
Bravo Black Hills Balloon
quincys136,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team was very experienced and safety minded. They were knowledgable of the area and very confident and courteous. The end of the trip was made even more memorable by the pilots telling their knowledge of history, champagne and crackers. Bravo!
A literally "uplifting" and spirited experience!
Y5189MGbarbarat,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Flying with Black Hills Balloons was a bucket list trip and it was wondrous! Safety and enjoyment are the top priorities of Damien and his professional staff. You will feel confident about flying and landing. You get to see the balloon(s) being filled and taken down again. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Damien walk into the balloon as it filled to check it for safety. Passengers were placed very thoughtfully; a couple celebrating their anniversary had a compartment to themselves. Everyone was at ease, laughing at Damien's dry wit, and in awe of the sights and their feelings. The mimosas and refreshments after landing came with a short presentation of the history of balloon flight. You get a certificate, and the printed blessing was especially meaningful to me as a retired chaplain. Go float across the South Dakota skies with Black Hills Balloons!
Peaceful Sailing
696gailes,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This has been on my husband’s and my bucket list since the Hot Air Balloon Rallies long ago in Tyndall, SD!! It was ABSOLUTELY the greatest adventure with a fantastic crew! The free ‘entertainment package’ made it even more enjoyable!! What a beautiful, peaceful way to enjoy the great outdoors of South Dakota! Randy/Gaile Sachtjen Burke, SD
When in South Dakota, the Black Hills Balloon flight is a must!
steveeF2208XR,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience with Black Hills Balloon flights was absolutely tremendous! The pilot, Damien, with his many years of flying along with his genuine humor made the experience all the better. My daughter and my two granddaughters also loved it. I am 76 and my youngest granddaughter is 17 so I could highly recommend it for all age groups.
From US$375.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Black Hills Balloons