It's not like standing on the edge of a cliff or up in a skyscraper or on a plane or leaning over a balcony. It's different than hang gliding or free jumping. Zip lining and parasailing do not capture the essence. Riding in a hot air balloon is truly remarkable and the best I can do is describe how I felt: joyous, inspired, and grateful. Everyone at Black Hills Balloons made this experience bucket list worthy. My husband and I felt safe and informed. Damien (co-owner and pilot) is a terrific storyteller! He regaled us with bad jokes and tales of old - doing so with an Irish brogue only increased his credibility. The chase crew - capable and professional - kept us entertained as they were really just a bunch of 30-year-old kids who love adventure, the outdoors, and each other. After we landed Keely (co-owner) ran point on providing special touches including mimosas, cheese with crackers, and fresh baked muffins. The shop was cozy and inviting and carries a wide variety of wicked merch. Charlie the resident dog provided a warm welcome - with a slightly superior air - to us visitors . We're planning a return trip with our adult children. Would highly recommend!!! read more

Black Hills Balloons - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

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We had the privilege and pleasure of taking a balloon ride over the Black Hills. This was even better than the one I took over the African safaris this past Feb. We met at their office in the cute town of Custer and I HAD to buy one of their "upcycled" flannel shirts (the owner sews a logo patch on each one of these "previously loved" shirts and proceeds go towards the local Pine Ridge Reservation). Their crew seemed like such a tight-knit family and all hard-working and loving what they do! There was a fun spirited competition between pilots. Our pilot, Damien was comical and VERY experienced. I loved how he wrapped up our trip with a champagne toast and shared the history of how ballooning began and why there is always a champagne toast (look it up - fun story). We hope to be back one day and do it again! read more

Black Hills Balloons - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

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This was truly a once in a lifetime experience!! Flying in a balloon is very dependent on mother nature, and we were blessed with clear skies and good weather on the morning we were booked to go. Everything about the experience was really smooth - yes it is quite early, but that's the time you want to be flying. The full staff is very friendly, our pilot was super knowledgeable and is the owner of the business, and made sure we were all safe and having a blast. I did not know how cool of an experience it would be to fly over the trees in a balloon, but it exceeded all expectations, and I hope to do it again. THANK YOU SO MUCH BLACK HILLS BALLOONS!!! read more

Black Hills Balloons - Soaring over the Black Hills - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

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What an amazing flight!! We did have to have our flight rescheduled because of weather.Damian our pilot was friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and made the flight amazing. The views were great! What a way to see the landscape from a different perspective. Want todo it again!! read more

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Definitely an awesome experience. Crew was very professional and views were phenomenal!

Had a fabulous time! I was a little leery because I get motion sickness very easily. After reading up some and discovering hot air balloons don't cause motion sickness, we decided to try it out. No motion sickness at all! Our pilot was Mike and he was superb. A great experience! I highly recommend! read more

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Damien and the team are absolutely FANTASTIC! This was me and my fiancés first time in a hot air balloon. They were very informative and had great communication prior to the ride itself. The ride over the black hills was amazing and worth every penny! Please remember this is very weather permitted and can be cancelled several times depending on time of year. If you are thinking about it, DO IT! Thanks again to Damien and company for one of the best weekend trips/ anniversaries we have ever had! read more

In planning our long weekend adventure in the Black Hills, my friend found Black Hills Balloon's website online and we decided it would be worth the splurge for this unique experience. I wasn't really sure what to expect from a hot air balloon ride, but it ended up being a lot of fun and definitely something I'd do again. Upon making our reservation, we were instructed to call the night before to make sure our flight would still be on. We actually had to do this twice since our first attempt was foiled by fog and generally murky weather, so be aware that it is best to have a flexible schedule if you're planning on booking a balloon ride. Once we were set to go, we met Walter and his crew of two assistants at 5:30am to get our sunrise flight going. We were taken to a dewy, open field just as the sun rose and watched as Walter and his crew set up the basket and balloon, inflating it and making sure all was in order. Soon enough, we lifted off with Walter as our pilot and slowly ascended to enjoy breathtaking scenery all around us. We were lucky to have a crystal clear morning which provided gorgeous scenery of the Black Hills and beyond. It truly is a beautiful and serene experience to float over lush wooded hillsides and open fields with the sun shining and the occasional roar of the propane burner to remind you that you are in a hot air balloon! Walter was gregarious and informative, telling us about his experience as a hot air balloon pilot (including a coast-to-coast adventure) and pointing out landmarks and interesting sights below. Our flight lasted about an hour before we touched down with a thud in a field a few miles from where we started. Walter's crew was there to meet us and pack up the balloon as we enjoyed a mimosa and some muffins with Walter telling us about the history of hot air ballooning and other fun facts. Overall, Black Hills Balloon provided a truly memorable and enjoyable experience that was very worthwhile. read more

Black Hills Balloons - Our hot air balloon, inflated and ready for lift-off! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

Best experience around. Damien and his crew were excellent and made the entire trip fun. Must do if you're around Mount Rushmore. Two in are group are afraid of heights and still has a blast. read more

Flying with Black Hills Balloons was a wonderful experience for my daughter and I. The staff were super friendly and helped make us feel at ease. Mike was a great pilot and had a great sense of humor. I highly recommend this experience to everyone! Susanne read more

Amazing morning spent with the team at Black Hills Balloons. Worth the early morning to see amazing Black Hills scenes.

Fantastic experience! Damien and his crew were great, very much emphasized safety. He is a great storyteller. The mimosas and snacks at the end were just the right touch. I am very afraid to fly, but the ballooning experience is nothing like being in a airplane - ballooning feels stable, and peaceful and so relaxing. The balloon's movements are so gentle. It was fun to do this with a group - there was joking, and camaraderie. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. read more

What a beautiful way to start your day. Watching the balloon being set up by the very skilled crew at sunrise is a treat In itself. Gliding over the Black Hills in Custer, SD is breathtaking and a trip you will never forget. This is my second flight with Black Hills Balloons and it definitely won't be my last. Thank you Keely and Damien for another beautiful adventure. read more

This was the experience of a lifetime! I flew with Black Hills Balloons on my first trip to South Dakota and had an amazing time! The owners - Damien and Keely - and their entire crew made this such a special occasion for all of the passengers. The view was incredibly beautiful and it was so fun to meet and interact with the others who were all just as excited as I was to have this opportunity. This is definitely a "bucket list" activity and I would strongly recommend Black Hills Balloons to anyone who is interested in trying it out! read more

This was an incredible experience! Flying through the black hills at sunrise was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. Completely serenity while floating through the sky punctuated by Damien's incredible jokes really made my trip to the black hills unforgettable! Something you absolutely must do if you're in the area. Thank you Black Hills Balloons! read more

A must do if you are visiting the Black Hills. Friendly staff, beautiful views. Would go again in a heartbeat.

AMAZING!!!! The whole experience has been great. On top of communication and responding to emails, the ride was outstanding! A must if you are in the area. I am seriously afraid of heights, not even an issue and the kids, 7 and 9 truly enjoyed every moment of it. Perfect flight and perfect landing. read more

We had a wonderful time on this flight and I think that seeing the hills from above is the right way to do it! It was amazing to look down on an incredible landscape, unaware wildlife, and hidden little houses. The whole experience of watching the balloon inflate under the supervision of a competent crew, taking off and floating over a beautiful area, and drinking champagne while the whole huge balloon was folded up was impressive and interesting. read more

What a wonderful experience! I spoke with Damien several weeks before our trip and he was very pleasant, easy to communicate with, and accommodating to our wishes. A great overall experience! read more