Black Hills: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne Toast

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Black Hills wildlife & forests

You’ll float above forests and prairies on a sunrise hot air balloon flight near Custer, guided by a local pilot who knows every fold of these hills. Watch for buffalo or deer below, then celebrate with champagne and stories after landing. It’s peaceful, strange, and honestly kind of unforgettable—you’ll carry that silence with you for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be shivering in the dark outside Custer, South Dakota, waiting for a hot air balloon to inflate. The crew was already joking around, and our pilot—Mike—handed me coffee that tasted faintly of pine smoke. There was this hush before sunrise, just the sound of nylon rustling and someone’s boots crunching on frost. I kept glancing at the horizon, wondering if the sun would ever show up or if we’d just stand there forever watching steam rise off our breath.

Once we climbed into the basket (which is higher than it looks—watch your step), I felt my stomach do that weird flip you get before a rollercoaster. The Black Hills balloon ride started quietly; you barely notice leaving the ground until you realize trees are suddenly below your feet. It’s not loud like I expected—mostly just the occasional whoosh from the burner and then this huge silence. Mike pointed out buffalo tracks down in a meadow and tried to spot elk for us. Someone asked about mountain lions and he just grinned, said they’re out there but “they don’t wave.”

The light changed so fast—one minute everything’s blue-grey, then suddenly gold is pouring over the hills and lakes. My hands were cold gripping the edge of the basket but I didn’t want to let go. We drifted for about an hour, sometimes close enough to see deer moving through the trees. After landing (a bit bumpier than I expected but nothing wild), we all helped pack up the balloon—turns out it’s heavier than it looks—and Mike popped open champagne. He told this story about how ballooning started in France with sheep and ducks as test pilots; I still laugh thinking about it.

I keep remembering that moment right after takeoff when everything went quiet except for birds calling somewhere below us. If you’ve ever wondered what flying feels like without an engine or window in your way… this is pretty close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Black Hills

• Arrive at meeting point in Custer
• Travel to balloon launch site
• Attend safety briefing and watch inflation
• Fly for one hour over Black Hills
• Land and pack balloon with crew
• Celebrate flight with champagne and snacks

Top questions

How long does the Black Hills hot air balloon flight last?

The flight itself lasts approximately one hour.

Where does the hot air balloon tour start?

You meet at a central point in Custer, South Dakota before being taken to the launch site.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No, you make your own way to the meeting point in Custer.

What time do flights depart?

Flights depart at sunrise; exact timing depends on weather conditions.

Are children allowed on this Black Hills balloon ride?

Yes, but children must be at least 4 years old and accompanied by an adult.

What happens after landing?

You help pack up the balloon and enjoy complimentary champagne with light snacks while hearing stories from your pilot.

Is food provided during the tour?

Light snacks are served after landing along with champagne; bottled water is also included.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, all fees and taxes covered, about an hour floating above the Black Hills National Forest with an experienced local pilot, plus a glass of champagne and light snacks shared together after landing before heading back into town on your own schedule.