5.0(547)· Custer· By Black Hills Balloons Free cancellation
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.
- ✓Bottled water
- ✓All Fees and Taxes
- ✓Hot Air Balloon Flight
- ✓Glass of Champagne
- ✕Hotel pick up and drop-off
- ✕Gratuities
- 1
Meet and Prepare
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.
· 15 min· Admission included
- 2
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.
· 1 h· Admission included
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Diagonally across from Lynn's Dakotamart, the local supermarket in town.
Must check for an email or text from Black Hills Balloons the evening before the flight between 6.30pm and 8 pm for a flight status update and weather check. If you don't hear from us by 6.30pm please contact us.
Diagonally across from Lynn's Dakotamart, the local supermarket in town.
Must check for an email or text from Black Hills Balloons the evening before the flight between 6.30pm and 8 pm for a flight status update and weather check. If you don't hear from us by 6.30pm please contact us.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Not recommended for pregnant women
Please call or text Black Hills Balloons on +1 605 519 8150 if you need further assistance or help with directions.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- 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.
- Dress in layers as temperatures can vary at altitude.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
- Arrive at the meeting point on time.
- Check your email and text messages the evening before for flight updates.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 10146P1
Activity offered by Black Hills Balloons via Viator.
- Adventurous travelers
- Nature lovers
- Photography enthusiasts
- Families with children aged 4 and up
- Unique aerial views of the Black Hills
- See wildlife like buffalo, elk, and antelope
- Experienced pilots with over 30 years of operation
- Traditional champagne celebration post-flight
- Souvenir certificate included
- Population
- 1,919 (2020)
- Elevation
- 1,620 m
- Currency
- United States dollar
- Driving
- on the right
- Power plugs
- A, B · 120 V
- Emergency number
- 911
- Capital city
- Washington, D.C.
Average temperatures- -5°Jan
- -5°Feb
- 0°Mar
- 4°Apr
- 10°May
- 17°Jun
- 21°Jul
- 20°Aug
- 14°Sept
- 6°Oct
- 0°Nov
- -5°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the hot air balloon flight?+
The flight itself is approximately 1 hour, with the entire experience lasting 2 to 3 hours including preparation and celebration.
What should I wear for the hot air balloon ride?+
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress in layers as temperatures can vary.
Is the hot air balloon flight suitable for pregnant women?+
It is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Flights are weather dependent and will be canceled at the pilot's discretion. You will be notified the evening before.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Best ride ever
rachyly2024, October 2026
This was the best part of our entire vacation. Kay was very knowledgeable about the highlights of the area and kept us informed at all times. I am deathly afraid of heights but there wasn’t one moment that I didn’t feel safe. In fact it was so relaxing that this should be a message to all to try a hot air balloon ride. Thank you for the most magnificent trip in the air!
★★★★★Viator review
Amazing!
Kerri_F, October 2026
Amazing! My husband and I both loved the experience. Kay is great to fly with and very informative. The entire staff is friendly and very good at what they do. We had an amazing time and will do it again if we are ever back in the area. We both think a winter flight would be awesome!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Perfect flight
H8369PKsharonw, October 2026
Absolutely the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. No fear or anxiety, perfect weather and Damien was the perfect host/ pilot.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Beautiful!
randymT8739RF, October 2026
This was probably the highlight of my vacation. The views were amazing! The whole experience was smooth from getting everyone checked in to the perfect landing. Damien, the pilot was very professional and never left me in doubt about climbing into the basket, and had a great sense of humor!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great experience!!!
tonyav95, October 2026
It was one of the best adventures of my life!! Damien was an excellent pilot and funny, and made us all feel at ease. His crew was amazing!!!
Top pick