Custer , United States

Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills

Active

(469 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Celebrating 40+ years in business!
Fly in a hot air balloon and soar over the beautiful Black Hills. Make memories that will last forever.

Your Adventure Awaits! Black Hills Balloons flies in the southern Black Hills, making the Custer area, including the world-renowned Custer State Park the heart of our flying area. Your flight will vary over mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies - it's one of the best ways to view the Black Hills; home to elk, antelope, whitetail deer, buffalo and mule deer. If you're lucky, you might even see a mountain lion from our secure gondola! The Black Hills are the only place in the world where you can witness such historic, wild landscape and abundant wildlife from a hot air balloon.

Phone hours are 8am - 8pm daily.

Available options

Hot Air Balloon Ride

What's included

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Glass of Champagne

Detailed itinerary

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.

Stop 2

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 not included

Hotel pick up and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

79 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

390 reviews

5★

384

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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.

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

• 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.

About Custer

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. It's a gateway to some of the most iconic national parks and monuments in the U.S., including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Top Attractions

Crazy Horse Memorial

A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. It's a work in progress and offers stunning views and cultural exhibits.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Black Hills National Forest

A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half day to multiple days Free to moderate

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Iconic mountain carvings of four U.S. presidents. A must-see attraction with a visitor center and presidential trail.

Historical 2-4 hours Moderate

Badlands National Park

A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, fossils, and wildlife. Perfect for hiking, photography, and nature lovers.

Nature Full day Moderate

Custer State Park

One of the largest state parks in the U.S., known for its scenic drives, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Nature Half day to multiple days Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chislic

Cubed, deep-fried meat, typically served with salt and pepper. A South Dakota specialty.

Appetizer Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frybread

Fried dough, often topped with sweet or savory ingredients. A Native American tradition.

Snack Vegetarian, can be made vegan.

Bison Burger

A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Whitewater rafting Hot springs Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and all attractions fully operational. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the national parks.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Custer is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Be aware of wildlife, especially in national parks and forests.
• Stay on marked trails and follow park regulations.

Getting there

By air

Rapid City Regional Airport • 35 miles

By bus

Rapid City

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttles operate between major attractions and towns in the Black Hills.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Custer Black Hills

Day trips

Deadwood

30 miles • Half day to full day

A historic gold rush town with a rich past, offering casinos, museums, and scenic drives.

Wind Cave National Park

20 miles • Full day

A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and scenic surface trails.

Hot Springs

40 miles • Full day

A small town known for its hot springs and historic bathhouses.

Festivals

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup • September Custer Arts and Crafts Fair • June

Pro tips

Visit the visitor center for maps, brochures, and up-to-date information on attractions and events.
Start early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day, especially at popular attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather, especially in the mountains.
Try local specialties like chislic and bison dishes for an authentic taste of the region.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially in national parks and forests.