Black Hills Balloons Passenger Meeting Location — Attraction in Custer

Captian Mike, Captian Damien and their crews were very experienced and adventurous. We felt safe. The day started by meeting downtown, using the bathroom at the meetup spot, getting assigned a Balloon Captain, and loading in their van with other passengers. Definitely go to the bathroom before getting into the van. There are no bathrooms until you get back. Next we caravaned with fellow vans of passengers towing the balloons we will ride in. We go just out of town and down a dirt road to an open field where we unload, have a safety briefing and watch them unpack and inflate the balloons. Once Captains have completed their safety checks on the balloons they will be piloting, they have us load in. I was thankful for my hoodie as we had the sunrise flight and the morning was a little chilly and also the flame for the hot air balloon can get toasty at times on the back of the neck. My husband wore sandals and I wore sandals with socks. There is no door in the basket be prepared to climb in and out, they will assist you. I am glad I used my phone instead of bringing my professional camera because that would have gotten too heavy for me. You are standing during the ride, there are no seats, I did lean at times. The ride was peaceful and well worth it! I captured the sky, deer, trees, the other balloons and of course us. Our landing was smooth and great but they say some can be tricky. After landing, the Captains set up some snacks and drinks while the crews pack the balloons and baskets and get them loaded. After that it's the people's turn to get loaded up for a quick trip back to the meeting spot. Upon returning we were awarded our Certificates, I bought a Tshirt for $20 (price may be different), we added $20 cash to the crew tip jar and said Goodbye to our new friends. If I could give more...

Needs more parking. The key is to arrive early! There is free public parking around the area, but with all of the guests, flight crew, chase crew and other staff, PLUS all of the other businesses in the area..... close parking goes quick. But the business itself is very easy to find and get in/out of. The gift shop was small, but had a good selection of clothing, stickers, and other items promoting your recent experience, and at a really reasonable price, given the tourist nature of the area. The staff gave excellent and very interesting information throughout the entire pre-flight portion, and made it very funny as well. Would be nice to have another bathroom (or a porta potty on a trailer!) but that would be a stretch. A lot of women all wanting to use the bathroom after a 2 hour balloon flight and a 1 hour ride back makes the guys look for a porta potty. Or a bush. So be first...

We had the privilege and pleasure to take a balloon ride over the Black HIlls. This was my 3rd balloon ride and by far, my favorite (even better than the one I took in Africa this past February)!!! We met at their office location in the cute little town of Custer and I HAD to buy one of their “Upcycled” flannel shirts - the owner sews a logo patch on a “previously loved” shirt and the proceeds go towards 2 charities at the local Pine Ridge Reservation. Their crew seemed like such a tight knit family and all hard-working and in love with what they do! There was a fun competition between the pilots and ours, Damien was comical and VERY experienced. I loved how he wrapped it up at the end, over a champagne toast and shared the story of how ballooning began and the history behind the champagne toast (look it up - fun story). We hope to be back one day and...