Stillwater Balloons
Experience the magic of flight with Stillwater Balloons! Glide over scenic landscapes and enjoy a champagne toast. A truly unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmest winds for smooth rides
Stillwater Balloons
Best Time
Calmest winds for smooth rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of flight with Stillwater Balloons! Glide over scenic landscapes and enjoy a champagne toast. A truly unforgettable adventure.
"This was the most amazing thing I have ever done. It was wonderful. Perfect weather, awesome pilot, length of the flight was perfect."
🎯 Be Patient with Weather
Reschedules are common due to weather. Safety first! It's worth the wait for a perfect day.
📸 Bring Your Phone/Camera
Capture stunning aerial views, but be mindful of not dropping your device!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise/Sunset Balloon Flight
Over the St. Croix River Valley
Glide peacefully 1,500 ft above the ground, witnessing breathtaking views of rivers, fields, and homes.
Family-Run Business Charm
Stillwater Balloons Launch Site
Experience the warmth of a family business where children and relatives actively participate in the crew.
Champagne Toast & Souvenir Glass
Post-Landing
Celebrate your unforgettable flight with a traditional champagne toast and a commemorative etched glass.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Patience is Key for Perfect Flights
Embrace the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Be Patient with Weather
Reschedules are common due to weather. Safety first! It's worth the wait for a perfect day.
📸 Bring Your Phone/Camera
Capture stunning aerial views, but be mindful of not dropping your device!
🥂 Enjoy the Toast
The champagne toast and souvenir glass are a cherished part of the experience.
🤝 Engage with the Crew
The flight crew is friendly and often invites onlookers to help with the balloon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Be Patient with Weather
Reschedules are common due to weather. Safety first! It's worth the wait for a perfect day.
📸 Bring Your Phone/Camera
Capture stunning aerial views, but be mindful of not dropping your device!
🥂 Enjoy the Toast
The champagne toast and souvenir glass are a cherished part of the experience.
🤝 Engage with the Crew
The flight crew is friendly and often invites onlookers to help with the balloon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stillwater Balloons for their amazing experiences, wonderful customer service, and safe, fun flights. The family-run business atmosphere and the breathtaking views are frequently highlighted as major positives. While patience is required due to weather-dependent reschedules, the overall consensus is that the experience is unforgettable and well worth the wait.
"Amazing experience and wonderful customer service. These flights are safe and fun! Waiting for the right weather is the hardest part of booking. The team communicates well and is very helpful when/if rescheduling is required."
Heidi Hutter
"This was the most amazing thing I have ever done. It was wonderful. Perfect weather, awesome pilot, length of the flight was perfect. The workers and staff were so nice a helpful. Very good experience all around. We will for sure be doing it again."
Angie Charland
"This is truly an experience, from watching the flight crew setting everything up, to the actual flight, the amazing views, the landing, putting everything away, and a champagne toast!
We had to be patient with reschedules, but that is due to weather conditions & for our safety, which always comes first, so keep that in mind. Please be patient because it's well worth it!
We had 3 balloons go up during our trip and we were assigned the largest one & the last to go up. We loved this, as it allowed us to take lots of pics. Our balloon was 120 ft. And due to the size of the basket, if someone moved, you never felt a thing.
The takeoff was so smooth, like floating in the air. Our pilot, Steve, was hilarious, and gave us a wonderful experience. The views were incredible and you couldn't even feel as if you were moving. Gliding 1,500 ft. Above the ground, looking at everything from the highway, parks, fields, homes, the St. Croix river, Bison that looked like ants & so much more. We watched the other 2 ballons land, which was also fun to watch. It was so peaceful, calm, and serene...the only thing I was worried about was dropping my phone taking pictures!
The flight crew were all such hard workers and so pleasant. Everyone made us feel welcome and told us to make ourselves at home. Speaking of home, this is very much a family business....Steve's children work as part of the flight crew as well. We met two of his daughters, one son, a niece and I'm sure even more family we weren't aware of. Thank you to Steve & the entire flight crew for all of your hard work to ensure we all had an amazing experience!!
The landing was as fun as the take off. We landed in a parking lot (the ballon goes whatever way the slight wind blows so you never know where your landing spot will be). We were the first to get out, so we could take pics. I thought it was a lot of work to prepare for the flight, but wow, the work put into getting the balloon to lay down so it deflates & gets rolled up is a lot!
There were several families & their children watching us land and one of Steve's daughters invited the families & their children to come over, touch the balloon, and help put it away. The kids were so excited to be able to do this & ran over to help out...so cute!!
While we watched all of this, we sat on the flatbed part of the truck that the basket & balloon would be put on and taken back to Stillwater Balloons, along with everyone else on our flight. Steve gave all of us champagne glasses (with Stillwater Balloons etched on them) and he poured us all a glass of champagne!! We all toasted, enjoyed our drink, and got to keep the glasses as a souvenir! They had a small bus waiting for us in the parking lot to take us back to Stillwater Balloons, and of course Steve drove...the man does it ALL!
If you're still reading this, purchase a hot air balloon ride with them...you won't regret it and will always remember such an amazing experience. 🎈"
Jody Clutter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stillwater Balloons operates in the Stillwater, Minnesota area. Specific launch locations are determined by weather conditions on the day of your flight.
The launch site can vary. You will receive detailed instructions and directions from the Stillwater Balloons team prior to your flight.
Yes, parking is typically available at the designated launch sites. The crew will guide you upon arrival.
Driving is the most common method. Consider booking accommodation in Stillwater if you're traveling from afar, especially if you have an early morning flight.
While possible, rideshare availability might be limited at remote launch sites. Confirm with the company beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking is typically done online or via phone. Scheduling can be done via text and email.
Pricing varies based on the type of flight and number of passengers. It's recommended to check their official website for current rates.
Generally, children need to be a certain age to participate. The family-friendly nature means kids are often welcome, but confirm specifics.
Cancellations due to weather are common. The company prioritizes safety and will work with you to reschedule your flight.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as flights can fill up quickly. Some people wait a year for the right weather.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dress in comfortable, casual layers. Closed-toe shoes are essential as you'll be standing in the basket and potentially walking on uneven ground.
Flights typically last about an hour, but the entire experience, including setup and landing, can take 3-4 hours.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the St. Croix River, surrounding countryside, parks, and homes. You might even spot wildlife.
Landings are generally smooth, but can vary depending on wind conditions. The crew is expertly trained to ensure a safe and gentle touchdown.
Yes! The crew often invites passengers, especially children, to participate in setting up and packing away the balloon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the launch site itself may not have food vendors, the traditional champagne toast is a highlight. Stillwater town offers many dining options.
It's best to check with Stillwater Balloons directly regarding their policy on outside food and beverages.
The charming town of Stillwater offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining, perfect for a post-flight meal.
Alcohol is typically served after the flight during the traditional champagne toast.
Some restaurants in Stillwater might offer views of balloons in the distance, especially during sunrise or sunset flights.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for breathtaking aerial photography.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive landscape shots.
Generally, photography is encouraged. Just be mindful of your surroundings and other passengers.
Yes, the crew is friendly and often happy to be photographed, especially during the setup and pack-up.
The St. Croix River, the patchwork of fields, and the charming town of Stillwater are particularly picturesque from above.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Dress kids in comfortable layers and closed-toe shoes. Be prepared for potential weather-related reschedules, and frame it as an exciting adventure. The champagne toast is for adults, but the entire experience is incredibly engaging for all ages.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a private or semi-private flight for an even more intimate experience. The champagne toast at the end is a classic romantic gesture, and the souvenir glasses serve as a lasting memento of your special occasion.
🌟 Bucket List Travelers
Be prepared for the waiting game. Many reviewers mention multiple attempts due to weather, but emphasize that the wait is absolutely worth it for the perfect flight. Embrace the journey and the anticipation – it's all part of the adventure!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Hot Air Ballooning
Stillwater Balloons emphasizes a family-run approach, with multiple generations involved in operations. This personal touch adds to the charm and ensures a high level of care and attention for every passenger. From the initial inflation to the final landing and champagne toast, the entire process is a collaborative effort.
Safety is paramount, and Stillwater Balloons is committed to providing a secure and enjoyable experience. This means adhering strictly to weather conditions, which can sometimes lead to flight cancellations or reschedules. Passengers are encouraged to be patient, as waiting for the perfect weather is crucial for a safe and memorable flight.
Navigating Weather and Reschedules
Travelers often report needing to reschedule multiple times before their flight actually takes place. While this can be frustrating, the reviews consistently highlight that the company's commitment to safety is appreciated and that the eventual flight is 'well worth it.' The team is praised for their clear communication regarding weather updates and their flexibility in finding new dates for rescheduled flights.
Patience is a virtue when booking a hot air balloon ride. Understanding that weather is unpredictable and that the company is acting in your best interest can help manage expectations. The reward for this patience is often a perfect, serene flight with breathtaking views.
The Unforgettable Landing and Celebration
Following the landing, the crew works diligently to deflate and pack the large balloon. This process is often a spectacle in itself, and Stillwater Balloons frequently invites passengers, especially children, to participate. This hands-on involvement adds an extra layer of fun and engagement to the experience, making it memorable for all ages.
The culmination of the adventure is the traditional champagne toast. Passengers are presented with etched souvenir glasses and enjoy a celebratory drink, reflecting on the incredible journey. This ritual, combined with the shared experience of the flight and landing, creates a strong sense of camaraderie and a perfect end to an extraordinary outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit