National Balloon Museum Indianola
Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant inflatable art, interactive installations, and playful exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photos
National Balloon Museum Indianola
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant inflatable art, interactive installations, and playful exhibits.
"Felt like a kid again diving into a huge ball pit!"
📸 Patience for Photos
Lots of photo ops, but be patient, especially in popular spots like the ball pit .
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking and exploring various interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Inflatable Art
Immerse yourself in a world of giant inflatables, light projections, and playful art installations.
The Ball Pit Room
Main exhibition area
Dive into a sea of colorful balls for a nostalgic and fun-filled experience.
Stained Glass Memorial
Memorial Hall
A poignant tribute to balloonists, featuring beautiful stained glass artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace the Interactive Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Patience for Photos
Lots of photo ops, but be patient, especially in popular spots like the ball pit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking and exploring various interactive exhibits.
🎈 Embrace Your Inner Child
This museum is designed for fun and wonder, so let loose and enjoy!
💧 Hand Sanitizer is a Plus
Consider bringing your own, as it's recommended after certain interactive rooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Patience for Photos
Lots of photo ops, but be patient, especially in popular spots like the ball pit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking and exploring various interactive exhibits.
🎈 Embrace Your Inner Child
This museum is designed for fun and wonder, so let loose and enjoy!
💧 Hand Sanitizer is a Plus
Consider bringing your own, as it's recommended after certain interactive rooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the National Balloon Museum to be a fun, interactive, and visually engaging experience, with many highlighting the unique inflatable art and immersive rooms like the ball pit. While some note potential sensory intensity for very young children and the need for patience during busy times, the overall sentiment is positive, with many recommending it for a unique outing.
"Pretty sick collection of inflatable art pieces and shapes. I enjoyed a lot of them. But it’s easy to pass a couple of hours in there as it is quite large. A lot of them use lights and shape to be interesting. And a lot of the. Also includes a lot of motion and movement in its presentation. It’s quite interactive too which is quite fun. Would recommend trying it out as it is interesting fun and nice to see. There is also a gift shop at the end that has stuff to buy and it has a little pastries that you can buy as well to eat after."
Christophe Gaboury
"This is a great place to visit. It is kid friendly to a certain extent. There are rooms/areas where all ages are able to interact, but you have to watch out for little ones. The only downside to this is when you enter a certain area you're asked to wait with a big group-its was very stuffy in the said area. Fans in the passageways would be a bonus. And hand sanitizer after each room visited would be a major bonus. I am recommending to visit this place. The little café & gift area are a great ending to the Museum."
Graciela Sanchez
"Came here for a little day date wasn't sure if it was going to be packed or not. Surprisingly it wasn't bad at all. We had so much fun took about an hour and 45 minutes that's stopping to take all the pictures and waiting maybe a 1 or 2 minutes if there was someone ahead of us. This is great for all ages. The ball pit and silver balloon rooms were my favorite. All of the exhibits were on point as well. There's a cute little shop once you're finished with some small bites and beverages. You can buy a giant balloon dog, flowers, butterflies and bees super cute definitely a good time."
Damaria Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Balloon Museum is located in Indianola, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Indianola is about a 30-minute drive south of Des Moines, making it a convenient day trip from the capital city.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services if you are not arriving by car.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Balloon Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
The museum is generally accessible, with efforts made to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. Some visitors have mentioned costs around $108 for two people for similar interactive museums, but it's essential to check the official National Balloon Museum website for current admission fees and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
The museum is generally considered kid-friendly, but some exhibits might be more suitable for older children or adults due to their nature or intensity. There are no strict age restrictions for entry, but parental guidance is advised for younger visitors.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum, allowing time for photos and enjoying the interactive exhibits.
Information on group rates is usually available on the museum's official website or by contacting their group sales department directly.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as the museum is filled with visually appealing art and exhibits perfect for photos. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas.
You'll find a collection of inflatable art, light installations, and interactive pieces. Many exhibits are designed to be visually stimulating and engaging.
The ball pit room and the silver balloon rooms are frequently mentioned as favorite photo spots. The stained glass memorial is also a beautiful and unique area for pictures.
Policies on professional photoshoots may vary. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about their guidelines and any associated fees.
Given the museum's theme, you can expect to see art inspired by hot air balloons, including airbrush art 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small café and gift area at the end of the museum where you can purchase pastries, beverages, and small bites.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum exhibits. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
Indianola offers various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, located a short drive from the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Couples and Date Nights
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Inflatables
Many of these inflatable artworks are designed to be interactive, encouraging visitors to engage with them. This hands-on approach is a significant draw, making the museum experience more dynamic and memorable. The use of lights and motion further enhances the visual appeal, creating a sensory journey through the exhibits.
A Space for Reflection and Remembrance
This solemn artwork offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the museum's more energetic displays. It speaks to the rich history and the risks associated with ballooning, honoring those who have contributed to the sport and lost their lives in the pursuit of flight.This blend of celebratory art and respectful memorialization creates a well-rounded experience. It acknowledges the adventurous spirit of ballooning while also paying tribute to its heritage and the individuals who shaped it. The museum effectively balances the thrill of modern art installations with the historical significance of aviation, making it a place of both entertainment and education.
Family Fun and Considerations
However, it's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned that certain rooms might be intense or overwhelming for very young children, such as toddlers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit