Hot Air Balloon Rides in Indiana

As I was driving home from a meeting tonight, I saw the most beautiful hot air balloon floating in the sky in the distance. It seemed like such a lovely way to spend a summer evening, and it got me thinking about how one goes about hitching such a cool mode of transportation in Indiana.

A quick Google search later, and I learned that there are a lot of options for hot air balloon travel around the state. A few suggestions:

• Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage: Travel back in time and up in the air at this living history museum in Fishers. Definitely the most economical option.
• Indiana Balloon Rides/Sky High Aerial Promotions: Sign up for a private, sunrise or sunset trip. You can even get one to come to your house!
• Indy Hot Air: In addition to a conventional hot air balloon, this Hamilton County company offers “Oggy,” a dragon-shaped hot air balloon that is sure to get some attention as you float by.
• Airbus Balloon Rides: One of the larger hot air balloon companies in the state, they offer sunrise and late afternoon balloon rides every day of the week in Bloomington.
• Big Red Balloons: Another hot air balloon option in Bloomington, they offer private flights, tethered balloon rides and even flight training.
• Skypoint Balloons: This company offers several meeting points in Hamilton, Boone and Marion counties. Or consider a tethered balloon ride in conjunction with a special event.
• Above and Beyond Balloon Company: Participate in the inflation process in addition to your launch to get a true hot air balloon experience in Hamilton County.
• Indy Balloon Promotions: Take the “Tickled Pink” balloon up in the sky year-round on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
• Stars and Heights Balloon Team: Based in Greenfield, Indiana, this company offers flights year-round, in addition to tethered balloon services.
• Wander Aloft Ballooning: The best way to get an aerial view of Fort Wayne and the northeastern Indiana countryside is to schedule a flight with this company.
• Midwest Balloon Rides: With this Fishers-based company, you can get a video of your ride and a champagne toast to cap off the experience!

And don’t forget, the Indiana State Fair always features the Giant Hot Air Balloon Launch. This year, that’s scheduled for Saturday, August 11 at 6:50 a.m.

Ever been up in a hot air balloon? Tell us about it!

Photo courtesy of Indiana Balloon Rides.