Best Balloon Rides Near The Twin Cities

Envision gently floating across the sky with a bird's eye view of Minnesota's lakes, sprawling landscape and assorted wildlife. You can make this experience a reality by hopping aboard one of the many hot air balloon rides offered in the Twin Cities area. Most flights depart around sunrise or sunset and conditions must be ideal. Flight paths can only be described as whimsical since the wind determines the route. Here are the best balloon rides in the Twin Cities.

Aamodt's Balloons

6428 Manning Ave N
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-351-0101
www.aamodtsballoons.com

Aamodt's Hot Air Balloon Rides is based out of Stillwater and boasts the largest balloon fleet in the Midwest. Passengers can choose from various packages for their floating adventure. Standard flights include packages for groups, families, pairs or singles. Larger baskets are divided into four comfortable passenger compartments and semi-private flights offers each couple, up to eight passengers, their own partitioned compartment while the private flight, designed for two people plus the pilot, is ideal for romantic escapades such as popping the question.

Balloons Ascensions Unlimited

18129 East Sioux Vista Drive
Jordan, MN 55352
952-492-5331
balloonridesminnesota.com

Chief Aeronaut Ed Chapman has over 23,000 hours of flight time, including over 2,000 hours in hot air balloons, and has set an impressive 20 hot air balloon records in distance, duration and high altitude categories. Balloon Ascensions Unlimited uses a traditional wicker carriage capable of holding one to four passengers plus the pilot.

Minneapolis Hot Air Balloons

1-800-791-5867
www.1800skyride.com

Minneapolis Hot Air Balloons invites passengers to get involved and assist the pilot and crew in balloon preparation. After climbing aboard passengers are whisked away for an unforgettable hour-long journey filled with pretty scenery and spectacular views.

Stillwater Balloons

135 Saint Croix Trail North
Lakeland, MN 55043
651-439-1800
www.stillwaterballoons.com

Family-run Stillwater Balloons has one of the largest fleets of the new, spacious Cameron balloons in Minnesota. Enjoy semi-private flights and scenic river views. Balloons depart from the Lakeland Balloon port which is located only three blocks from the St. Croix River.

Soaring Adventure of America

www.800soaring.com

St Paul's Great American Hot Air Balloon Ride offers flights for up to four people. The crew chief accompanies passengers to the launch site. When it's time to depart passengers climb aboard and the ride of a lifetime begins.