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Perhaps you’ve heard of the famous Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon festival? The one where you can see enormous, colorful balloons fill the sky?
But did you know that you can get in on the balloon action by taking your own hot air balloon ride right here in Michigan?
If this sounds like fun (not scary at all, right?!) you’re in the right spot.
When you sign up for a hot air balloon ride in Michigan, you’re signing up for a thrill a minute.
Adrenaline rush! The basket leaves the ground, powered by the whooshing heat and flames just feet away.
It’s all worth it, you tell yourself.
Now, you float silently over the lush green of summer and the paradise of our lakes, reveling in the 360-degree views that make us smitten with the Mitten all over again every year.
Ready to make this dream come true?
We’ve found six spots in the state to get you started on your very own dramatic ride through the skies. Check out our list below and we’ll give you the scoop on all the hot air balloon fun in Michigan.
With launch sites in both Battle Creek and Frankenmuth, passengers who fly with Magic Clouds Balloon Corporation are sure to be in for a visual treat.
Enjoy a five minute tethered ride, or a full-length untethered sail across the skies.
Catch a view of Detroit like you’ve never seen before in a Majestic Adventure hot air balloon.
During the one hour ride, passengers see both the Detroit skyline and an up-close view of the surrounding Southeast Michigan lakes.
Tethered rides also available.
Sky Adventures passengers have been sailing over northern Oakland and southern Lapeer counties for over 47 years.
After a scenic flight, passengers enjoy a traditional champagne toast and receive a commemorative pin that is a replica of the balloon they just rode in.
Catch a gorgeous Michigan sunrise or sunset over the Kalamazoo area with Michigan Balloon Corporation.
Dip low close to the river or sail above the trees on this unforgettable Michigan hot air balloon flight.
Hop in one of Altitude Endeavors’ balloons and you’ll fly over Southwest Michigan and the Northern Lower Peninsula.
Also available are 1.5 hr tether rides for those not looking for a free-floating ride.
Legacy Ballooning offers a 45 min to 1 hour ride for two people. Celebrate a special occasion with a chapagne toast, or just create a core memory.
Launching from Grand Rapids, TDR Balloon Company offers a 45 min to 1 hour ride for two people. They offer weekday and weekend flights over the Grand Rapids area.
They also offer tethered flights for groups or group events.
Most balloon rides are at least 45 minutes long, some extending to two hours or more.
Nope, it’s not any colder than it is on the ground.
All balloons fly only in the morning and the evening, so it is most likely you will see the sunset or sunrise.
Some do, but due to windy conditions the best season to schedule a flight is May – October.
Generally, no, although infants are usually not permitted. If you book a flight, be sure to ask the company for their requirements.
Yes, several companies also offer tethered rides.
A hot air balloon ride offers charm, excitement, new perspective, and a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Why not give it a go? Let us know if you do!
Hannah is a wife to her husband Chris and stay-at-home mom to their two boys. Among her favorite things are singing, pilates, opera, dabbling in knitting and hand embroidery, writing, spending time with her family, waffles, Jesus, and a good cup of tea. She loves Michigan with her whole heart and is proud to call it home!
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