Balloons can carry only one person - the pilot - or as many as 12 passengers, depending upon the size of the envelope, the basket and outside weather conditions. Balloon rides can last from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on wind and weather conditions and the direction of flight. Balloons can fly over trees or go much higher - from 50 feet to 2000 feet, but they only go as fast as the wind carries them - not much faster than 8-10 miles per hour. The cost of a hot air balloon ride at the Festival is $185 per person. Many pilots require that their passengers be 18 years or older to take a balloon ride; the age requirement is subject to the discretion of the individual pilot.
Tethered balloon rides will be available throughout the festival during the time that the balloons are launching. The rider goes up the length of the tethered rope (about 100 feet). When you get into the basket, the balloon goes up until the ropes are fully extended and then returns to the ground. The ride lasts about 5-10 minutes and costs $10 per person. Younger children will especially enjoy the tethered balloon rides. What a great view of the festival!!
Untethered balloon rides will occur during the Saturday and Sunday morning ascensions at 6:30am and during the Friday, Saturday & Sunday evening ascensions at 6:30pm, weather permitting. Tethered Rides are available 6:30pm-8:30pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, weather permitting. To ensure availability, email the GMBF Balloon Meister that you wish to purchase a ticket(s) for the untethered balloon ride at the Great Midwest Balloon Fest. Tethered balloon rides will only be available for purchase at the festival.