Tag Archive: mountain rushmore

1. November 14, 2024 11:57 am Comments Off on

   STRATOBOWL 2025 launch dates:  September 5th, 6th & 7th

   South Dakota is rich in aviation history.  From Aerostar inventing the modern hot air balloon, to high altitude research, the Mount Rushmore State is the proud location for many ground-breaking projects.  One such location is located right here in the Black Hills; the Stratobowl.

   Located between Rapid City and Hill City / Keystone, near Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens, The Stratobowl was first made famous in the 1930’s when manned high altitude gas balloons launched from the site, visited the stratosphere and made history. It was the first time humans reached the stratosphere and saw the curvature of the earth.  Pre-NASA; the project was organized by the Army Air Corps and National Geographic Society. This beautiful, natural box canyon has long been acknowledged as an important part of aviation history and, although not officially a National or State site, it’s well kept by private landowners who truly love the history and have dedicated their lives to preserving it’s importance.

   In honor of this special place, once a year pilots and their hot air balloons flock to the site; for those that came before us, to bring awareness to this beautiful historic site, and to help maintain it’s importance. Annually, the event hosts approximately 10 balloons during a weather permitting ‘sunrise only’ three day organized balloon launch.

   Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch details:

   Spectators are welcome!  Because the launch location is PRIVATE PROPERTY, spectators are asked to view the launch from the Stratobowl Rim Trail. Parking is limited. Balloon launch is scheduled for sunrise. Bring a flashlight, chair and your camera. Click below for Google Map location of the trail head.  And FYI, there are no facilities or vendors at this launch, so please plan accordingly.

   Would you rather FLY? Spots are limited and reservations are required.  Call 605-673-2520 or click here to book your Stratobowl flight. Cost is $375 per adult. Flight is approximately one hour and weather permitting (but it’s so worth it!). For more information on flying with Black Hills Balloons, check out our FAQs.

   And for more information on this event and to stay up to date on weather and launch updates, please ‘like’ the Stratobowl Facebook page.

   Side Note:

   Some of our favorite vacation rentals are located in the stratobowl. Click the link and visit their webpage for details. They aren’t typically available during the launch weekend BUT, any other time of year would be a gorgeous time to visit.

   PLUS, it’s just a very special place for us here at Black Hills Balloons because we were married there. It’s true! It was a beautiful Spring day, with huge snowflakes falling from the sky. Read more about our beautiful Stratobowl wedding here:  It was a pretty great day.

2. US Highway 385 Construction

   May 27, 2024 4:08 pm Comments Off on US Highway 385 Construction

   The Black Hills of South Dakota are a breathtaking destination, boasting stunning landscapes, rich Native American history, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, and amazing outdoor adventures. However, for travelers embarking on a journey to this picturesque region, road construction can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Fear not, intrepid adventurers! With a little preparation and insider knowledge, navigating road construction in the Black Hills can be a breeze.

   As with any popular tourist destination, road construction is a necessary inconvenience aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors. During peak travel seasons, such as summer, construction projects are often in full swing, which means encountering detours, delays, and temporary closures is par for the course.

   And 2024 is no exception, as it marks the start of a major project that MIGHT affect your travels – so let’s break it down to insure the areas upgrades don’t interfere with the fun.

   If you are  traveling to Custer from the northern hills, for a hot air balloon ride with us at Black Hills Balloons, or any other appointment related activity, please make sure you are aware of the construction on US Highway 385. Construction projects along Highway 385, a popular route connecting the northern Black Hills to Custer State Park and the town of Custer, and the southern Black Hills may result in detours or delays. Travelers are advised to plan their route accordingly and allow extra time for potential disruptions.

   THE DETAILS:

   The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake. Once completed, this section of U.S. Highway 385 will feature safety improvements, including wider shoulders on each side of the road where possible, improved road curves to meet current design standards, additional turning lanes to improve traffic flow, and new surfacing.

   Approximately 15 miles of U.S. Highway 385, from Calumet Road (near Sheridan Lake) to the Pennington-Lawrence county line in South Dakota, is planned to be reconstructed from 2024 through 2026. Construction of U.S. Highway 385 is split into sections that will be completed over three years. The northern segment, which runs from Pactola Dam to the Pennington-Lawrence county line, is expected to be under construction in 2024. The southern section, which runs from the southern point of Sheridan Lake (Calumet Road) to Pactola Dam, is expected to be under construction in 2025 and 2026.

   THE TIMELINE*:

   2024      May 20 – July 12             Boat Ramp to Pactola Dam

   2024      May 20 – June 7               SD Hwy 44 to Boat Ramp

   2025      April 28 – June 13           Sheridan Lake Road to Be Still Road

   2025      Aug 12 – Oct 17                Be Still Road to Calumet Road

   2025      Oct 20 – April 17 26’       Pactola Dam to Taylor Ranch Road

    

   *The above dates are subject to change – please confirm timeline by visiting https://www.us-385.com/

   If you’ve booked a hot air balloon ride to witness the beauty of the Black Hills from above, factor in additional travel time and consider departing earlier than planned to ensure you arrive at your destination punctually. Hot air balloon rides are scheduled at sunrise for a reason. It’s not only the best time to view the landscape and wildlife bathed in golden light, it’s also the safest time of day to fly by offering the calmest and most stable weather conditions of the day. Arriving on time will ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

   Despite the occasional detour or delay, road construction in the Black Hills serves as a reminder of the region’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and enhancing the visitor experience for generations to come. By embracing the spirit of adventure and flexibility, travelers can turn road construction obstacles into opportunities for discovery and exploration in one of America’s most awe-inspiring destinations. So, pack your sense of adventure and hit the road—construction zones and all—for an unforgettable journey through the Black Hills of South Dakota.

   *Timeline, maps, and more information is available by the SD DOT at https://www.us-385.com/ 

    

3. EAT LIKE A LOCAL  – BREAKFAST

   May 23, 2022 1:54 pm Comments Off on EAT LIKE A LOCAL  – BREAKFAST

   BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATIONS

   A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Black Hills is a magical experience. It’s a stunning way to start the day. The wildlife is active, the lighting is beautiful, and once the flight is over and the world is waking up, all you can think about is breakfast. We know. It happens to us too.

   A flight with Black Hills Balloons starts at sunrise, but the whole experience lasts close to three hours. With drive time to and from launch and landing sites, the inflation, flight, pack up, and champagne toast (yes! Complimentary and traditional champagne, and light snacks are served after the flight), it’s not surprising that people are hungry for a full meal when we return to the Hangar.

   We always tell people ballooning chose us, not the other way around. We aren’t actually morning people, we’re just balloon people. And so over time, we’ve become skilled in the act of finding a great breakfast. Lucky for us (and you!), the city of Custer has some amazing breakfast options.

   

   Located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in the middle of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Devils Tower National Monument, Wind Cave National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, and more, we’re not just a place to hike, bike, swim, and snowshoe. We love to eat too and have some amazing restaurants here in Custer. Below are a few of our favorite spots to grab breakfast before you spend your day adventuring in the hills.

   SIT DOWN OPTIONS

   If you’re looking for the traditional small-town diner, full of locals that make up our great community, then Our Place is it. Not, “our place”, although, we’d be happy to cook for you if you don’t mind a crazy Labrador retriever running amok. I’m talking about Our Place, located directly across the street from our meeting place. It’s so convenient, you can leave your vehicle where you parked pre-flight, and walk across the street for yummy traditional pancakes, eggs, and bacon, or whatever your heart desires. They even have an endless variety of hot sauces for you to jazz up your meal.

   HJEM AM is our newest (and most unique) option, and might easily end up being the most memorable meal of your trip. Originally based on an earlier breakfast concept of Skogen Kitchen (which is now only open for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended! Read “48 hours in the Black Hills for the foodie” for our favorite things about Skogen Kitchen), HJEM AM is what breakfast dreams are made of. Pronounced “hem” (the “J” is silent), it means “home” and it certainly feels that way when you’re greeted by owners Cami and Erik. Where else can you get a Breakfast Caesar, Salmon Deviled Eggs, Fresh Oysters, Walleye (with bacon, buttermilk sauce, sugar snap peas, and roasted mushrooms), or Pancakes covered with fried chicken, franks hot sauce, and maple syrup for breakfast? Check out their menu and make your reservations asap.

   

    

   GRAB AND GO OPTIONS

   If you desire more than drip coffee, try Miners Cup. Just down the street, Miners Cup is a grab-and-go option with a huge menu full of yummy breakfast sandwiches and a coffee menu that will satisfy anyone. They offer Gluten Free bread, and you can order off the lunch menu any time, making Miners Cup a favorite of ours. The Drive-thru is super handy when you’re heading to Iron Mountain Road for a scenic drive to Mount Rushmore.

   Maria’s Mexican Food Truck is just a few doors down and offers fantastic breakfast burritos perfect for anyone looking to grab something quick before they continue their Black Hills adventures. You’ll find the Black Hills Balloons crew here almost daily after the flight, spending their tips on bacon egg and cheese or sausage egg and cheese burritos. The salsa is homemade and delicious. It’s a great option if you’re grabbing something and heading into Custer State Park. Just make sure you finish your burrito before you come across the famous Begging Burros.

   Feel Good Café is a casual order-at-the-counter café with lots of cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Located next door to the famous Bavarian Inn, Feel Good Café has a Zen European vibe with crustless quiche, build-your-own breakfast bowls, tropical overnight oats, and even a breakfast banana sundae featuring a split banana covered in vanilla yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

   

   No matter where you go when you’re visiting us here in Custer, stick to the local recommendations to find some of the best food in the Black Hills. You know what they say. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Choose wisely.

    

4. 48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS

   February 3, 2020 6:12 pm Comments Off on 48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS

   FROM THE DESK OF KEELY

   48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS – For the Outdoor Adventurer

   Damien and I often joke that we “traded in our 9 to 5, for a 5 to 9”, but it’s not entirely wrong. Before purchasing Black Hills Balloons in 2015, we often dreamed of owning our own business and creating a better life for ourselves; one that allowed us to enjoy the outdoors, be a bit healthier and spend more time with each other. It’s hard to believe we’re prepping for our 6th season, doing what we love and living that dream of ours.

   We’re often asked about our favorite restaurants, hikes and day trips here in the Black Hills. It’s such a beautiful place full of hidden gems, its easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to do. And there’s SO MUCH TO DO, for everyone… how lucky we are to live in a place with something for everyone.

   When we host a houseguest, we gear their visit to what they like most; fine-tuning itineraries for friends from different backgrounds. It’s so fun to share our favorite spots with friends and family, we just had to share it with all of you. Here is our take on “48 hours in the Black Hills”, for the outdoor adventurer; a person who wants to get out and experience nature and the Black Hills in all her glory.

   48 Hours in the Black Hills – For the Outdoor Adventurer

   Day 1:

   A balloon flight with Black Hills Balloons, of course! You can’t miss an opportunity to soar over the Black Hills in a hot air balloon. Flying over the areas unique landscapes, valleys and granite formations is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area. Paired with a serene sunrise, wildlife, and a celebratory toast of champagne, the experience is once in a lifetime.  We always recommend you schedule your flight on your first day of vacation. That way, if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, we have plenty of backup opportunities during your stay.

   

   After your flight, rent a paddleboard or kayak from the South Dakota Outdoor Shop. Located next door to our passenger meeting location, the SD Outdoor Shop is not only convenient but offers fantastic advice and rentals for the adventurer looking to explore our beautiful area. Visit Custer State Parks Sylvan Lake for a picturesque paddle or Legion Lake for a relaxing day in the sun.

   

   If you’re looking for something a little more unique to the area, try rock climbing with Sylvan Rocks Climbing Guides. Ranging from 3 hours to full-day adventures for first-timers or experienced climbers, the guides at Sylvan Rocks will ensure you are safe while climbing some of the nation’s most recognized rock formations. They even offer a day of climbing Devils Tower, if you’re up for it!

   

   Day 2:

   Rent an ATV from Adventure Rentals! Offering full or half-day rentals, Adventure Rentals is an official Polaris outfitter, so you know they’ll always have the best machines. The Black Hills have nearly 4,000 miles of off-road trails to explore and the team at Adventure Rentals are regularly praised for their personalized approach to planning a guest’s perfect day.

   Stop along your ATV travels for a hike to round out your day. Custer State Park offers hikes requiring a variety of skill levels. Just make sure you take plenty of water, and your camera to take full advantage of the amazing views. And while you’re at it, drive the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park for an up-close-and-personal visit with our area’s famous bison herd before you return your ATV.

   If an ATV isn’t your style, tour the Badlands on a bicycle with Black Hills Tour Company. The private day tours can manage up to 8 guests, includes local transportation, your gear, a guide, and a picnic lunch. Catch stunning views of Badlands while you peddle 30 miles through the pinnacles and lower shale formations that make up the historic national park.

   

   But who are we kidding? With so much adventure in the Black Hills, you’ll likely need more than 48 hours. Try yoga, biking our famous 100+ mile Mickelson trail, fly in a helicopter over Mount Rushmore, explore underground at Wind Cave National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument, which are recognized as being two of the largest cave systems in the world, or just spend a day wildlife watching along the miles and miles of trails offered in Custer State Park and surrounding Black Hills National Forest. And once you’ve done it all, you need to come back when the snow falls for fat biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more… It’s so overwhelming you’ll likely want to visit again and again. We encourage it!

   

   A best-kept secret, we’re not only lucky to live here in the Black Hills, but we’re also happy to share it and recommend our favorite things to do. Let us know if you’d like some advice on enjoying our beautiful Black Hills. And let us know if you’ve enjoyed any of the activities shared here.

    

5. 48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS

   May 16, 2019 5:14 pm Comments Off on 48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS

   From the desk of Keely

   48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS – For the Foodie

   Quite often when customers call to book a hot air balloon flight with Black Hills Balloons, Damien And I are asked about our favorite restaurants, hikes and day trips here in the Black Hills. It’s such a beautiful place full of hidden gems, its easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to do. And there’s SO MUCH TO DO, for everyone really… how lucky we are to live in a place with something for everyone.

   We also find that when we host a houseguest, we try to gear their visit to what they like most; fine-tuning itineraries for friends from different backgrounds. It’s so much fun to share our favorite spots with friends and family and make suggestions to those that inquire over the phone, we just had to share it with all of you. Here is our take on “48 hours in the Black Hills”, geared towards The Foodie; a person who not only loves food but considers it a hobby.

   48 Hours in the Black Hills – The Foodie

   Day 1:

   Breakfast

   Try Skogen Kitchen in Custer. Focusing on breakfast and dinner, this restaurant could compete with any high-end restaurant in NYC, and yet it’s located in Custer SD, population 2000. Choose the Morning Walleye with potato-bacon hash, mint emulsion and sunny side up egg, the Ma & Paul Pancakes topped with fried chicken, franks hot sauce and maple syrup, or the Avocado Toast featuring 9-grain bread, avocado, shaved red onion, chopped eggs, sprouts, and lemon pepper. Just make sure you make reservations (they only serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday) and be prepared to be blown away.

   (2023 update: Skogen Kitchen is now focusing exclusively on dinner service, but it’s amazing! They’re still highly recommended by the team at Black Hills Balloons, in fact. Our friend/chef Joseph Raney was just announced as a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award! Our advice: stop what you’re doing and make a dinner reservation for Skogen Kitchen, then make a breakfast reservation for their sister restaurant Hjem A.M. and read our Eat Like A Local – Breakfast Blog to get up to speed.)

   

   Lunch

   Your 48 hours in the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a brewery tour with Black Hills Tour Company. Allow them to escort you to multiple Black Hills breweries in their custom VW limo bus. Along the way, skip lunch while sampling brews at Lost Cabin, Miner Brewing, Mount Rushmore Brewing Company and more. Most of the breweries have food available via full kitchen or visiting food truck to tide you over until dinner.

   

   

   Dinner

   South Dakota might not be known for its curries, but maybe it should be. For dinner, we recommend Everest Cuisine in Rapid City for some of the best lamb curries you can find in the states… it’s true! The cozy restaurant greets you at the door with that delicious smell of curry, friendly smiles and a menu full of all your favorites. It’s almost impossible to stick to one item, so bring friends and share to get the best variety on your plate.

   

   Day 2:

   Breakfast

   Start traditional with Jerry’s Cakes and Donuts or modern with Harriet and Oak, either way, you’ll need to save room for lunch and dinner. Jerry’s is one of those neat old donut shops that has stood the test of time. Get there early because they sell out almost daily and enjoy a traditional donut and cup of joe. Or, Harriet and Oak for a house-roasted coffee drink and a sweet potato breakfast burrito, acai bowl or organic oatmeal. If you are vegan or gluten-free, they can accommodate, and they do it well.

   Lunch

   No visit to the Black Hills is complete without a visit to Mt Rushmore’s Carvers Cafe for a bowl of bison chili. The monument’s restaurant is full of delicious items but it’s the homemade chili featuring locally sourced bison, that continually keeps us coming back for more. The view isn’t so bad either and if you can manage it, their famous Monumental Scoops of ice cream makes for the perfect presidential selfie. Did you know Thomas Jefferson brought the first recipe to the states?  Mount Rushmore is the only place you can get a scoop.

   

   Dinner

   For dinner, head to The Custer Wolf. Named after a legendary wolf who tormented the area in the 1920s, the restaurant is anything but scary. A local hotspot full of craft beer and fresh-made menu items, the Wolf is known for its wall of beer steins, each assigned to a regular customer. Stop in for Walleye Ceviche, added to the menu after the owners traveled to Belize, it’s a fresh South Dakota take on the popular seafood dish, the Shredded Buffalo Sandwich or their signature Bread Pudding topped with Whiskey Caramel Sauce. You won’t be disappointed. Grab a board game and a pint for a fun evening in this cozy spot. The friendly place will treat you like family. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your 48 hours of the Black Hills.

   

   Of course, speaking of wrapping up. If you’re looking for a nightcap, check out The Custer Beacon. The Custer venue regularly hosts touring and local musicians, serves wine and beer and has a fun late night menu. A mix of comfy couches and tall wooden tables, you’re guaranteed to find a good spot to absorb some local tunes, digest and reminisce.

   Between meals, we recommend touring the beautiful area. The Black Hills area is perfect for hiking, kayaking, hot air ballooning (obviously) and visiting local wildlife, but we’ll save specifics for our next “48 Hours in the Black Hills” list. Have you checked out any of the restaurants we mentioned? Any tips or locations we missed?  Please share, there’s just too much good food in the Hills for 48 hours, wouldn’t you agree?