As we gear up for another spectacular season of sunrise flights over the southern Black Hills, we are honored to be recognized by one of the world’s leading travel platforms. For over 40 years, we’ve had the privilege of showing guests the magic of Custer State Park, the granite spires of the Needles, and the sprawling beauty of the Black Hills from the best seat in the house – the sky.
Whether you’re visiting us for a quiet romantic escape or a family adventure, being featured on Kayak makes it easier than ever for travelers to find us while planning their perfect South Dakota getaway. We love seeing our local Custer community thrive, and we can’t wait to welcome a new wave of Kayak explorers to the Black Hills this summer!
Planning Made Easy: Why Use Kayak?
Planning a trip to a destination as vast as the Black Hills can be overwhelming, but Kayak simplifies the process by bringing everything into one place. From comparing the best rates on local lodging to discovering top-rated activities like our sunrise flights, Kayak’s travel guides offer a curated look at the “must-dos” in the area. It’s an essential tool for the modern adventurer who wants to spend less time on logistics and more time soaking in the views.
Tips from Someone Who’s Taken “More Than a Few” Hot Air Balloon Photos
There’s nothing quite like soaring over Custer and the Black Hills in a hot air balloon. In addition to the National Parks and Monuments, South Dakota’s rolling prairies, rugged peaks, and golden light make for some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to capture it with a few brag-worthy shots. But photographing a hot air balloon ride isn’t like snapping pics on solid ground, it comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Here are our top tips for getting the best shots of your flight with us at Black Hills Balloons.
If you know our story, you’ll know I have been around hot air balloons (and taking photos of them) since I was 7 years old. Which means, I’ve taken a photo or “few” over the years. Below are some tips and tricks to ensure you walk away from your flight with more than just memories to last a lifetime – you’ll have a few insta-worthy shots to share too.
Below is an photo of myself (age 8 ish) along with my balloon pilot Mother. Evidence that I have been doing this for a very long time. Also, can we just assume she was the inventor of the first-ever selfie stick…?
Timing is Everything
We know it’s early. Hot air balloon flights happen at sunrise for a reason and while I could go on and on about weather and why it’s the safest time to fly, in the interest of photography you only need to know one thing: it’s golden hour. Sunrise aka “golden hour” can bring out the best colors in the landscape, creating dreamy, soft images. It’s also when wildlife is most active, so your chances of capturing a few locals is high. Make sure your lens is clean so it can perfectly capture sunspots and flares as the sun peeks over the horizon. Some of the most stunning shots of the hills from a balloon include a beautiful Black Hills sunrise.
Use a Wide Angle
A wide-angle lens can be your best friend in a balloon basket. It allows you to capture the vastness of the Black Hills landscape without missing a thing. Or go vertical to include the balloon above, and the landscape ahead. If you’re using a smartphone, switch to the widest setting to get more of that sweeping view in the frame.
Swap Shots with Fellow Passengers
One of the best ways to ensure you get a great variety of photos is to trade shots with your fellow passengers. While you’re focused on capturing the scenery, they might catch incredible candid moments of you enjoying the ride. Offer to take pictures of each other so everyone gets a few frame-worthy shots of themselves floating above the Black Hills. It’s one of the perks of sharing the flight – making new friends.
Capture the Experience
Don’t just focus on the landscape – photograph the balloon, the flame firing up, your fellow passengers, and even your own reactions! The best photos tell a story, and that means capturing the entire adventure, from takeoff to touchdown.
Don’t forget to experiment with angles, too. Shoot straight down over the edge of the basket for an epic, point of view. Get a colorful shot inside the balloon. And mix up your compositions to make your photos stand out.
Adjust Your Exposure for the Sky
The bright sky and the darker landscape can trick your camera’s settings. Tap on the sky (if using a phone) to balance the exposure and avoid overexposing the highlights. If you’re using a camera, try slightly underexposing your shots to preserve the details in the sky.
Capture our other balloons
On a typical day with Black Hills Balloons, we’ll have two to three balloons flying at the same time. So, take advantage of the opportunity and capture them! The sight of colorful balloons floating above the Black Hills adds depth and scale to your photos, making them even more dynamic and breathtaking. Try framing another balloon against the rising sun or with the rugged landscape below for a truly postcard-worthy image. And don’t forget to share! It’s likely the passengers from the other balloons took photos of you too.
Enjoy the Moment
While it’s tempting to spend the entire flight snapping pictures, don’t forget to put the camera down and just take it all in. Some of the best memories can’t be captured—just felt.
Ready to Capture the Sky?
A hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills is an unforgettable experience, and with these tips, you’ll have photos that do it justice. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just want incredible vacation memories, your flight is the perfect opportunity to capture something truly special.
Book your flight today and get ready for the adventure—and the photos—of a lifetime!
SMALL BIZ BONUS: if you have a few shots you’d love to share – we’d love to see them. Not only do we cherish recaps from passengers that include photos, but we thrive off it. Our small business truly benefits from kindness and “small business support”, so if you’re willing to share (along with usage rights), so we can use online OR share alongside a review, our little business would really appreciate it. Small acts of kindness are huge when it comes to supporting small.
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.
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.
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.
