LAKELAND BALLOON FIELD GUIDE
Above the St. Croix: A private balloon flight from Lakeland that trades horsepower for hush
A private, year-round hot-air balloon flight launched from Lakeland, MN — roughly a three-hour experience with about one hour aloft — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan around the operator’s strict weather policy.
Above the St. Croix: A private balloon flight from Lakeland that trades horsepower for hush.
Adventure brief
Above the St. Croix: A private balloon flight from Lakeland that trades horsepower for hush
Stillwater Balloons runs private flights from a Lakeland balloon port just three blocks from the St. Croix River. Each outing is a roughly three-hour commitment that includes setup and breakdown and delivers about an hour of flight time over the St. Croix River Valley; flights launch at sunrise or roughly two hours before sunset.
Experience the serene beauty of Minnesota’s Lakeland region from the unique vantage point of a private hot air balloon flight with Stillwater Balloons. This exclusive adventure offers unmatched panoramic views of lush forests, sparkling lakes, and the gentle rise and fall of the Minnesotan landscape. Designed for those seeking a peaceful escape, the flight allows you to float silently through the sky, providing a rare and intimate connection with nature. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to unwind, the private nature of this flight ensures a personalized experience with attentive service and expert pilots. You'll savor breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, enjoy fresh air far from the noise of everyday life, and create lasting memories in a totally new way. The adventure requires minimal physical effort but offers incredible emotional rejuvenation. Ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a peaceful outdoor thrill, this flight combines peace, beauty, and excitement uniquely. Stillwater Balloons’ commitment to safety and comfort guarantees a smooth, unforgettable journey aloft.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key moments
The trip is a compact sequence of preflight prep, an hour aloft over the St. Croix, and a celebratory landing.
Preflight at Lakeland balloon port
Meet and prepare at the Lakeland launch port — crew set up the balloon and conduct passenger briefing prior to launch.
One-hour flight over the St. Croix River Valley
Enjoy approximately one hour of flight time drifting above the river valley and surrounding landscape.
Landing and celebration
Touch down and take part in a champagne celebration where each passenger receives an engraved keepsake flute; crew complete breakdown afterward.
Flights are highly weather dependent; operators may cancel often for wind or poor weather and will prompt rescheduling when that occurs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Float above the St. Croix River Valley
Flights lift off mere blocks from the St. Croix, giving passengers expansive water views and a one-hour aerial window to take in the river valley below.
A Champagne landing with a keepsake
Every flight concludes with a champagne celebration on landing; each passenger receives an engraved, keepsake champagne flute.
A long-standing Midwest operation
Established in 1976, the operator emphasizes safety and experience, noting an extensive regional flight history.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
The outing unfolds slowly: preflight setup and briefing at the Lakeland balloon port, inflation and launch at dawn or near-sunset, an hour of quiet, drifting flight over the river valley, then landing and a ceremonial champagne toast before teardown — all packaged into about three hours total.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits — and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Flights operate year-round and launch at sunrise or about two hours before sunset; plan on approximately three hours total with about one hour in the air.
The operator is strongly weather-dependent and reports canceling over 75% of rides for wind or poor weather; certificates are nonrefundable and passengers would be prompted to reschedule if a flight is canceled due to weather.
A champagne celebration follows landing and each passenger receives an engraved keepsake champagne flute.
Launches occur from Stillwater Balloons’ Lakeland balloon port, located about three blocks from the St. Croix River.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the flight and the whole outing?
Flights are about an hour long; the entire adventure — including setup and breakdown — takes roughly three hours.
When do flights launch?
Flights launch at sunrise and about two hours before sunset from the Lakeland balloon port.
Are flights available year-round?
The operator offers rides year-round, but they are highly weather dependent.
What happens if bad weather cancels my flight?
The company cancels rides frequently for winds or poor weather — over 75% of flights — and will prompt you to reschedule; certificates are nonrefundable.
Is there anything special after landing?
Yes — each landing includes a champagne celebration and passengers receive an engraved keepsake champagne flute.
Who operates the flights and how experienced are they?
Flights are run by Stillwater Balloons, an operator established in 1976 that highlights a long Midwest flight history and an emphasis on safety.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T01:41:44.981Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.