LAKELAND BALLOON FIELD GUIDE
Morning Light Over the St. Croix: A Three‑Hour Hot‑Air Soar from Lakeland
A three‑hour balloon adventure out of Lakeland that includes about an hour aloft over the St. Croix River Valley, a champagne toast on landing and an engraved keepsake flute — this guide explains what to expect.
Morning Light Over the St. Croix: A Three‑Hour Hot‑Air Soar from Lakeland.
Adventure brief
Morning Light Over the St. Croix: A Three‑Hour Hot‑Air Soar from Lakeland
Launch from a balloon port just blocks from the St. Croix River and rise above the river valley for sweeping water‑lined views on a three‑hour adventure that includes roughly an hour of actual flight, a champagne celebration on landing and a keepsake engraved flute.
Soar high above the beautiful St. Croix River Valley with Stillwater Balloons on their Standard Hot Air Balloon Flight, a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure in Lakeland, Minnesota. This private experience offers an hour of peaceful flight time paired with stunning panoramic views of lush forests, winding rivers, and charming landscapes. The total adventure lasts around three hours and includes a full pre-flight briefing to ensure your comfort and safety. Once you land, celebrate your journey with a complimentary champagne toast and receive a keepsake flute to remember the occasion. Known for its impeccable safety record and excellent customer service, Stillwater Balloons provides both first-time flyers and seasoned adventurers with a relaxing yet exhilarating outing. Whether you're with family, friends, or on a special occasion, this peaceful flight provides a unique perspective of Minnesota’s natural beauty you can’t get any other way. As you gently float, watch the vibrant colors of the river valley unfold below and relish this serene, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Three principal phases — meet and prepare at the Lakeland balloon port, an hour in the air above the St. Croix River Valley, and a celebratory landing.
Meet at the Lakeland balloon port
Passengers assemble at the operator's launch site in Lakeland, MN, where the crew readies the balloon and explains the flight.
Launch and an hour aloft
Lift‑off occurs at sunrise or about two hours before sunset for the roughly one‑hour flight, offering views of the St. Croix River Valley below.
Landing and celebration
A controlled touchdown is followed by a champagne toast on landing and the handing out of an engraved keepsake champagne flute.
Flights are highly weather‑dependent; operators cancel many flights when winds or conditions are unsafe and will prompt rescheduling rather than refunding certificates.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
St. Croix River Valley vistas
Flights lift off from Lakeland, MN, just three blocks from the St. Croix, delivering consistent water views as the balloon drifts over the river valley.
A champagne landing and engraved keepsake
Each flight ends with a champagne celebration on landing; every passenger receives an engraved keepsake champagne flute.
Established operation with a long safety record
Operating since 1976, the company notes an impeccable safety record and says it has offered more flights than anyone in the Midwest.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
The experience unfolds over roughly three hours: crew setup before launch, about an hour aloft drifting over the St. Croix River Valley at sunrise or in the evening (launches occur at sunrise and two hours before sunset), then a gentle landing followed by a champagne toast and the presentation of an engraved flute.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and what to plan around.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The operator notes that "everything else is easy"; bring your booking/certificate and follow operator instructions on arrival.
Expect the full experience to take about three hours from arrival through setup and breakdown, with roughly one hour spent in the air.
The listed meeting address is the operator's Lakeland launch point; follow any operator directions for exact arrival time and check‑in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the flight?
Flights are about an hour long within a three‑hour adventure that includes setup and breakdown.
Where do we meet?
The operator's meeting/launch location is 135 Saint Croix Trl N, Lakeland Shores, MN.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rides are highly weather‑dependent; the operator cancels many flights for winds or bad weather and will prompt rescheduling when flights are canceled.
Are certificates refundable if a flight is canceled?
Certificates are nonrefundable; if a flight is canceled due to weather you would be prompted to reschedule.
Is there anything special after landing?
Yes — the flight includes a champagne celebration upon landing and each passenger receives an engraved keepsake champagne flute.
How experienced is the operator?
The operator has been established since 1976 and reports an impeccable safety record, having offered more flights than anyone in the Midwest.
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: 2026-08-10T12:56:36.829Z
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.