Aerial Tours

Hot-Air Balloon Tours

Catch the western South Dakota sunrise and soar with Black Hills Balloons, taking in magnificent views of Custer State Park before enjoying snacks and drinks when you land. In eastern South Dakota, tours with Prairie Sky, Inc. float over farmland and the scenic Brandon Valley, while 605 Balloon Ride gives you the choice of shared or private flights above Sioux Falls and the surrounding countryside.

Hot-Air Balloon Festivals

Celebrate the beauty of flight at South Dakota’s annual balloon festivals. At the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, watch 20+ balloons rise above the horizon while live music, food vendors and even skydivers keep the energy going all day. Stick around after dark to see illuminated balloons light up downtown Hot Springs. In Custer, Gold Discovery Days pairs a morning balloon launch with a carnival, arts & crafts, and hometown festivities.

Helicopter and Airplane Tours

Tours by helicopter or plane are an exhilarating way to see South Dakota from above. Black Hills Helicopters in Keystone offers private flights over Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Elk Peak and Sylvan Lake. In Spearfish, Eagle Aviation takes you to landmarks like Crazy Horse Memorial® and Devils Tower National Monument (just over the border in Wyoming) in a fixed-wing aircraft, with expert guides sharing stories along the way. From Wall, Fly Badlands gives you a bird's-eye view of Badlands National Park, and you can book a sunset flight or customize your route.