Top 5 St Louis Scenic Balloon Rides: A Detailed Review

Thinking about seeing St. Louis from a totally different angle? Well, a hot air balloon ride might just be that very adventure you are after! It is like floating above the city, seeing sights you’d often miss, with the breeze gently carrying you high up in the sky.

1. St. Louis Balloon Company: The Sunrise Special

St. Louis Balloon Company is basically known for its Sunrise Special. It sounds delightful, and it actually is! Getting up early very much pays off when you see the city bathed in the morning light. That soft glow on the Gateway Arch? It is truly something you will never forget, not in a million years! This is where it goes from an ordinary day into some sort of beautiful dream. Also, their balloons appear to be super well-maintained and their pilots have such a good handle on the whole thing, too!

What Makes it Special?

What exactly is it about St. Louis Balloon Company that sets it just a little apart? Very likely, it’s that perfect sunrise view. Apparently, everyone raves about how quiet and peaceful it is up there, only the occasional sound of the burner keeping you afloat. So, this company just gets that providing blankets for the early morning chill is a very nice touch, and honestly, the post-flight champagne toast adds that little bit of fanciness to top things off, to be honest!

Things to Keep in Mind

Just something to bear in mind: this particular ride depends a lot on the weather. It’s just best to double-check with them a day or so beforehand. That way, you don’t just wake up super early for nothing, so too it is very popular. It is almost sure that you’ll need to book your spot well in advance. Oh, and maybe, remember your camera; you will absolutely want to capture all these awesome views with crystal clear quality, basically! Book the best hot air balloon tours today.

2. Midwest Balloon Rides: The Gateway Arch Flight

If you are really wanting a very up-close view of the Gateway Arch, Midwest Balloon Rides is probably the way to go. The way they map their flights, they will actually go out of their way to get you close enough so you can wave at the top (well, maybe not actually wave, yet you will see it super close!). They have, apparently, been doing this for years and their safety record is truly spotless, just like it should be, actually.

Why This One is a Must-Do

Let’s get real. Who does not really want an amazing photo with the Arch from above? That close proximity very much gives you a unique view that is really hard to beat. Anyway, these guys clearly know their stuff. They will tell you all about the area as you float along. Basically, you feel really secure knowing they’ve been doing this for ages and very clearly really do enjoy it. Too, make lasting memories now.

A Couple of Pointers

This flight path can sometimes be just a little sensitive to wind conditions, so that sometimes can affect the exact route. Still, don’t just get too hung up on getting that perfect Arch photo, it still feels amazing either way. That said, they usually have different launch sites in the area, too, that way you will still get great shots. So it might be beneficial to keep an open mind if Mother Nature changes the plan slightly. That, too, is more or less always part of any balloon ride experience!

3. Balloon Adventures USA: The Champagne Flight

Want to ramp up the romance just a bit? Then Balloon Adventures USA’s Champagne Flight is probably going to win you some points! That’s not just a standard balloon ride; yet it adds bubbles, really! From takeoff to landing, you almost feel like royalty with these folks. Honestly, there’s really nothing quite like sipping champagne, so to speak, as you hover over the St. Louis landscape. Now that’s a story to take home!

Bubbles and Bliss

This is really the kind of experience people almost select for celebrations – anniversaries, engagements, or some other big win. The way they structure things, too, is intended to be relaxing and very special. That is that the pilots tend to have this gift for making everyone feel very at ease, and basically, they have a good stock of stories to keep you entertained throughout the whole time you are up there, so to speak!

Things to Think About

This choice tends to be just a little pricier. As you can assume, Champagne ain’t cheap, actually. Too it’s very common for them to request a heads-up if you’re actually planning a surprise, that way, they can surely coordinate making the experience especially memorable. Oh, and maybe make it known to your date to bring sunglasses. Trust us. Enjoy life to the fullest.

4. Warrenton Balloon Rides: The Countryside View

Getting away from the city just a little is what Warrenton Balloon Rides offers. If you’re not that into the city skyline so much and also like nature, these rides take you over more rural spots. That, in effect, gives you acres and acres of forests and fields. It’s, really, very calming! It is really what a breath of some clean fresh air is, in other words a truly unique experience.

Why Choose the Countryside?

The best part is, probably, that peaceful quiet. The kind you simply don’t get in the city. Anyway, it seems they fly pretty often at sunset, that, in a way, adds this touch of warmth to the views, especially when you see the light touch all those endless fields below you. That plus, because the air is a little clearer out there, you might be able to spot wildlife from above, in effect! Like little deer, if you get fairly lucky!

Things to Note

Just that Warrenton is just a bit outside of St. Louis proper, so the drive over there might just be something to consider, in effect. That plus, because you’re out in nature, so it might be a good idea to dress appropriately – layers and sensible shoes work nicely, arguably. Oh, and yes, there are bugs out there. Spraying yourself lightly can do wonders, arguably!

5. Above All Balloon Company: The Custom Flight

Above All Balloon Company is really awesome if you’ve almost got a very particular something in mind. This business gives custom flight experiences, that, really, can let you fine-tune just about every aspect of the trip. Wanna fly at a certain time? Check. Wish to fly over a precise place? Possible. Very much want to propose mid-air? This could work! Really see new heights now.

Create Your Perfect Flight

The beautiful thing about them is that they try to make everything that very image you’re building up come to life, really. You will work with the team to just about nail down every single thing. As I was saying, their pilots are experienced at dealing with requests like banners being dropped at precisely the exact right moment, special landing spots for the balloon… If you imagine it, they can almost certainly achieve it, really!

Good to Know

As you might be thinking, these custom choices cost you a bit extra, so that might be something you want to consider, actually. Also, they actually are not kidding about everything relying on the weather, so having backup plans ready to go might not hurt, too. Anyway, because this actually does need extra work from their staff, so, too, plan on reserving very well in advance, really!