Hot air balloons lift people into a rarefied realm known only to majestic eagles and flocks of wild British nannies. Democratize the skies with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
- $389 for an approximately one-hour group sunrise balloon ride for two, valid Monday–Thursday (up to a $698 value)
- $429 for an approximately one-hour group sunrise balloon ride for two, valid any day of the week (up to a $798 value)
Groups of up to 10 passengers meet just before sunrise for an approximately one-hour hot air balloon ride. After taking off, the balloon flies over Traverse City, as well as its surrounding lakes and forests. Passengers receive a certificate of ascension, color photo, and cloisonné balloon pin upon landing, when the pilot breaks out champagne for a traditional toast. Balloon flights are scheduled during all four seasons of the year. Customers can bring handheld cameras on their flight. Closed-toe shoes are required and long pants are recommended.
Grand Traverse Balloons
As the trees take on the fiery hues of autumn, the pilots at Grand Traverse Balloons help guests watch the transformation from the best seat in the house—a basket. For the last 25 years, the Fall Color tour soars above the tree line, awarding hot air balloon passengers a view of the forest at heights between 2,000 and about 3,000 feet. The tours aren't limited to the season, either, as the Federal Aviation Administration–certified staff flies its inflatable fleet year-round.
Group rides take up to 10 people for one-hour jaunts over Traverse City and the surrounding countryside of northern Michigan. The seven-story balloons float over scenic stretches of lakes, bays, vineyards, and woodland.
In addition to group flights, the pilots also host private charters and tethered rides, for which a balloon is tied to the ground and soars up to 150 feet and down again on a vertical path. But no matter what, every aerial errand ends the same way—with the captain celebrating a successful landing by sharing champagne and razzing the nearest flightless bird.
