Midwest Balloon Rides is the region’s leading commercial operator of hot air balloons and specializes in unique experiences that delight its customers.

From its home base in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company organizes many events each year, ranging from a private flight at sunrise for a special engagement proposal to large balloon tethers at county fairs.

Owner Tony Sandlin started ballooning in 1989 after a friend (shoutout to Byron and Virginia!) saw an ad offering free rides for volunteer crew. He found a niche hobby he could turn into a fun business. He has participated in hot air balloon events across the United States, as well as in Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. He regularly participates as one of only a few commercial pilots that give passenger rides at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an annual gathering of more than 600 hot air balloons.

Midwest Balloon Rides operates several hot air balloons and works to make each ride is a memorable and exciting experience. The company offers a wide range of options, including private rides, group rides, multi-balloon flights, tethers (where the balloon lifts and lands at the same spot so many passengers can ride), school programs and corporate events.

Each ride is planned to create lasting memories and share the wonder of flight that has enchanted people of all ages since the first time humans took to the sky. Since all hot air balloon events depend on current weather conditions, it’s important to plan early and have some flexibility.

Midwest Balloon Rides has flown more than 25,000 passengers and is an active member of the Professional Ride Operators of the Balloon Federation of America.