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Best Flying Adventures In Minnesota

Summer in Minnesota is one of the greatest times of the year. Take advantage of the beautiful weather this year with a flying adventure. Whether you are looking to traverse the Twin Cities in a hot air balloon or skydive from 24,000 feet, we've got you covered. Check out these companies for some of the best flying adventures in the Twin Cities.

Winter Carnival Hot Air Balloon Rally
(credit: Winter Carnival)

Stillwater Balloon
135 Saint Croix Trail N.
Lakeland, MN 55043
(651) 439-1800
www.stillwaterballoons.com

Stillwater Balloon takes customers on a flying adventure through the beautiful St. Croix River Valley. Semi-private flights start at $245 per person, while private flights cost $735 per couple. Each flight includes an hour of flying time, a champagne toast and a keepsake engraved flute. Stillwater Balloon also works with customers to set up custom flights. The company pairs up with corporate customers for advertising needs as well. Customers should plan to schedule flights at least two weeks ahead of time, and flights are dependent on weather conditions.

Westside Skydivers
Winsted, MN 55395
(320) 485-2124
www.westsideskydivers.com

Founded in 2010, Westside Skydivers is unique because the company allows participants to choose their own diving height. Customers can choose to skydive from 13,000 feet, 18,000 feet or 24,000 feet. The drop site is located in Winsted, Minn., and the plane — a Cessna Grand Caravan — can hold up to 17 people at one time. Participants must complete two tandem jumps before jumping on their own. Most jumps last 45-90 seconds, according to the Westside Skydivers website.

Helicopter
(credit: Jupiter Images)
Minnesota Helicopters
8891 Airport Road N.E. E13
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 784-4354
www.mnhelicopters.com

Minnesota Helicopters provides lake and river tours around the Twin Cities area for up to three passengers. The tours start at $125 per person, though the cost of a flight varies greatly depending on the area covered by the tours. Visit the company's website for more information about lakes and rivers covered by the tours. In addition to scenic tours, Minnesota Helicopters also provides aerial filming services and flight training.

Related: Best Dates For The Adventurous Couple In Minnesota

Adventure Seaplanes
6890 Lake Drive
Lino Lakes, MN 55104
(612) 868-4243
www.adventureseaplanes.com

Located in Lino Lakes, Minn., Adventure Seaplanes provides customers with some of the most exciting tours available in Minnesota. The company is based out of the largest seaplane base in the contiguous 48 states, according to the company website. Adventure Seaplanes offers tours of 20 minutes and longer starting at $120 for two people. In addition, the company can help plan packages that include fishing and hunting trips.

Airplane Generic
(credit: Jupiter Images)
A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 920-3519
www.flyaces.com

OK, so you won't actually ride high up in the air with A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation, but you sure will feel like you're soaring! This flight simulation company allows customers to feel as if they are flying a World War II fighter jet through some of the most scenic places on the planet. Located on the third floor of the Mall of America, A.C.E.S Flight Simulation allows visitors to fly the simulators for 30 or 60 minutes — or more! Thirty-minute flights begin at $29.95 and increase based on the package chosen.

Related: Best Places to Ice Climb in Minnesota

Kristyn Gansen is a freelance writer covering all things Minneapolis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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