Best Hotel Near the 2024 National Balloon Classic Field

The National Balloon Classic is one of the most competitive balloon festivals in the United States. Held every year in Indianola Iowa, the National Balloon Classic features 100+ hot air balloons and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

If you’re planning on visiting the National Balloon Classic, here’s everything you need to know:

When to go

The exact dates vary, but it’s usually a 9 day affair during the last week of July and the first week of August. The 2024 dates have been set for July 26th – August 3rd. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

How to get there

Indianola is located in central Iowa, about 20 miles south of the state capital of Des Moines.

Driving to Indianola

If you’re driving, the venue is located 15 miles east of I-35 which a major interstate that cuts through Iowa. Parking is available at the venue and is included in your ticket of admission! Friendly volunteers help line up cars throughout the week as a fundraiser which is a win-win for all involved.

Flights to Indianola

Another option is to fly into the Des Moines International Airport, which is located about 25 minutes north of Indianola. DSM Des Moines Intl is served by major and budget airlines. Despite the small size, there are lots of direct flights to major cities and many cheap flights. For example, Allegiant air has direct flights to Orlando/Daytona Beach (SFB), Austin (AUS), and other vacation spots!

From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or ride-sharing service to Indianola. The standard car rental and ride share options exist, but it’s best to reserve in advance when possible. Ride share wait times can be spotty at certain hours so it’s best to have a backup option.

Trains to Indianola

If you can’t find a plane ticket to Indianola or are feeling old school, you can consider taking the train. The closest Amtrak station is located in Osceola, Iowa. This station is a stop on Amtrak’s California Zephyr line which spans from Chicago to California! Don’t get too excited though, the station is a 40 minute drive away, so you’ll need to secure additional arrangements from Osceola to Indianola.

Whether you decide to drive or fly, Indianola is easily accessible.

Where to stay

While there are many accommodations to choose from, we would selfishly recommend you stay with us at Hotel Pommier! We are proudly the Official Hotel Sponsor of the National Balloon Classic. We work closely with event organizers to ensure pilots, staff, and event attendees have a great experience.

The National Balloon Classic draws several thousand people to the area, so it’s best to reserve well in advance. This will guarantee you have a comfortable bed waiting for you after a fun day at the festival. Des Moines also has many accommodations and is a short drive away. Whether you stay nearby or a few towns away, be sure to check your hotel’s reviews so you know what to expect.

Are you looking for an experience more off the beaten path? If yes, you can try camping at one of the nearby campsites. No camping is allowed at the venue but various options are a short drive away including Lake Ahquabi State Park.

What to do

The National Balloon Classic is much more than just a balloon festival. It features the Trubank Stage with live music, fabulous food vendors, fireworks, mystical nite glow, unique special shapes, and other fun activities.

You can also visit the National Balloon Museum, which is a few miles away. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the sport and is entirely run by volunteers! Make the most of your trip and learn about other fun activities around Indianola. Want to eat a nice sit down meal after a day of adventure? Check out our guide with some of the Best Restaurants near Hotel Pommier.

Tips for first-time visitors

If you’re visiting for the first time, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience at the Classic:

• Buy tickets before you go: If you want to experience the Iowa sky full of brilliant colors, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. You can always watch from afar, but the balloon field is gated.
• Get there early: Each day there are typically two sessions, a morning flight and an evening flight. Many attendees say the mornings are the best time to view the balloons. It’s tough to beat a scenic backdrop on a quiet Iowa morning. The grounds open up super early (think 5-6 AM) and launches start soon thereafter. In the afternoon, the gates open around 4PM. If you want to get the best views, you’ll want to be there when the gates open.
• Dress in layers: The weather in Indianola can be unpredictable, so you will want to dress in layers. The mornings can be cool and the afternoons can get pretty hot. 
• Bring a camera: The National Balloon Classic is a photographer’s dream, so you should make sure your smartphone is fully charged to capture all of the beautiful sights.
• Bring a blanket: If you want to be comfortable under the dark skies and enjoy live music, you’ll want to bring a blanket. Chair rentals are also available or you can bring in your own.
• Stay hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Most vendors sell bottled water and clear water bottles can also be brought in. Remember that other outside food and drink is not permitted.
• Have fun: Above all else, remember to have fun! The National Balloon Classic is a truly unique experience, so make the most of it.

Want a balloon ride?

Who doesn’t! What better way to experience hot air ballooning than to take a flight in one! Getting into a balloon isn’t as easy as hailing a taxi, so you will want to prepare, make reservations, and understand all the requirements.

What else to expect

The balloons at the National Balloon Classic can only fly when the weather permits. In order for a hot air balloon to take off, the wind speed usually must be < 10 mph. The weather in the local area must also be clear. If the wind is too strong or there is inclement weather, they will be grounded for safety reasons.

The event organizers along with a licensed meteorologist all closely monitor the weather conditions to make a joint decision each morning and afternoon about whether or not a flight will take place. They take several factors into consideration, including the wind speed and direction, visibility, temperature, and cloud cover.

If the weather is not suitable for ballooning, balloons may be allowed to inflate and tether. This means that they will be filled with air and attached to the ground, but they will not be able to fly. This can still be a fun and interesting experience for visitors, as they can see the balloons and learn more about how they work.

Of course, the safety of the pilots, passengers, and attendees are the top priority. If the weather conditions are not suitable, the balloons are grounded to ensure the safety of everyone involved. It is heartbreaking for pilots and visitors alike when the balloons stay on the ground. It’s best to plan to attend for a few days to have the most chances of seeing balloons. 

Official Hotel Sponsor of the National Balloon Classic

Hotel Pommier is proud to be the Official Hotel Sponsor of the National Balloon Classic. Whether you go on a balloon ride or just want to experience a mystical glow, our accommodations and experience will help you make the most out of your visit to the balloon field.

Overall, the National Balloon Classic is a must-see event for all-ages. With its beautiful scenery and once in a life-time views, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.