Black Hills Balloons is fortunate to have one of the most dedicated teams in the industry. Founded by Steve Bauer in 1984, Black Hills Balloons quickly became one of the most well-established attractions in the Hills. His commitment to the area and local tourism allowed Black Hills Balloons to thrive for many years. In 2015, Florida balloon pilots Keely & Damien jumped at the chance to take over the reins and move to the beautiful Black Hills. Building on the well-established business with a focus on marketing and customer service, Keely and Damien will make sure Black Hills Balloons is flying for years to come.
Black Hills Balloons is fortunate to have one of the most dedicated teams in the industry. Founded by Steve Bauer in 1984, Black Hills Balloons quickly became one of the most well-established attractions in the Hills. His commitment to the area and local tourism allowed Black Hills Balloons to thrive for many years. In 2015, Florida balloon pilots Keely & Damien jumped at the chance to take over the reins and move to the beautiful Black Hills. Building on the well-established business with a focus on marketing and customer service, Keely and Damien will make sure Black Hills Balloons is flying for years to come.
At Black Hills Balloons, safety isn’t just part of what we do – it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Every flight we take is the result of careful planning, expert training, and a deep respect for the power of flight. From weather checks to equipment inspections, we never cut corners. Our pilots are FAA-certified and bring decades of experience to the sky, and our ground crew is trained to support every step of the journey with precision and care.
We care about safety because every flight carries something priceless: our passengers, our crew, and our reputation. Ballooning is a beautiful adventure, but it also demands deep respect for the elements and equipment. Prioritizing safety means we’re honoring the trust people place in us – whether they’re stepping into the basket for the first time or flying with us for the tenth. It’s how we protect the joy of flight and ensure that every landing is as smooth and memorable as the takeoff.
If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your 9-to-5 and running off to join the circus, trust us – we get it. For us, that “circus” just happens to take us soaring above the beautiful Black Hills.
Join us in the skies for an adventure you will remember for a lifetime.
After years of dreaming about a simpler, more adventurous life, FAA-certified balloon pilots Keely and Damien Mahony decided to make it a reality. They left their careers in Florida and, in true whimsical fashion, “ran away with the circus” – only their circus floats.
They registered a new company, The Flying Circus Inc., purchased a 30-year-old hot air balloon business, and headed for the Black Hills. Taking the reins of the long-admired Black Hills Balloons became their ticket to a healthier, more fulfilling life – one filled with sunrises, soaring skies, and a whole lot of joy.
Damien, a witty Irish immigrant known for his love of puns, once piloted the largest hot air balloon in the U.S. As General Manager of Orlando Balloon Rides, he helped run one of the most efficient operations in the industry. But even with all that success, he craved something more personal, something he could build and shape himself.
Keely, meanwhile, walked away from what many called “the coolest job ever.” As the head of Marketing Philanthropy at Hard Rock International, she blended her passions for music, branding, and giving back – collaborating with legends like Rihanna, KISS, Imagine Dragons, The WHO, Yoko Ono Lennon, and U2. But even with a dream job and global adventures, the call to do something different never faded.
Where are they now? Together, they chose the sky. And now, with every flight over the Black Hills, they’re not just chasing dreams, they’re living them.
When you fly with Black Hills balloons, know that you’re flying with people who’ve made every sacrifice to be here; to share this day and moment with you. Our hope, however high (pun intended), is that you’ll be inspired to do the same; to enjoy the simple things and take time to smell the mountain air.
