Part of the Fulltime Families Balloon Fiesta Experience was a “field trip day” to the Balloon Museum. It is adjacent to the Balloon Fiesta field and quite expansive on the history of ballooning!
We’ve been to many air and space museums across the nation. If they have anything on ballooning, it’s a footnote. Often, they only mention the French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne’s demonstrations in 1783 early in the “history of flight” section. However, the International Balloon Museum is completely dedicated to all kinds of ballooning around the world.
While there, we learned about the early history of modern hot air balloons, the many different kinds around the world, trans-Pacific trips made by high-altitude gas balloons, the very first “special shape” balloon, and even the very niche hobby of RC hot air ballooning.
The largest exhibit they had at the time was of the S.A. Andrée Expedition to the North Pole, from its technical innovations, launch, flight path, and finally to its ill-fated end on the island of Kvitøya, Norway.
While the Museum isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely a must-see if you’re planning to visit the Balloon Fiesta!