Eyes to the Skies: Lisle’s Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of the most colorful tourist attractions in America doesn’t make its home in a big city or historic area. Instead it can be found in Lisle, Illinois, a suburb about a half-an-hour west of Chicago. The Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival began a quarter-century ago. Originally it was just a handful of balloons and a single musical act. Now dozens of hot air balloons, rides, musical groups and other attractions join with four nights of fireworks to create a festival to remember. In fact, the fireworks are often named the best in the Chicago suburbs, due to both their quality and sheer quantity.

The Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America and CNN. Destinations Magazine has also named it one of the Top 100 Tourist Destinations for the past several years. You can ride a tethered hot air balloon, play on a carnival ride, visit a craft fair or just sit and listen to big-name entertainment. For children, there is a petting zoo and other fun events.

The colorful hot air balloons are the eye-catching main event of the four-day festival. Some special balloon shapes include the Burger King Whopper, Mr. Peanut, the Energizer Bunny, Garfield, Felix the Cat and Uncle Sam. Special balloons are also set aside for disabled individuals who want to float through the skies.

The Lisle Eyes to the skies Balloon Festival is always held over the July 4th weekend in Lisle. Simple directions from the city of Chicago are I-290 west, to I-88 west, to Route 53 south. From the west, take I-88 east, exit Naperville Road south, then turn east on Ogden Avenue (route 34) and follow the parking signs. For more information you can call 630-963-4281, or visit the festival web site at www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com.