Fired Up: 50 Years of Hot Air February 4, 2011

You've seen these brightly colored aircraft floating by in the sky overhead. But did you know that the modern hot air balloon system was invented in Sioux Falls in 1960? Visit our newest exhibit, 'Fired Up: 50 Years of Hot Air' and learn about everything from the hot air balloon's smoky origins in France in the late 1700s to its reinvention into a modern aircraft. See how regional scientists engineered new techniques and systems to soar into the clouds. Explore baskets and burners, races and world records in this exhibit that has something for the whole family.