Take to the skies and soar over the rolling countryside on a scenic hot air balloon ride in Illinois. It's a wonderful experience if you've never been on one before, and a bucket-list must for many. Luckily you can take a colorful hot air balloon ride with Galena On The Fly and set to the skies high over the gorgeous landscape of Illinois!

With all the outdoor activities across the Prairie State, a hot air balloon ride is perhaps the most alluring. If a hot air balloon ride is not on your bucket list yet, you need to add it!

Galena On The Fly is based out of the historic town of Galena. When you book a flight, you will be taken on a ride 3,000 feet up in the air over Illinois' rolling countryside. From that vantage point, you can also catch glimpses of neighboring states, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Flights are between 45 minutes and one hour, but the entire experience is between two and three hours including check-in, flight instructions, and balloon inflation. Afterward there's a lovely champagne toast before the drive back to the launch site.

Sunrise and sunset flights are offered on weekends through May. From June through October, flights are offered seven days a week with sunset flights only on weekdays, and both sunrise and sunset flights on the weekends.

The hot air balloon baskets can accommodate up to 14 people plus the pilot. Private flights are also offered if you prefer. However, you must book your time with Galena On The Fly in advance by calling (815) 777-2747.

Once you lift off into the air, enjoy the breathtaking scenic countryside below. There's no other experience quite like a hot air balloon ride!

When the balloon ride is over, the pilot will land in an area that's about 5-10 miles away from the launch site. After the champagne toast, you'll be driven back.

Have you ever taken to the skies on a scenic hot air balloon ride in Illinois? Tell us in the comments if you have and please describe the experience! To learn more, visit the Galena On The Fly website and follow the Facebook page.

If you enjoy adventure, here are 10 exhilarating outdoor adventures in Illinois to add to your bucket list.