7 Best Places To Fly A Drone In Michigan (2024)

David Cassiel

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Michigan.

Michigan has beautiful drone photography locations that cover a wide range of interests thanks to the state’s varied environment, rich history, and the iconic city of Detroit.

There are countless options for individuals who want to appreciate nature, particularly around the Great Lakes’ coasts, where you may see freshwater dunes and inland coastal ecosystems.

You can also visit historical places, such as living history museums, particularly Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island and Greenfield Village, which is a component of the Henry Ford historic sites.

In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in Michigan, as well as where it is permitted and not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Drone Regulations In Michigan

The federal drone laws governing drone operations in Michigan, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.

Federal Regulations In Maine

Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers, which require them to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purposes in the United States of America.

Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam, and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purposes in the United States of America.

Best places to fly a drone in michigan.
Detroit Michigan Downtown skyline Aerial Sunset
Detroit Michigan Downtown skyline Aerial Sunset

When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In areas where LAANC is not available, you can use the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

State and Local Regulations In Maine

Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in Michigan that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Michigan. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. If there is anything we missed or if you have any further questions, please contact us at info [at] droneller [dot] com, and we will do our best to assist you.

Best Places To Fly A Drone In Detroit, Michigan

Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Detroit, Michigan. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.

1. Bald Mountain State Recreation Area

3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48360, United States

Bald Mountain State Recreation Area is a 4,637-acre (1,877 ha) state park located near Lake Orion, Michigan. It has several picnic areas, a modern shooting range, large hunting areas, several fishing lakes, two trout streams, a sandy swimming beach, and 15 miles of marked hiking and biking trails.

Southeast Michigan’s beautiful park region contains some of the most difficult terrain and steepest slopes. Drone pilots may enjoy the wide-open spaces and varied terrain while practicing their abilities. To join the club, get in touch with the Skymasters RC Club of Michigan.

2. Belle Isle

42.3425571, -82.9766326

Belle Isle Park is a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit. It is abundant in historical, cultural, and natural splendor. The park offers breathtaking views of Canada to the south and Detroit to the north.

Belle Isle is also home to a golf course and several other additional natural and cultural attractions. Drone pilots can swim at the designated swim beach, ride bicycles, fish, or paddle after a drone flight.

3. Gallup Park

3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States

Gallup Park is a 69-acre park located in Ann Arbor. It features miles of paved walkways, two playgrounds, fishing benches, canoe rentals, and picnic areas with grills along the Huron River. The eastern end of the park’s Dixboro Dam generates a long, meandering pond that runs through it. Aerial photography of the numerous bridges spanning the river and the surrounding forest is particularly beautiful.

4. Hart Plaza

1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

Hart Plaza is a city plaza along the Detroit River, located in downtown Detroit. It is located at what used to be the hub of the city, where there were ferry boats, steamers, and ticket booths. With a capacity for 40,000 people, Hart Plaza is a well-liked hub for events and public gatherings today.

The two most popular sites captured by drone pilots include the Horace E. Dodge Fountain and the Michigan Labor Legacy Monument. The Detroit Riverwalk and city skyline can be seen in breathtaking overhead views from this lovely location.

5. Hines Park

7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185, United States

Hines Park in Detroit is a small park with plenty of open space for drone flights. You might want to think about scheduling a visit over the Christmas season because the park is well-known for its lights. Please note that you have to get an official permit from Wayne County before you may shoot any kind of commercial photography or video in the park.

6. Roosevelt Park

2405 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216, United States

The 659.2 acre Roosevelt Park is located in Detroit’s Corktown district. In front of a former railroad station is a leisure area with lush vegetation and lovely trees. The Michigan Central Train Depot’s magnificent front entry is the park. The Ambassador Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Detroit River magnificently, is yet another magnificent sight to behold from the park. Drone enthusiasts who enjoy documenting history from above are drawn to these incredible structures.

7. Windmill Point Lighthouse

14702 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215, United States

The Windmill Point Light in Detroit is definitely one of Michigan’s most noticeable or aesthetically pleasing lighthouses. Windmill Point is located at the meeting point of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, as the shipping channel narrows for southbound vessel traffic.

Drone pilots interested in vintage lighting should visit this place. There is plenty of room to utilize drones to take pictures of the shoreline and the lighthouse in the neighboring grassy park. The 982-acre Belle Isle and the deserted Peche Island may both be seen from here.

Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In Michigan

So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Michigan!

I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Michigan from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.

Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in Michigan to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.

And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.

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