Only with permission. Most of Mackinac Island is Mackinac Island State Park, and the Mackinac Island State Park Commission bans drones from the airspace above its parks unless it gives permission. The City of Mackinac Island also requires a permit to fly over the city. The main reason is the island's working horses: there are no cars, and a drone can spook a carriage team on a crowded street. Plan on getting written permission before you fly, or don't bring the drone out.
The state park rule
Mackinac State Historic Parks manages the state park on the island, including Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock and the trails, plus sites on the mainland. Its Commission's resolution says small drones are banned from the airspace above Mackinac State Historic Parks without the Commission's permission. The reasons it gives:
- Safety of visitors
- Spooking horses
- Protecting historic sites
- Privacy from drone cameras
Ask Mackinac State Historic Parks for permission well ahead of your trip, and expect a commercial shoot to need more paperwork than a vacation clip.
The city rule
The City of Mackinac Island has its own drone ordinance requiring a permit to operate a drone above the city. The local tourism bureau says drones are only allowed on the island with special permission, and violators may be fined. Contact the city ahead of time and notify the Mackinac Island Police Department before any approved flight.
Michigan's drone law normally stops local governments from regulating drones. Mackinac Island is the exception: Public Act 32 of 2019 lets the island enforce an ordinance against flying a drone in a way that interferes with horses used in carriage, wagon, cart or horseback riding businesses. Some uses stay protected, such as licensed news gathering, utility maintenance and law enforcement, as long as they don't interfere with horses and follow FAA rules.
FAA rules still apply
- Stay at or below 400 ft above ground or water.
- Keep the drone in sight, and don't fly over crowds. Main Street and the ferry docks are packed in summer.
- Check airspace. Mackinac Island Airport sits in the middle of the island, and there are airports at St. Ignace and Pellston nearby. Use an airspace app before each flight; see best drone airspace apps.
- Register drones over 250 g and pass the TRUST test if you fly for fun.
Getting the shot legally
- From the water. Boat tours and ferries pass the Grand Hotel and the harbor. Only fly from a boat if the operator agrees, and remember the FAA rules still apply.
- From the mainland. The Mackinac Bridge and the Straits are popular subjects from shore. See drones near the Mackinac Bridge.
- Hire a permitted operator for weddings or commercial work on the island.
Tips if you get permission
- Fly early in the morning, before carriages and crowds.
- Stay well away from horses, the stables and the carriage routes.
- Carry your written permission and FAA registration.
- Watch the wind. The Straits funnel strong gusts over open water.
Which drone
A 249 g DJI Mini 4 Pro is quieter and less alarming than a larger drone and needs no recreational registration. The Mini 5 Pro adds a 1-inch sensor for sunrise over the harbor. For the rest of the state, read Michigan drone laws and Michigan state parks.
Rules current as of November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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