Note: Permission is needed to fly a drone on Mackinac Island. Depending on the location, City, State Park, and/or private approval might be required.
Some of the most striking photographs of Mackinac Island’s gorgeous landscape have been taken from above, by helicopter, plane and even drone.
However, drones are only allowed on Mackinac Island with special permission. Otherwise, violators may be fined.
Whether you just received your first drone for a birthday gift and want to try it out in one of the world’s most beautiful places or you’re a professional videographer who incorporates aerial footage into your work, you can’t just send a drone up into the air on Mackinac Island.
If you are flying from a business, you must have business permission, inform the Mackinac Island Police Department ahead of time, and can't leave the business area.
If you are flying in city limits, you'll need to contact the City of Mackinac Island at 906-847-3702 as well as inform the Mackinac Island Police Department ahead of time.
If you are flying over State Park land, you'll need to contact Mackinac State Historic Parks at 231-436-4100 for permission.
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Why Drones Need Special Permission on Mackinac Island
Why is a permit required, you might ask? Well, there are two primary reasons that Mackinac Island wants to be careful about the use of drones:
- You may know that there are no cars or other non-emergency motor vehicles on Mackinac Island. It’s been that way for over 125 years! As a result, people and goods move around on foot, on bicycle or by horse. And guess what tends to startle horses? That’s right, drones! Horses on Mackinac Island are gentle giants, but they can become unpredictable when frightened. So, it’s a matter of public safety that drones be used only in controlled situations in designated areas with proper permits. Funny thing is, that’s the same reason horseless carriages (also known as cars) were banned from Mackinac Island in the first place!
- If you’ve been to Mackinac Island, you know the historic vibe that flows through town. And if you haven’t ever visited, well, just imagine a place where the whir of automobiles is replaced by the quiet clip-clop of horse hooves and the friendly ding of a bicycle bell. Add the extraordinary Victorian architecture on Mackinac Island and the many historic attractions, and you feel like you’re stepping back in time when you visit. But if you add several noisy drones to the sky, you risk losing some of that historic character. So, restricting the use of drones is a way of preserving the charming atmosphere that makes Mackinac Island so special.
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Who Gets Permission to Fly Drones on Mackinac Island?
If you see a drone on Mackinac Island, it’s likely being operated by one of four professional groups spelled out in the city rules:
- a news or media organization
- an insurance company, for purposes of assessing damages
- a public utility that’s performing maintenance
- law enforcement
It also could be a photographer or videographer documenting the incredible natural splendor of Mackinac Island from above with prior permission. But in every case, a permit is needed before flying a drone on Mackinac Island. And violators will be fined. So, please keep that in mind when visiting and seek permission in advance.
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