The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Milwaukee (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Milwaukee, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Milwaukee, WI. Source: VFR Map
Milwaukee Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Milwaukee (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .
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.
So those are the federal rules.
But what about local Milwaukee drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Wisconsin. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Milwaukee. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Where to Fly a Drone in Milwaukee
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Milwaukee area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.
1 — South Shore Park
2900 S Shore Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Airspace Class: Class C — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=42.993014&long=-87.878776
South Shore Park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It features an open beach area that looks upon the water. The downtown Milwaukee skyline can be seen in the distance which creates the perfect backdrop for any drone footage. Drone pilots will appreciate the beauty of Lake Michigan and the scenic views.
Source: Akalia of the Willows
2 — Washington Park
1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=43.052884&long=-87.967060
Washington Park consists of 128 acres and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When the park was first opened in 1891, it was called West Park and was home to the Milwaukee Zoo. Today, it is a sprawling green space with mature trees and a charming pond. Visitors often say they forgot they were in the city when visiting the park. The expansive space and pleasant views make this an ideal location for flying a drone.
Source: Jeffrey Beall
3 — Veterans Park
1010 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=43.043869&long=-87.869638
Veterans Park is just over 91 acres and sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park features a veterans memorial and was named to honor the men and women of Milwaukee County who proudly served their country. The nearby McKinley Marina in addition to boats traversing the water truly creates a picturesque setting. With the open green space, boats, and stunning lake views this location offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Source: MMBiology
4 — Lincoln Park
1301 W Hampton Ave, Glendale, WI 53209
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=43.106808&long=-87.922458
Lincoln Park consists of just over 312 acres and is located just outside of Milwaukee in Glendale, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee River intertwines throughout the park creating a unique and beautiful riverscape. The Island Pitch is a field at the park that is a popular spot for flying and racing drones. Drone pilots will enjoy the ample room for flying a drone.
Source: Sulfur
5 — Atwater Park
N Lake Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=43.091011&long=-87.873876
Atwater Park may only be 5 acres, but the expansive views of Lake Michigan are incredible. The park sits upon a hillside leading down to the beach. This location has a remote feeling which is great for those who are looking to get away from the busy city. It also features the Spillover II sculpture that sits at the entrance of the park. The sculpture depicts a human figure looking out over the lake and it is made of steel letters. It is illuminated at night and was built to represent that language is a primary tool for experiencing the world with others. This pleasant park and scenic views make this a great location to capture drone footage.
Source: PunkToad