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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Minneapolis (2024)

A list of the best places to fly in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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

If you live in (or are traveling to) Minneapolis, 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.

fly drone minneapolis

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Minneapolis, MN. Source: VFR Map

Minneapolis Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Minneapolis (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

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 Minneapolis drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Minnesota. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis

Locations #1 and #2 listed below are Minneapolis City Parks, which require a permit for drone operations, click here for more information on permits. Please do not operate your drone at these locations without obtaining a permit.

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Minneapolis 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 — Loring Park

1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN 55403

Loring Park is located within close proximity to downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is named after the surrounding neighborhood of Loring Park. At 33 acres, it is the largest park in the central Minneapolis area. The area features Loring Lake and various walking and biking paths that run throughout the property. The Berger Fountain, often called the “Dandelion Fountain,” can also be found at the park. The stunning views of the downtown skyline reflecting off the surface of the lake create the perfect setting for drone footage.

fly drone Loring Park

Source: Sharon Mollerus

2 — Lake of the Isles Park

2500 Lake of the Isles Pkwy E, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Lake of the Isles Park is located on the southern end of Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The lake is known for its two islands which are protected wildlife refuges. The original lake was smaller and had four islands. The present 109-acre lake was created by dredging the smaller lake in the early 20th century. The park offers drone pilots a stunning view of the lake and the downtown Minneapolis skyline.

fly drone lake of the isles park

Source: Thomson200

3 — Bald Eagle – Otter Lake Regional Park

White Bear Township, MN 55110

Bald Eagle – Otter Lake Regional Park is located just outside Minneapolis in White Bear Township, Minnesota. This park is unique in that visitors get two large lakes in one location, providing ample footage material for drone pilots. The lakes are surrounded by open green areas providing plenty of room for flying. The beautiful scenery throughout the park provides a nice escape from the busy city.

fly drone otter lake

Source: Ramsey County Minnesota

4 — Silverwood Park

2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN 55421

Silverwood Park is located in St. Anthony, Minnesota and it’s a favorite of the locals and visitors. It offers various activities and amenities including the main building which includes a coffee shop and event space. The wide-open, green areas open up to incredible views of Silver Lake and the surrounding mature oak trees. The lake features two wooded islands, with the main island being accessible by a large boardwalk. The property also has small attractions that are located around the hiking trails. Drone pilots will enjoy the natural scenery that the lake and surrounding area provide. Note: Drones are not allowed without a permit.

fly drone Silverwood park

Source: Michellegraber

5 — Grassfield RC Club

8901 101st Ave, N Brooklyn Park, MN 55311

The Grassfield RC Club (requires a membership) operates at an AMA field located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The property is great for drone pilots because of its wide-open field. It features a paved runway, two smaller paved strips, and a sheltered area for when a break is needed. The surrounding properties are farmland, which provides nice scenery. This area is great for pilots looking to practice or someone looking to fly with other aviation enthusiasts.

RC Airshow at Grassfield RC in Brooklyn Park, MN