Skip to main content

Flying-related activities

Wisconsin State Park System

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and other flying-related activities, including but not limited to, hang gliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, land sailing, flying model airplanes, or sky diving, is prohibited, except where posted for their use, at state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, the Kettle Moraine and Point Beach state forests, and the Lower Wisconsin state riverway per Wis. Adm. Code ch. NR 45.04(1)(c) [exit DNR].

Richard Bong Special Use Zone

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has an area where visitors may fly model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders and hot air balloons. All flying-related activities take place in the Special Use Zone. Visitors must call ahead at least a week before their planned event for permission to use the area, which is often booked in advance for specific activities.

More information

In addition to conservation rules for UAVs, there are criminal statutes that apply to their use. Potential users are responsible for researching and adhering to all applicable state and local laws affecting UAVs, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) [exit DNR] regulations which may impose additional provisions.