Michigan state parks
Managed by Michigan DNR State Parks. These are statewide rules; individual parks may post stricter ones. Federal land inside Michigan follows federal rules, and drones also follow FAA rules.
Metal detecting Designated areas only
Metal detecting is allowed only in areas marked open on DNR maps; elsewhere you need written authorization. Never detect at historic or archaeological sites. Use only small hand tools.
- Permit
- Written authorization outside mapped areas.
- Sources
- michigan.gov
- Notes
- Land Use Order 5.1.
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Drones Designated areas only
Drones are generally allowed. Don't fly over occupied beaches, campgrounds, equestrian areas or restrooms, and stay 100 yards from cultural sites.
- Permit
- Commercial flights need written permission.
- Sources
- michigan.gov · michigan.gov
- Verified
- 2026-10-21 · official text read
Confirm with the park before you go. Individual parks can post their own closures and rules.
Machine-readable: /api/states/mi.json