Aeromodeling / Drones

Aeromodeling (including drones) is only allowed in one location within Dane County Park System: at the aeromodeling field located at the east side of Badger Prairie County Park. This is the only public facility to fly remote controlled model aircraft or drones in the county parks.

An Aeromodelling Permit is required to fly any remotely controlled aircraft and can be purchased online.

Rules for Flying

Rules for flying drones, rockets, and remote controlled aircraft:

No model rockets, other launched projectiles, and explosives including fireworks are allowed in the parks.
Standing within a park and operating a remote controlled aircraft, including drones, is not allowed except at the Badger Prairie County Park aeromodeling field by permit only. We do not regulate air space or flying over park land.
Friends groups may work with the Parks Director to get a special permit to use drones for events or park promotion.
Drone pilots using the Dane County Parks Aeromodelling Field are required to meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, including remote ID requirements.
Dane County Parks requests that users check for FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) before they fly at the Aeromodelling Field if they plan to fly a drone or model plane without using remote ID equipment. Websites and mobile apps that display this information include B4UFLY and FAA's UAS Web Map.

Purchase a Permit