Michigan's own celebration of Parks on the Air
Once a year, operators from across the mitten and beyond gather in one of Michigan's finest state parks to put stations on the air, welcome newcomers, and trade a callsign for a face. Thank you for making the 2026 meetup our best yet.
Three years. Three parks. One state.
Each June the meetup pitches its antennas somewhere new. Follow the pins to see how we've been working our way around Michigan.
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Central Lower · near LansingFort Custer Rec Area
Southwest Lower · AugustaHartwick Pines State Park
Northern Lower · GraylingOur best year yet, in the heart of the pines
Around seventy operators gathered at the Day Use Shelter near the Chapel in the Woods. Stations lined the tables, park-to-park contacts stacked up, POTA Bingo ran all afternoon, and newcomers logged their first activations beside seasoned hands.
Michigan and the surrounding areas are a hub for POTA, and this community proves it every year.
Read the Full StoryWhat is the Michigan POTA Meetup?
A free, come-as-you-are gathering of amateur radio operators celebrating Parks on the Air in one of Michigan's most scenic state parks. Every June. Every skill level. Everyone welcome.
Operate
Set up your portable station under the pines, chase park-to-park contacts, and log an activation with a crowd cheering you on.
Learn
See antennas, rigs, and go-kits up close. New and curious hams get their first real look at POTA from operators glad to show the ropes.
Connect
Shared dishes, raffle prizes, POTA Bingo, and faces to match the callsigns you've worked all year. The radios are the excuse; the people are the point.
This event runs on generosity
The 2026 meetup stayed free because these folks pitched in.
Everyday Ham Podcast
A financial donation toward logistics helped make this community-driven event possible.
everydayham.com →
Ham Stuff Online
Donated POTA-themed prizes for the free raffle, making the afternoon that much more rewarding.
hamstuffonline.com →POTA Bingo with Mike KD8IAK
Ran the board all afternoon and gave everyone one more reason to work the bands together.
Help us pick the next park
Planning for 2027 is underway. Got photos from Hartwick Pines to share? A Michigan park to nominate? Time or skills to lend? Reach us at michiganpotameetup@gmail.com.