The trail of parks
What began as a grassroots idea has grown into an annual tradition. Each June the Michigan POTA Meetup pitches its antennas in a new state park. Here's where we've been.
Scroll to follow the meetup around the state.
How it started
The meetup was sparked by Mike Case W8MSC, a passionate POTA activator who wanted a dedicated annual event where operators of every skill level, and the merely curious, could gather in a relaxed, welcoming setting. What he started has become a tradition the whole Michigan radio community looks forward to.
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Our very first meetup took place at Sleepy Hollow State Park, chosen for its central location and easy access for operators across the state. It turned out to be the perfect starting point for what would become a growing tradition. Over fifty attendees came, including a few visitors from outside Michigan, and the shared excitement of not knowing quite what to expect made the day even more special.
A standout moment was a live FM satellite demonstration, which drew a crowd and showed off one of the more dynamic sides of the hobby. Newly licensed hams got their first real look at POTA operations and the amateur radio community in action.
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Building on the momentum of our first event, the second annual meetup headed to Fort Custer Recreation Area, and it turned out to be even bigger. With over eighty attendees and thirty-plus campers, it was a vibrant celebration of amateur radio in the heart of southwest Michigan.
We saw everything from first-time POTA activations to seasoned operators mentoring new hams. The Whiteford Lake Shelter buzzed with conversations, antennas, hot dogs, shared dishes, and raffle prizes. Special thanks to Ham Stuff Online, the Southern Michigan Amateur Radio Society (SMARS), and the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club for their support, donations, and volunteerism.
Hartwick Pines State Park
Our third annual meetup headed up north to Hartwick Pines State Park, home to one of Michigan's last stands of old-growth white pine, and it marked our best year yet. Around seventy attendees gathered at the Day Use Shelter near the Chapel in the Woods, where operators set up stations, made park-to-park contacts, and welcomed newcomers to the hobby.
From seasoned POTA veterans to brand-new hams making their first park activation, the energy and camaraderie were on full display. Special thanks to the Everyday Ham Podcast for a donation toward logistics, Ham Stuff Online for donating raffle items, and Mike KD8IAK for running POTA Bingo all afternoon.
The next stop is up to us
We're already planning the next meetup, and we'd love your help writing the next chapter. Got a Michigan park to nominate, or time to volunteer? Reach us at michiganpotameetup@gmail.com.