A Quick QRP Escape: POTA at Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve (US-4124)
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 6:44 pm
Sometimes radio isn’t just about the contacts — it’s about the excuse it gives us to put life on pause, breathe some fresh air, and disappear into nature for a bit. Today was one of those days.
I slipped away from work for about two hours and headed to Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve in the little river town of Fults, Illinois. If you've never been there, it’s one of those places that almost doesn’t look real this time of year. The fall colors were bold, the sky was clear, and the view from the top of the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River bottoms was something you just can’t get from behind a desk.
The Setup
Today’s rig was simple and intentional — QRP the way it should be.
Radio: Elecraft KX2
Antenna: Elecraft AX2 vertical
Power: Internal battery
Output: 10 watts
Lightweight, fast deployment, zero fuss. The AX2 doesn’t get enough credit — screw it on, adjust the whip, give it a quick tune, and you’re hunting for a clean frequency.
On the Air
Conditions were decent on 20 meters, and the little AX2 did what it always seems to do — surprise me. For such a tiny antenna, it continues to prove that effort and location sometimes beat hardware size.
Within minutes, the pileup started to form. Chasers were quick, patient, and loud enough that I didn’t miss my amplifier or a larger wire antenna. There's something extra satisfying about making those QSOs knowing you're only running 10 watts into a compact antenna sitting in your backpack cup holder minutes earlier.
The Terrain and the Trek
Now, a note for anyone planning to activate this park:
There are stairs.
A lot of them.
And they have seen better days.
“Character” is the word I’ll use.
“Needs repairs soon” might be more accurate.
But the climb?
Worth it. Every step.
At the top, you’re rewarded with prairie grass, wind, and a sweeping horizon that feels untouched. A perfect place to sit quietly, call CQ, and enjoy being small in a massive landscape.
Final Thoughts
I packed up with enough time to make it back to work before anyone questioned where I vanished to — though honestly, I wouldn’t have minded taking a little heat for this one. Sometimes a short activation becomes the highlight of the entire day, and this one definitely did.
If you enjoy POTA, QRP, Elecraft gear, or field ham radio in general, feel free to follow along:
Instagram: @bigfoothamradio
More activations, gear tests, and portable radio experiments to come.
Until next time —
KD9ZAB 73 and stay RadioActive.
I slipped away from work for about two hours and headed to Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve in the little river town of Fults, Illinois. If you've never been there, it’s one of those places that almost doesn’t look real this time of year. The fall colors were bold, the sky was clear, and the view from the top of the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River bottoms was something you just can’t get from behind a desk.
The Setup
Today’s rig was simple and intentional — QRP the way it should be.
Radio: Elecraft KX2
Antenna: Elecraft AX2 vertical
Power: Internal battery
Output: 10 watts
Lightweight, fast deployment, zero fuss. The AX2 doesn’t get enough credit — screw it on, adjust the whip, give it a quick tune, and you’re hunting for a clean frequency.
On the Air
Conditions were decent on 20 meters, and the little AX2 did what it always seems to do — surprise me. For such a tiny antenna, it continues to prove that effort and location sometimes beat hardware size.
Within minutes, the pileup started to form. Chasers were quick, patient, and loud enough that I didn’t miss my amplifier or a larger wire antenna. There's something extra satisfying about making those QSOs knowing you're only running 10 watts into a compact antenna sitting in your backpack cup holder minutes earlier.
The Terrain and the Trek
Now, a note for anyone planning to activate this park:
There are stairs.
A lot of them.
And they have seen better days.
“Character” is the word I’ll use.
“Needs repairs soon” might be more accurate.
But the climb?
Worth it. Every step.
At the top, you’re rewarded with prairie grass, wind, and a sweeping horizon that feels untouched. A perfect place to sit quietly, call CQ, and enjoy being small in a massive landscape.
Final Thoughts
I packed up with enough time to make it back to work before anyone questioned where I vanished to — though honestly, I wouldn’t have minded taking a little heat for this one. Sometimes a short activation becomes the highlight of the entire day, and this one definitely did.
If you enjoy POTA, QRP, Elecraft gear, or field ham radio in general, feel free to follow along:
Instagram: @bigfoothamradioMore activations, gear tests, and portable radio experiments to come.
Until next time —
KD9ZAB 73 and stay RadioActive.