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hello stranger midwest adventure

9 Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Looking for the best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? From wildlife watching to hiking and where to eat, check out these adventures in North Dakota's only National…

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7 Secret Michigan Swimming Holes You’ve Never Heard Of

Looking to discover Michigan's best swimming spots? From hidden sandy coves you have to hike to reach to secret paddle-in waterfalls and easy roadside stops, check out seven of Michigan's…

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13 Epic Wisconsin Travel Destinations (by an outdoor guide)

Looking for the best travel ideas in Wisconsin? Read this article for the best Wisconsin Destinations, from outdoor adventures to adorable small towns! Why this blog? Hi there! My name…

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  • image of a road winding into Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    9 Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    April 23, 2026
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  • 7 Secret Michigan Swimming Holes You’ve Never Heard Of

    April 16, 2026
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  • image of three kayakers sitting by the edge of Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin

    13 Epic Wisconsin Travel Destinations (by an outdoor guide)

    April 14, 2026
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  • A woman stands in a valley wearing legging style hiking shorts

    Best Hiking Shorts (for women, by an outdoor guide!)

    April 11, 2026
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  • image of waterfall Gorge Falls in the upper peninsla near Ironwood, Michigan

    Ultimate Upper Peninsula Waterfall Road Trip (Michigan’s Best!)

    March 25, 2026
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  • Beachscape and sand dunes with crystal clear water at the Dune Climb Hike in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Traverse City

    Where To Stay Near Sleeping Bear Dunes (best cabins, camping & more!)

    March 20, 2026
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  • image of a cowboy camp at sunrise. A sleeping bag sits on top of a sleeping pad next to a sea kayak in the Apostle Islands

    Best Sleeping Bags (Backpacking, Car Camping & more!)

    March 15, 2026
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  • Where To Stay In The San Juan Islands (Hotels & Camping!)

    March 8, 2026
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  • image of a girl at camp

    Insta360 X5 Review: Versatile Camera For Outdoor Adventure

    March 4, 2026
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  • Coast Guard Station at sleeping bear point on a cloudy day

    9 Best Places To Stay In Traverse City, Michigan

    February 6, 2026
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1 2 3 … 16 Older Posts

hello stranger // about me

Hi there, and welcome to Hello Stranger. My name is Maddy, and I'm the voice behind the blog. I'm a writer, paddler, photographer, traveller, and freelance editor. I'm committed to exploring the beautiful American Midwest to prove that you can find real adventure anywhere! Toss your email below to keep up with the adventure!

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maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓

Spring on Lake Superior🌷🧊 We’ve still got ice up Spring on Lake Superior🌷🧊We’ve still got ice up in Northern Wisconsin! Andy and I did a quick little paddle out to some of our favorite caves to check out the situation👀 (note that everyone is wearing dry suits, is a local guide, and has specialized training for trips on Lake Superior including cold water self rescue practice! This isn’t a trip I would recommend anyone do, but summer is just around the corner and guiding season is almost back!)Ft the @stellarkayaks nomad LV I’m test paddling for @paddlingmagazine & my very stylish @aquabound Tetra paddle
Michigan waters >>> @retreatnorthmichigan tiny ca Michigan waters >>>@retreatnorthmichigan tiny cabins pictured (hosted!)Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventure ideas!
Great hiking in Illinois?!👀🐢 Quick notes on visit Great hiking in Illinois?!👀🐢Quick notes on visiting the Shawnee National Forest:⛺️ camping is largely first come, first serve so come with a backup plan in case you can’t snag your first choice. For campgrounds like this, arriving on a Sunday is usually a safe bet, or seeing if you can get of work early on Friday to scope it out. 🐢 turtle crossing! Drive consciously and don’t be afraid to grab a t shirt and help a turtle cross the road. 🍃 cell service is limited, and some trails may be overgrown. Hike with care and bring a way to call for help that doesn’t rely on cell service. 🌞pack out all trash, including things marketed as biodegradable for best practice in a wilderness area!Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventures!
The Driftless Region is so underrated🤷🏼‍♀️ A quic The Driftless Region is so underrated🤷🏼‍♀️A quick look @ this adventure:⛺️reserve drive up camping on Wisconsin Ridge in advance! The best sites you can identify as above the river. Showers and trash are available!🥾best hiking trails are Sand Cave Trail, Bluff Trail, Sentinel Ridge Loop, and Sugar Maple Trail 🛶 options to canoe through river sloughs Pack out all trash, and remember to stay on designated trails & adhere to any seasonal closures :)
Spring up north♥️ Spring up north♥️
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