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hello stranger midwest adventure

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

Looking for the best shorts for hiking on the market? For great hiking shorts that are chafe-free, have pockets, quick drying, and more read on! why this blog? Hi there!…

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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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  • image of a backpacking camp set up

    9 Best Sleeping Pads (Backpacking, Car Camping & More)

    January 22, 2026
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1 2 3 … 15 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!

note: this website uses affiliate links! this means if you choose to make a purchase based on recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

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maddymarq

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

On headlines, and how we use the word “influencer” On headlines, and how we use the word “influencer”Quick notes:I want to add that the headline “38-year-old fitness influencer drowns while swimming in Texas Ironman triathlon” is set up to directly imply that she was a fitness influencer only and not an accomplished triathlete who deserved to be thereis probably the worst, most egregious example of using the word influencer as clickbait I’ve ever seen. I added in a footnote on the original article that I’ve chosen not to use names as to avoid contributing to the online noise that already exists around their names. I also want to note that influencer *shouldn’t* be a derogatory word leveled at women. It’s OKAY to be an influencer and the issue is how we see, treat, talk about women and stereotype in creative fields.
Michigan waters >>> @retreatnorthmichigan tiny ca Michigan waters >>>@retreatnorthmichigan tiny cabins pictured (hosted!)Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventure ideas!
Brb, searching for flyover country👀✈️ Come say hi Brb, searching for flyover country👀✈️Come say hi at @maddymarq for ideas for Midwest adventure + women’s outdoor events & trips :)
Car camping 101🚗⛺️ As told by mistakes I made on Car camping 101🚗⛺️As told by mistakes I made on a solo two week road trip around the Midwest 😅
Kayaking the Apostle Islands☀️🌊🛶 Kayaking the Apostle Islands☀️🌊🛶
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