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29 Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks, Michigan
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27 Best Things To Do Upper Peninsula, MI (by an outdoor guide!)
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Best Things to do Porcupine Mountains, Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)
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10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Midwest (by an outdoor guide!)
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27 Bucket-List Michigan Hiking Trails (with maps!)
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Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula (Winter!!)
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9 Best Michigan Road Trips for Outdoor Adventure
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17 Epic Winter Hikes & Adventures in Michigan
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25 Best Things to Do Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
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Ultimate Guide to Isle Royale National Park (hiking, kayaking, and more!)
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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.

maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE exploring the Midwest eBooks ↓

Wisconsin’s beautiful Apostle Islands✨🌈🥾

Protect the Great Lakes with✨⬇️ @nationalpa

Protect the Great Lakes with✨⬇️

@nationalparksoflakesuperior — nonprofit supporting national parks on Lake Superior

@friendsoftheapostleislands — supports the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, notably the the incredibly successful “Access For All” initiative

@protect_the_porkies working to protect the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior from threats from metallic sulfide mining

@earthjustice nonprofit fighting legal battles to combat climate change

#lakesuperior #greatlakes #midwest

“the winters are terrible here”🙃❄️

“the winters are terrible here”🙃❄️

no like, more than you think🔥❄️🧖‍♀️

Can you believe this gorgeous sauna is just outside the Twin Cities? I don’t make it down there from up north often, but this was easily one of my favorite highlights of my visit last winter💗

📍 @saunacamps Excelsior, MN

#minnesota #winter #midwest #twincities

“isn’t it just a lake?!” Me: ITS AN INLAND S

“isn’t it just a lake?!” Me: ITS AN INLAND SEA!!!!✨🌊🚣🌈⛺️🦟

Quick note on winter paddling/kayaking Lake Superior:

All kayaking on lake superior year-round should be done in a sea kayak with deep water self and assisted rescue skills and/or a qualified guide. VHF marine radio and full safety kit also recommended.

Winter paddling should also have a drysuit in the mix+ local knowledge of ice patterns.

I don’t offer winter kayaking tours, nor do I know of anyone who does right now!!! I’m very lucky to be able to winter kayak, but it’s the culmination of six plus years of coastal kayaking and gear acquisition. There’s a LOT of additional risk involved with winter kayaking!!!

📍Traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation

#lakesuperior #greatlakes #adventure

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