• Home
  • Blog
    • Midwest
      • Michigan
      • Wisconsin
      • Minnesota
    • Travel
      • Pacific Northwest
      • British Columbia
      • Southwest
    • Beginner Outdoor Guides
    • Creator Tips
    • Hello Stranger Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Work With Me
  • About
    • about me
    • full publications list
hello stranger midwest adventure
  • 29 Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks, Michigan

    Read more
  • image of waterfall Gorge Falls in the upper peninsla near Ironwood, Michigan

    27 Best Things To Do Upper Peninsula, MI (by an outdoor guide!)

    Read more
  • Best Things to do Porcupine Mountains, Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)

    Read more
  • Cup of tea and a calm lake on the Border Route Trail in the BWCA

    10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Midwest (by an outdoor guide!)

    Read more
  • 27 Bucket-List Michigan Hiking Trails (with maps!)

    Read more
  • Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula (Winter!!)

    Read more
  • 9 Best Michigan Road Trips for Outdoor Adventure

    Read more
  • 17 Epic Winter Hikes & Adventures in Michigan

    Read more
  • McCargoe Cove on Isle Royale National Park

    Ultimate Guide to Isle Royale National Park (hiking, kayaking, and more!)

    Read more
  • image of avalanche mountain in the fall

    17 Best Things to Do in Bellaire, Michigan

    Read more
Newer Posts 1 2 3 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.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

maddymarq

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

“Isn’t it just a lake?!” Me: ITS AN INLAND SEA!!!💫 “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!!!Plus, it’s all pretty frozen right now :)
February in Bayfield, Wisconsin💫🌅 1- a sea stack February in Bayfield, Wisconsin💫🌅1- a sea stack on the bay (shot with @rachel_moon__ )2- frozen falls (shot with @rachel_moon__ )3- an ice cave (*this is on the bay side! Not part of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves/ ice caves which have to be officially opened by the park to visit)4- sunset drive5- subzero docks6- @seagullbaymotel (hosted)7- ice 8- more blue ice 9- as far as the eye can see10- behind frozen falls
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula❄️⬇️ 1- check out a Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula❄️⬇️1- check out a waterfall (canyon falls, O-kun-Dee-kun, Eagle River2- sauna with @takkasaunas 3- sea kayak with @keweenawadventure Videos from a project with @visit_keweenaw Come say hi @maddymarq for more Great Lakes adventure spam!
But right now…❄️☃️🌅 Come say hi at @maddymarq for But right now…❄️☃️🌅Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Lake Superior winter spam, because it’s actually great here, always :)
[AD]Mid-week specials at @spiritmtduluth⤵️ For fe [AD]Mid-week specials at @spiritmtduluth⤵️For fewer crowds and great prices this winter check out mid-week specials at @spiritmtduluth including…☃️$129 for Adult (13+) Two Day Ticket Package☃️$179 for Adult (13+) Three Day Ticket Package☃️$105 Child (6-12) Two Day Ticket Package☃️$159 Child (6-12) Three Day Ticket Package#skiing #duluthmn #minnesota
Follow on Instagram

looking for something?

private policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2026 Madeline Marquardt