• Home
  • Blog
    • Midwest
      • Michigan
      • Wisconsin
      • Minnesota
    • Travel
      • Pacific Northwest
      • British Columbia
      • Southwest
    • Beginner Outdoor Guides
    • Creator Tips
    • Hello Stranger Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Work with Me
    • midwest adventure photography
    • work with me
  • About
    • about me
    • full publications list
hello stranger midwest adventure

13 Best Things to do Moab, Utah (Budget Guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in Moab, Utah from the best hiking to wear to eat? Keep reading for a quick guide to what to do in Moab,…

Read more

19 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in the San Juan Islands? From the best kayaking and hiking to places to eat, here is a complete guide on what to…

Read more

Desert Hiking Guide (How to Pack & Know Before You Go!)

Looking to hike in the desert, but don't know where to start? From what to pack for desert hiking to important things to know about hiking in the desert, I've…

Read more
  • kayaker explores the sea caves of sand island in the apostle islands national lakeshore, a four hour drive from Minneapolis

    29 Best Things to do in Bayfield, WI

    January 5, 2025
    Read more
  • 29 Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks, Michigan

    January 5, 2025
    Read more
  • image of hiking at Overlook Nine in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Ultimate 7-Day Great Lakes Road Trip (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 4, 2025
    Read more
  • Where to watch the sunset in Grand Marais ? Head out to artist point. Image of a photographer watching a beautiful red sunset over Lake Superior with the sawtooth mountains outlined in the background

    29 Tips to Start a Travel Blog in 2025 (for Content Creators!)

    January 1, 2025
    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!)

    January 1, 2025
    Read more
  • Beginner’s Backpacking Checklist (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    January 1, 2025
    Read more
  • A woman stands beneath a Copperas Falls in a sandstone cave in Kentucky near the Red River Gorge

    12 Best Hiking Trails & Views in the Red River Gorge

    December 23, 2024
    Read more
  • Havasupai 2025 Packing List (Ultralight & Flying In!)

    December 23, 2024
    Read more
  • Best Things to do Porcupine Mountains, Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)

    December 23, 2024
    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!)

    December 23, 2024
    Read more
Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 5 … 12 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.

maddymarq

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

how I ended up in the Midwest, and liking it✨🥾 (abridged version) 

[photo no 6 shot by @emksks (edit by me), 5 shot by Andy (my partner), others shot by me]

#midwest #adventure #outdoors
Beginner backpacking tips🏕️🥾🏜️ Video Beginner backpacking tips🏕️🥾🏜️

Video from a trip with @explorenborgen 

#hiking #backpacking #camping
Paddling season PSA, what’d I miss?🌊✨ #kay Paddling season PSA, what’d I miss?🌊✨

#kayak #canoe #adventure #greatlakes
I get followed by a stranger in the woods🙃 par I get followed by a stranger in the woods🙃

part 2/2 on my solo road trip last spring, you can find part one back a few posts.

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Shawnee, Cherokee and Osage
Week in the desert camera roll 📸🎞️ with @e Week in the desert camera roll 📸🎞️ with @explorenborgen 

1- camp 
2- a waterfall (shot by @explorenborgen )
3- early morning 
4- a stream in the desert 
5- lounging (shot by @explorenborgen )
6- sunrise @ arches 
7- @explorenborgen shows me around a park
8- desert flower
9- first light 
10- sunrise @glampingcanyonlands 
11- a canyon
12- breakfast of champions 
13- 15- the real reason to visit the desert 🦖

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Ute, Southern Paiute, and Pueblo peoples
Follow on Instagram

looking for something?

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2025 Madeline Marquardt