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hello stranger midwest adventure

Best Things to do in Nags Head, North Carolina

Looking for the best things to do in Nags Head? Continue reading to plan your Outer Banks adventure and find the best adventures Nags Head has to offer! Why this…

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

Looking for the right sleeping bag for your next adventure? Check out the best sleeping bag options on the market for backpacking, kayak camping and canoeing, car camping and more!…

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Where To Stay In The San Juan Islands (Hotels & Camping!)

Looking for where to stay on your trip to the San Juan Islands? Keep reading to find your perfect base camp for your San Juan Islands Trip! Why this blog?…

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

    January 8, 2026
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  • image of clear waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park

    12 Midwest Spring Break Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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  • 13 Best Beaches in Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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  • Potato River Falls near Ashland Wisconsin Northwoods Hiking Trails

    15 Breathtaking Hiking Trails in Wisconsin (With Maps!)

    December 6, 2025
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  • 12 Incredible Things to do Frankfort, Michigan

    November 11, 2025
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  • 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 2026 (for Content Creators!)

    November 6, 2025
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  • image of hiking at Overlook Nine in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

    15 Best Things to do Traverse City, Michigan

    November 6, 2025
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  • image of a car camping travel set up in the late autumn woods. A mug sits on a womans lap, a sleeping bag curled at her side with a book on top.

    19 Exciting Gift Ideas for Travelers (Budget & Luxury!)

    October 17, 2025
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  • image of a hiker in canyonlands national park near needles

    39 Gift Ideas for Hikers (by an outdoor guide!)

    October 17, 2025
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  • image of devil's island lighthouse on Lake Superior

    The Ultimate Guide to Lake Superior (By an outdoor guide!)

    October 2, 2025
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Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 … 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 ↓

What would you add?⛑️ This is the mini-first aid What would you add?⛑️This is the mini-first aid kit I keep on my person, in an accessible pocket or my PFD pocket! When I’m guiding sea kayaking trips, I’ll add ginger chews for seasickness!Check out @maddymarq for more outdoor ideas :) (peep @explorenborgen in opening shot!!)
Garden of the Gods, IL👀🏕️ Come say hi at @maddyma Garden of the Gods, IL👀🏕️Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventures
Coffee somewhere cozy 🌞☕️ 1- wyalusing state park Coffee somewhere cozy 🌞☕️1- wyalusing state park2- canyonlands national park3- @hamshauslutsen 4- the boundary waters5- Copeland islands6- the superior hiking trail7- the big lake8- porcupine mountains9- @timber.tide.cabins 10- Oregon coast11- the apostle islands 12- anywhere in the woods
Can I be so honest?!🙈 I find rock climbing so sca Can I be so honest?!🙈I find rock climbing so scary! Even coming into my third year of organizing this trip, I’m really intimidated by heights. I’m never going to be a hardcore climber, but there’s something so magic about coming together with a group of people, cooking & camping in the woods, and trying something new and hard together. This is one of my favorite trips I run, and I’m stoked to bring it back this June 🎉 @climbforged Questions? Drop them in the comments⬇️
Keep this on your person🏕️🎒⛑️ Keep this on your person🏕️🎒⛑️
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