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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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  • Sun peaks into snow-covered woods

    What To Wear Winter Hiking (by an outdoor guide!)

    September 25, 2025
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  • Best Women’s Baselayers (by an outdoor guide!)

    September 18, 2025
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  • Image of a hiker in a puffer jacket standing in front of light snow in the woods

    Best Puffer Jackets for Hiking (by an outdoor guide!)

    September 18, 2025
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  • image of MSR WindBurner in front of kayaks on Oak Island

    9 Best Camping Stoves (by an outdoor guide!)

    September 12, 2025
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  • Fall Color on a backroad near Traverse City, in Northern Michigan

    15 Breathtaking Midwest Fall Destinations (2025!)

    September 1, 2025
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  • Image of a van on backgrounds on a road trip near Lake Michigan in full fall foliage

    13 Mind-Blowing Great Lakes Fall Color Getaways

    August 30, 2025
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  • image of a path through peak fall color in the wisconsin woods

    15 Best Places To See Wisconsin Fall Color (2025!)

    August 29, 2025
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  • Sleeping Bear Dunes in the Fall

    13 Mind-Blowing Fall Color Destinations in Michigan

    August 16, 2025
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  • View from landslide overlook on the Jordan River Pathway

    Ultimate Guide to Torch Lake, Michigan (Hike, Swim & More!)

    July 26, 2025
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  • Ultimate Guide To The Keweenaw Peninsula (Hikes, Waterfalls, & Pasties!)

    July 25, 2025
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Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 5 … 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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