• 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

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…

Read more

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!…

Read more

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?…

Read more
  • image of a tent on isle royale when kayak camping isle royale in the fall

    Camping Packing List (For Beginners, by an Outdoor Guide!)

    July 10, 2025
    Read more
  • Camping meal ideas - a quinoa bowl in front of british columbia mountains

    13 Camping Meal Ideas (That AREN’T Dehydrated)

    July 6, 2025
    Read more
  • sunset on Ruby beach in Olympic National Park

    Olympic National Park Road Trip (Weekend Guide!!)

    June 20, 2025
    Read more
  • Best Hiking Sandals (For women, by an outdoor guide!)

    June 10, 2025
    Read more
  • How to Visit Olympic National Park (Budget Guide!)

    May 25, 2025
    Read more
  • a hiker in the desert of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

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

    April 27, 2025
    Read more
  • Road Trip Packing List (for beginners, by an Outdoor Guide!)

    April 18, 2025
    Read more
  • best places to swim in the pictured rocks, swimmer in "the coves"

    What to Wear Hiking (for women, by an outdoors guide!)

    April 18, 2025
    Read more
  • 5 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (that AREN’T leggings!!)

    April 1, 2025
    Read more
  • image of mount baker and bellingham below viewed from orcas island in the san juan islands

    17 Epic Things to do on Orcas Island, Washington

    March 16, 2025
    Read more
Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 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.

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 ↓

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🏕️🎒⛑️
Follow on Instagram

looking for something?

private policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2026 Madeline Marquardt