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hello stranger midwest adventure
  • 25 Things to do Sleeping Bear Dunes (by an outdoor guide!)

    March 3, 2025

    the best hiking, overlooks, beaches, places to eat, kayak, and more in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

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  • Ultimate Michigan Bucket List (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    February 17, 2025

    Looking for the best Midwest Bucket List? Read this article for 19+ ideas for Michigan adventures!

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  • image of clear waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park

    Midwest Spring Break Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    February 1, 2025

    Looking for midwest spring break ideas? Read this article for the best spring break destination for Midwest Adventurers!

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  • Balancing Rock on Stockton Island as seen from a kayak

    How to Kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves (by a kayak guide!)

    January 5, 2025

    Want to paddle through sea caves on Lake Superior? Let me help you find your way to and through the Apostle Islands Sea Caves.

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  • 18 Epic Winter Travel Destinations in the Midwest

    November 20, 2024

    Looking for the best winter vacations in the Midwest? From cross-country skis to small towns, here are the best places to visit in the Midwest in winter:

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  • 10 Best Things to do in Ely, Minnesota

    October 5, 2024

    From the best hiking to places to eat and cozy cabins, here are the best things to do in Ely, Minnesota!

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  • Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest, IL

    May 23, 2024

    Looking for the best hikes, campsites, and things to do in the Shawnee National Forest? Read this article for a guide to visiting the Shawnee National Forest!

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maddymarq

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

it’s me I’m girls :/ it’s me I’m girls :/
hahahah jk I’m not laughing :( 🦟 hahahah jk I’m not laughing :( 🦟
Backpacking the Porkies🥾🏕️🏔️ Porcupi Backpacking the Porkies🥾🏕️🏔️

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great spot for beginner friendly wilderness backpacking (think no cell service, but options for easier routes). Currently an area just outside the Porkies is the site of a proposed mine that could put the environment and Lake Superior’s waters at risk. Learn more and stay up to date on developments @protect_the_porkies 

📍Traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
logged off lately☀️🌊>📱💤 1-7: I’ve logged off lately☀️🌊>📱💤

1-7: I’ve worked this stretch of shoreline as a sea kayaking guide on and off since 2018. This summer will be my first in a while easing off guiding and into full time writing which is so wonderful!! I’m really looking forward to experiencing the islands and paddling as a paddler and someone who loves the outdoors, and not just as a guide working. There’s something really wonderful about doing things just for the joy of it, and I want that back. 

[new @aquabound tetra on my deck was gifted! As pretty as she looks on my deck, it’s a great paddle so more likely to end up in my hands!]

8- I’ve been getting back into running and it’s been hard. Rewarded myself with some shorts that don’t cut into my skin and some non-stained sports bras. (See previous post for a wholeeeee story on the running thing)

9-10: a walk in the woods

11- plant propagations 

12- taking @paddlingmagazine out for a paddle :)
Lake Superior summer loading✨🌅🏕️ where a Lake Superior summer loading✨🌅🏕️ where are you headed this summer?

1- A lake up the Gunflint Trail
2- Stockton Island
3- the Porkies
4- Lovers Leap Arch
5- the North Shore
6- prep day
7- Palisade Head
8- my favorite island
9- the trail 
10- Devils Island (actually isn’t my favorite!!)
11- Michigan moment 
12- camped out
13- a small sea cave

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
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© 2025 Madeline Marquardt