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hello stranger midwest adventure
  • 27 Things to Do on the North Shore, MN (RANKED!!!)

    January 14, 2026

    Looking for the best things to do on the North Shore? From hiking and waterfalls to best food and where to stay, check out these North Shore travel ideas!

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  • 16 Best Things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota

    March 3, 2025

    Looking for the best things to do in Grand Marais, MN? Read this article for hiking, saunas, waterfalls and more!

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  • Weekend Guide to the North Shore, MN (Local’s Guide)

    April 17, 2024

    Looking for the perfect weekend guide to visiting Minnesota’s North Shore!? Here is the best way to experience Minnesota’s North Shore in just 2-3 days!

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  • 13 Best Things to do in Two Harbors, MN

    February 2, 2024

    looking for the best things to do in two harbors, mn? read this article for the best hiking, where to eat and more!

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  • Image of Hiker's feet in front of Johnson Lake Overlook on the Superior Hiking Trail

    Best Things to do in Tettegouche State Park

    February 2, 2024

    Looking for the best things to do in Tettegouche State Park? Read this article for the best camping, hiking, and where to eat near Tettegouche State Park

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  • a full moon rises over the snowy gunflint trail on the north shore of Minnesota in the winter

    13 Epic Winter Adventures on the North Shore, MN

    January 16, 2023

    from dogsledding to winter hiking to the best places to eat, here are the best things to do on the north shore, mn in the winter!

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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

    The Ultimate Outdoorsy Guide to Grand Marais

    April 15, 2022

    Grand Marais, Minnesota is one of the best hidden trail towns in America, with access to not one but three thru- hiking trails! Grand Maras is also close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,…

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  • fall color spots in Northern MN for Instagram / Photography Rose Lake Cliffs on the Border Route with a hiker taking in the scenery

    16 Best Fall Color Hikes on the North Shore

    October 13, 2021

    Looking for the best fall hiking and fall color on the North Shore? Read this article for the most beautiful fall hikes on the north shore of minnesota

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  • Sea Smoke at the Grand Marais Lighthouse

    10 Best Photography Spots on the North Shore, MN

    July 8, 2021

    Looking for the best photography locations on Minnesota’s North Shore? Read this article to find the best waterfalls, overlooks, and sights for photographers!

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  • High Falls near Silver Bay, Minnesota begins to freeze in December

    Six Beautiful Frozen Waterfalls on Minnesota’s North Shore

    February 20, 2021

    There is something magical about the idea of rushing water brought to a complete standstill. Frozen waterfalls sound like something out of a fairytale, unique to places like Alaska or Norway. Under the radar and…

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maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓

Lake Superior in the winter❄️🌈🌊safety note⬇️ Kaya Lake Superior in the winter❄️🌈🌊safety note⬇️Kayaking on Lake Superior in any season is recommended only in sea kayaks by paddlers with practiced deep water self rescues and safety gear. When in doubt, book a guided tour. In the winter, as you might imagine, hazards compound! Everyone pictured here works or has worked locally as a guide and has extensive knowledge of Lake Superior weather patterns, rescue practice in cold water, and is wearing a drysuit. There are no available guided winter tours in this area at present due to the hazards involved in winter kayaking, and the rare conditions that make this paddle possible in the winter. (It’s currently locked in with ice and in-paddleable; ice is not safe to hike on here at present so these caves can only be viewed from the hiking trail above.)
Weekend in Lutsen, MN❄️♥️🥾 With @explorenborgen Weekend in Lutsen, MN❄️♥️🥾 With @explorenborgen :)
Night snowshoeing & campfires this weekend 🔥❄️ jus Night snowshoeing & campfires this weekend 🔥❄️ just wrapped up the very first women’s knit, ski, and winter camp weekend and despite kinks including learning that pancakes do NOT cook evenly when the air temperature is single digits, it was so much fun! As always, such a great group of women, and thanks so much to everyone who came out :)1- snowshoeing in the dark 2- s’mores3- headlamps and so so much snow❄️4- early morning coffee 5- group pic at @mt.ashwabay 6- obligatory ski photo7- first time XC skiers!!! Looking pretty good!!8- campfire :)9- fresh snow10- a dry, off-grid cabin in the woods 👀11- fresh tracks12- sleepover!13- project time :)14- flurriesThis was one of the first trips I’ve designed and fully executed and led start to finish — usually I’ve borrowed other templates, itineraries, and learned from other guides in the past — and I’m honestly feeling really proud of how it turned out, especially given the added challenges of winter. Anyways feeling really proud and really grateful for such a cool group of ladies and for @lostcreekadventures giving me the space to try something like this!Stay tuned for upcoming trip updates & and ladies who came out just leave a comment so I can find your IG and I’ll tag you!!
Minnesota strong♥️❄️ Recommended listen: Governor Minnesota strong♥️❄️Recommended listen: Governor Tim Walz’s address last night. Click on the audio and head to the original post to listen or head to @mngovernor Recommended follow: @dguttenfelder documenting from Minneapolis for the @nytimes For resources: @startribune has put together resources to help families and businesses in need in the Twin Cities ( @planetwithsara has set you an easy way to get DM’d the list in her most recent post! Another recommended follow)
A winter hike, a cozy cabin 🌊🥾❄️ Spent some time A winter hike, a cozy cabin 🌊🥾❄️ Spent some time up north with @explorenborgen playing in the snow and enjoying some cozy cabin time at @lutsen_seavillas [hosted].Sound of crashing waves, some trail beer-cheese fondue, fog and frost, heavy wool sweaters, a wood-burning stove, pancakes — doesn’t get much better than this :)Photos 4, 5 & 9 📸- @explorenborgen
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