@maddymarq
Outdoor guide & writer exploring the Midwest. I really like snow, the full moon, and Lake Superior. And I can’t spell.
Instagram
Instagram
YouTube
YouTube
Substack
Substack
Website
Website
BREAKING: 20-Year Mining Ban Overturned - Paddling Magazine
BREAKING: 20-Year Mining Ban Overturned - Paddling Magazine
On January 21, 2026, The U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn federal protections that prevent copper-nickel sulfide mining upstream of the
Start here :)
Read my diary
Read my diary
Outdoor guide turned writer telling real Midwest Adventure stories🌲✨ sign up for FREE Exploring the Midwest eBook downloads delivered right to your inbox. Click to read Hello Stranger, by Maddy Marquardt, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
trail guides & resources
trail guides & resources
midwest outdoors blog, hiking resources, outdoor guides master list for Hello Stranger
Work with me
Work with me
Projects are storytelling-forward and may include photo, video, social media promotion, blog promotion, newsletter promotion or unique, SEO-optimized content for your website. See work samples below. contact hello [at] madelinemarquardt.com for project rates REI Co-op holiday season 2025 On Instagram; in the newsletter forged guides rock climbing fall 2025 On Instagram; in the newsletter arcade belts 2024/2025
Join the Newsletter & get FREE exploring the Midwest eBooks :)
Join the Newsletter & get FREE exploring the Midwest eBooks :)
Outdoor guide turned writer telling real Midwest Adventure stories🌲✨ sign up for FREE Exploring the Midwest eBook downloads delivered right to your inbox. Click to read Hello Stranger, by Maddy Marquardt, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
Great Lakes Travel Guides
Ultimate Northern Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip
Ultimate Northern Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip
Looking to see the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin? Here is the best Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip through the Northwoods! Why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy! I’m a paddling guide and guidebook writer committed to exploring the beautiful American Midwest. I’ve worked as a guide for almost six years now, and done three seasons
Ultimate Michigan Bucket List
Ultimate Michigan Bucket List
Looking for the best Midwest Bucket List? Read this article for 19+ ideas for Michigan adventures!
Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
Looking for the best things to do in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula? For the best places to hike, swim, waterfalls, where to eat, and more, check out this guide to the Keweenaw! why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy, and I live in Northern Wisconsin and have spent the past eight years exploring around
Ultimate Guide to Torch Lake, Michigan
Ultimate Guide to Torch Lake, Michigan
Ultimate Guide to the Pictured Rocks, Michigan
Ultimate Guide to the Pictured Rocks, Michigan
Looking for the best things to do in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Munising? From the best hiking trails and best places to camp to where to eat and the best views, here is a complete guide on how to visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Left: Exploring backcountry beaches in the Pictured Rocks.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide
Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide
the best hiking, overlooks, beaches, places to eat, kayak, and more in the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Ultimate Guide to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Ultimate Guide to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan
The Upper Peninsula has beautiful waterfalls, swimming, kayaking, and camping. Here are the best things to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan:
Best Things to do in the Apostle Islands
Best Things to do in the Apostle Islands
North Shore, MN Travel Guide
North Shore, MN Travel Guide
Gear Guides🐻
Best Women’s Hiking Boots
Best Women’s Hiking Boots
Looking for the best women's hiking boots on the market? The best hiking boots for you will be boots that fit your foot and your hiking boot needs. It's important to remember that the best boot that works for me, isn't what works for everyone. Still, here are some of the best hiking boot options
Best Hiking Backpacks (for women, by an outdoor guide!!)
Best Hiking Backpacks (for women, by an outdoor guide!!)
From day packs to backpacking bags to hip packs and packs that do it all, here are the best backpacks for hiking that you can find:
What To Wear Winter Hiking
What To Wear Winter Hiking
Winter hiking can be intimidating (and cold!) but it's one of the best winter outdoor adventure activities! Here's what you should wear hiking in the winter: Why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy, and I’ve been spending the last six or so years exploring the midwest as a wilderness guide! I’ve worked as a sea kayaking
Best Women’s Baselayers
Best Women’s Baselayers
Best Puffer Jackets for Hiking
Best Puffer Jackets for Hiking
Looking for the best puffer jackets for hiking and adventure? From down to synthetic, heavy insulation to light, check out the best puffer jackets:
Camping Packing List (For Beginners!)
Camping Packing List (For Beginners!)
Looking for a quick and easy packing list to help you decide what you need to bring camping? Read on for a beginner-friendly camping packing list!
9 Best Camping Stoves (by an outdoor guide!)
9 Best Camping Stoves (by an outdoor guide!)
Looking for the best camping stoves? Check out the best stoves for backpacking, car camping, double-burners, and expedition-ready adventure.
Best Hiking Sandals (For women, by an outdoor guide!)
Best Hiking Sandals (For women, by an outdoor guide!)
What to Wear Hiking
What to Wear Hiking
5 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (that AREN’T leggings!!)
5 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (that AREN’T leggings!!)
Beginner’s Backpacking Checklist
Beginner’s Backpacking Checklist
Best Kayaks for Beginners (by a kayak guide!)
Best Kayaks for Beginners (by a kayak guide!)
about me :)
about me :)
Hi there, I'm Maddy! Welcome to hello stranger, a blog focused on adventure, paddling, and exploring the beautiful American Midwest. Here, I'm committed to sharing the wonderful adventures hidden throughout the Midwest and inspiring other Midwest explorers to get outside. Come read about my adventures and join a community of thousands of other Midwest Explorers