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hello stranger midwest adventure

9 Best Sleeping Pads (Backpacking, Car Camping & More)

Looking to find the best sleeping pad for your next adventure? From the best sleeping bags for backpackers to car campers, read on for some of the best sleeping pads…

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9 Incredible Things to do Marathon, Florida Keys

Looking for the best things to do in Marathon, Florida? From the best beaches to snorkeling tours, check out the best things to do in Marathon: Why this blog? Hi there!…

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7 Best Places to Stay on the North Shore, MN

Looking for the best places to stay on the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior? Read this article for a quick guide to the best cabins, hotels, and campsites along…

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  • image of a backpacking camp set up

    9 Best Sleeping Pads (Backpacking, Car Camping & More)

    January 22, 2026
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  • 7 Best Places to Stay on the North Shore, MN

    January 15, 2026
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  • 27 Things to Do on the North Shore, MN (RANKED!!!)

    January 14, 2026
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  • image of a cove in michigan at the pictured rocks at sunset

    13 Epic Michigan Travel Destinations (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    January 11, 2026
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  • Kayaker at the Apostle Islands Sea Caves

    15 Best Stays in Bayfield, Wisconsin

    January 10, 2026
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  • 15 Cute Hiking Outfit Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 9, 2026
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  • 15 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

    January 8, 2026
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  • image of clear waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park

    Midwest Spring Break Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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  • 13 Best Beaches in Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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  • Potato River Falls near Ashland Wisconsin Northwoods Hiking Trails

    15 Breathtaking Hiking Trails in Wisconsin (With Maps!)

    December 6, 2025
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1 2 3 … 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🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓

Would you have done this?😅🌵🥾🏕 honestly, I think Would you have done this?😅🌵🥾🏕 honestly, I think the cost of the permit to backpack Havasupai is totally worth it BUT I don’t think I need to spend $2000 on a backpacking trip again. The Havasu Canyon Trail runs through the Havasupai Tribal Nation Land, and all of the Grand Canyon is the homeland of the Havasupai people, and has been for the last 1000+ years. In the 1900s, the Havasupai were forcibly removed from the rest of the canyon by the National Parks Service separated from their gardens and cut off access to hunting. In 1975, the Havasu falls area and campground was returned to the Tribe, on the stipulation that the area remain open to tourists. a remote community located 8 miles into the canyon with no road access, the Havasupai People had very few options *other* than tourism. Fast forward 50 years to today. The hike down is beautiful, with well-maintained facilities and a lively campground. The whole experience is incredible, and I would easily recommend it!the $455 permit seems pricey, but is totally reasonable when considering the effort it takes to maintain the popular campground 10 miles deep into the Grand Canyon, and the needs of the community to maintain it.#havasupai #arizona #grandcanyon #backpacking
Kayaking the San Juan islands🌈🗺️🏕️ Come say hi @m Kayaking the San Juan islands🌈🗺️🏕️Come say hi @maddymarq for more adventure ideas !
Lake Superior magic🌈🌅🥾 Come say hi @maddymarq for Lake Superior magic🌈🌅🥾Come say hi @maddymarq for more Great Lakes spam :)
Winter on Lake Superior❄️🥾🌊 Come say hi at @maddy Winter on Lake Superior❄️🥾🌊Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Great Lakes spam!
Would you have done this?😅🌵🥾🏕 honestly, I think Would you have done this?😅🌵🥾🏕 honestly, I think the cost of the permit to backpack Havasupai is totally worth it BUT I don’t think I need to spend $2000 on a backpacking trip again. The Havasu Canyon Trail runs through the Havasupai Tribal Nation Land, and all of the Grand Canyon is the homeland of the Havasupai people, and has been for the last 1000+ years. In the 1900s, the Havasupai were forcibly removed from the rest of the canyon by the National Parks Service separated from their gardens and cut off access to hunting. In 1975, the Havasu falls area and campground was returned to the Tribe, on the stipulation that the area remain open to tourists. a remote community located 8 miles into the canyon with no road access, the Havasupai People had very few options *other* than tourism. Fast forward 50 years to today. The hike down is beautiful, with well-maintained facilities and a lively campground. The whole experience is incredible, and I would easily recommend it!the $455 permit seems pricey, but is totally reasonable when considering the effort it takes to maintain the popular campground 10 miles deep into the Grand Canyon, and the needs of the community to maintain it.#havasupai #arizona #grandcanyon #backpacking
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