We are SO excited to share an extraordinary new book by writer, photographer, and paddler Madeline Marquardt, entitled Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide. She has worked as a sea kayaking guide in the Apostle Islands, English teacher in Armenia, and paddled and hiked extensively throughout the Lake Superior Region and state of Michigan. 

You've read our interview with her about her Peace Corps experience in Armenia, as well as her Top Five Hidden Gems in Michigan for Hikers and Paddlers. We are very pleased to share the backstory of her guide here, as well.

What do I love most about this guide? Let me count the ways!

Marquardt is a magnificent photographer, capturing the essence of place and sharing it with us. She is an intriguing writer, enticing us to explore every single place she includes. She is an honest advocate for the outdoors, and creates meaningful experiences while respecting the land and waters. In short? She's an inspiration and a guide for reveling in our great outdoors.

Chapters include:
* Grand Traverse and the Northern Lower Peninsula, Michigan
* Eastern Upper Peninsula, Michigan
* Western Upper Peninsula, Michigan
* Northwoods and the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
* The North Shore, Minnesota
* Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
* Notable Campsites
* Outfitter Contact & Directory
* Further Reading & References

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Each chapter includes such beautiful writing that I kept getting new favorite places to explore. She includes personal history (often the best form of storytelling), an excellent description with highlights for each hike or paddle, and inspiration in the form of glorious photos, in all seasons. Lighthouses, waterfalls, campsites, mountains, gorges, waves, forests, dunes, rivers, and national and state parks all make star appearances. 

Of particular note is her inclusion of ADA-accessible trails and options. THANK YOU.

Whether you're looking to create a family excursion, head out with friends, or hike with your best pal (2 or 4 legged!), this book will spark new explorations on land and water in this glorious area of the world.

Highly, highly recommended!

We were lucky enough to catch up with Marquardt, and ask her about the backstory of the book, inspiration, writing joys and challenges, and more. Here's what she had to say...

Please tell us about your new book, Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes...
Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes is a hiking and paddling guide that focuses on the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Northern Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands, the North Shore of Minnesota, and of course, Isle Royale National Park. 

This guide is geared to help you plan your road trip, write your Midwest adventure bucket list, and help match you to a beautiful hike or paddle for your comfort level.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was driving through Northern Wisconsin on a road trip of my own and stopped at a bookstore, hoping to find a road trip guide that covered the regions I was interested in. Ideally, it would cover both hiking and paddling in the Northern Great Lakes Region. I couldn’t find that kind of guide. So I wrote it. 

What might readers be surprised to learn, within these gorgeous pages?
One of the biggest surprises when travelling the region is how much the Keweenaw Peninsula has to offer. The Keweenaw has rugged blackrock shoreline, dozens of waterfalls, and adorable remote towns. People tend to flock to the Apostle Islands and the Pictured Rocks, because the Keweenaw is farther from almost every major city. Because of this, the Keweenaw Peninsula is less crowded, but equally beautiful. Right now, the Keweenaw is at the top of my list to revisit. 

Keweenaw Peninsula

Did you have any specific joys and challenges in writing this book?
For me, researching and writing this book was a really incredible experience. I’ve lived along Western Lake Superior on and off for almost two years now, but I always drive through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to get back home to Michigan. I like to turn this commute into a little road trip every time I do it. For this book, checking out new places intentionally and taking notes was incredibly fun for me. 

The biggest challenge was the self publishing part-- I wrote the book, took and edited all of the photos, as well as designed the cover and interior. The only thing I contracted out was copy and developmental edits. A lot went into creating this book, and for me the independent printing process and book layout were incredibly challenging.

What's your best advice for creating a positive relationship to our natural environment? 
A big focus and purpose of this book is to help other people get outside and have a wonderful and meaningful experience. I truly believe that the best thing we can do for our environment is empower more people to care for it deeply. 

One thing I recommend to help you feel at home in the outdoors is to educate yourself. Pick hikes that fit your comfort level, and learn about the area before you go. One of the best things to help you connect to a place is to learn the cultural and environmental history of this place, and why that matters. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes

What's up next for you?
Great question. I used to live and teach abroad, and I would really like to revisit Armenia for an extended period of time and travel throughout the former Soviet Union. I also have some big paddling trips I’d like to cross off my bucket list. 

How can people find your work?
You can find my most recent trail guides and essays on my website, or keep up with me on Instagram at @maddymarq. 

Publisher's note:

Take a listen to a recent podcast Maddy did about Pictured Rocks, hidden caves in the Apostle Islands, some of the real risks of Lake Superior, and more, with Lake Superior National Parks. 

All photos courtesy and copyright Madeline Marquardt