An Unexpected Amazing Journey 
What started out as a weekend interest to have summer fun on our local lake turned into a near obsession.
As of this writing I have paddled 5,350 miles. Living in the Twin Cities I am blessed to have many the Upper Midwest's most scenic major rivers and lakes nearby, including: Minnesota, Mississippi, St. Croix, and Namegakon Rivers, and Lake Minnetonka.

Highlights include my solo paddling across Lake Michigan three (3) times, Lake Superior (1), a short course taken across Lake Huron (1). ​Additionally, I have raced in MN, WI, MI and WA. My longest race was the 150 mile Campus to Coast course from my alma mater (Michigan State) to Grand Haven. Paddling with many of the world’s elite paddlers in Tacoma's Seventy48 in 2019 significantly elevated my knowledge and determination to improve.
Join me on my paddling adventures. Go to the bottom of the page for links to stories and photography about my top destinations, adventures, and subjects of special interest.​ Or click here and follow me on Facebook page and view my most recent paddling adventures
The Thrill of the Adventure 
One of the draws of the adventure is the anticipation of what’s around the next bend. Whether it be an incredible view, unsuspecting wildlife, a small riverside town, or the welcoming riverbank or small island which will become my home for the night. 

There is the excitement of the unexpected challenge. The sounds of the river give notice of unseen trouble ahead; be it the rush of the rapids, the spillover from an obstruction made by man, a determined beaver, or a fallen tree. Maybe it’s the sound of rain or wind of a rapidly advancing storm. 

On my journeys I have been covered in thunderstorms, chased by tornados, pummeled by hail, blanketed in snow, challenged by hypothermia, baked by the sun, and even hit by a boat. I have spilled over shallow rapids and been knocked over by overhanging branches, and narrowly escaped being tragically snagged under a debris field.

Most of all, I have enjoyed the serenity and solitude, incredible nature and landscape, for which in many areas has remained largely unchanged for decades and centuries.
The Book | The Northland Adventurer
Through the prodding by many, I have created a 105 page book highlighting my journeys on our major tributaries, my grand adventures, top stops and events, and more.

Much of the scenic sites shared in this book are accessible and available for you to enjoy.

My favorite nearby rivers are the Rum, St. Croix and Namekagon. My top stops and top events are the Lower St. Croix (Taylors Falls, MN), Lake Pepin and Lake City, and the Tall Ships Duluth Festival. Those objects which captivate my interest include our Great Lake Lighthouses, the Soo Line High Bridge, those iconic vertical lift bridges, powerful tugs, those shuttling ferries, Great Lakes and transoceanic freighters.

My top grand adventures were paddling across Great Lakes Michigan and Superior, and racing on Puget Sound. But, paddling across the Straits of Mackinac and tapping the massive columns of the Mackinac Bridge while I pass in between was special too.

I hope you find my stories and photography about my paddling adventures across our Northland pleasant and entertaining. Most of all, may they inspire adventure in you.
Picture
Mike Stout 2021
Picture
Mapping 5,364 miles paddled.
Picture
The first three seasons and 2,695 miles captured here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Let me take you on my journey.
Click on the links (underlined) of those topics below which interest you most. 
Paddling our Major Tributaries
•  Rum River 2017
•  Rum River 2019
•  Cannon River
•  Superior Bay 
•  Upper St. Croix
•  Headwaters of the Mississippi
•  Namekagon River

Top Stops and Events
•  Lower St. Croix - Taylors Falls, MN
•  ​Lake Pepin and Lake City, MN
•  Lake Hamlin, MI
•  St. Paul, MN and Raspberry Island
•  ​Stillwater, MN
•  Tall Ships Duluth Festival
Objects of Interest
•  Great Lakes Lighthouses
•  Bridges of Stillwater
•  Wisconsin Central Bridge Ruins
•  Soo Line High Bridge
•  Vertical Lift Bridges
•  Trains
​•  Railroad Bridges
​•  Tugs and Barges
​•  Locks and Dams
​•  Business and Industry
Looking for helpful hints to plan for your Great Lakes crossing, click here.
I hope my stories and photography inspire adventure in you.
Home
Body of Work
About
Websites by TCG
Printing Services
Blog
​Contact
MASTERFUL MARKETING
WE CAN HELP YOU "GET IT" AND "GET THERE."
- Since 2009 -
M-F: 8AM - 6PM CT  ​|  (952) 239-3943  ​|  Eagan, MN 55123
Tamarack Consulting Group, LLC.      Copyright © 2016
​Northland Adventurer