what we do
Wander Beyond connects women with nature and each other. We empower women with backpacking and camping skills through our thoughtfully designed trips and retreats.
Check out our upcoming trips below!
Check out our upcoming trips below!
WE BELIEVE IN THE INNATE VALUE, BEAUTY AND STRENGTH OF EVERY PERSON.
WANDER BEYOND STRIVES TO BE A SAFE PLACE TO COME AS YOU ARE.
upcoming trips:
NEGWEGON STATE PARK - HIKE-IN RETREAT
September 17-20, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
Join me in savoring the last days of summer at Negwegon State Park’s beautiful dark sky preserve. We will have 3 nights of star gazing and camping along Lake Huron.
This retreat is so beloved that it has become an annual tradition!
Do a little backpacking, a little day hiking, a lot of relaxing, exploring, and incredible sunrises.
September 17-20, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
Join me in savoring the last days of summer at Negwegon State Park’s beautiful dark sky preserve. We will have 3 nights of star gazing and camping along Lake Huron.
This retreat is so beloved that it has become an annual tradition!
Do a little backpacking, a little day hiking, a lot of relaxing, exploring, and incredible sunrises.
SHINGLE MILL PATHWAY - BEGINNER'S BACKPACKING - SOLD OUT!
October 9-11, 2026
Hike the most scenic loop of "The Big Wild". This incredible 109,000-acre forest includes one of the largest elk herds, beautiful turquoise sink hole lakes, and so much more.
Whether backpacking is brand new, or you just need a refresher - this is the trip for you! Nothing beats hiking during fall color season.
October 9-11, 2026
Hike the most scenic loop of "The Big Wild". This incredible 109,000-acre forest includes one of the largest elk herds, beautiful turquoise sink hole lakes, and so much more.
Whether backpacking is brand new, or you just need a refresher - this is the trip for you! Nothing beats hiking during fall color season.
upcoming EVENTS
MONTHLY TRAIL CHAT MEET-UP
Join me every 4th Wednesday at This is a Bookstore for sharing trail stories, dreaming about new hikes, looking at maps, and inspiring each other to get out there. All are welcome! Dates are below.
THIS IS A BOOKSTORE, 3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Wed, Sept 30, 6:00-7:30pm
& October 28
Join me every 4th Wednesday at This is a Bookstore for sharing trail stories, dreaming about new hikes, looking at maps, and inspiring each other to get out there. All are welcome! Dates are below.
THIS IS A BOOKSTORE, 3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Wed, Sept 30, 6:00-7:30pm
& October 28
A TASTE OF THE FOREST:
WILD AUTUMN TEA WALK
Connect more intimately with the land by joining us on a wild tea foraging hike. Learn to identify edible seasonal plants, drying and preserving methods, and sustainable harvesting practices. Enjoy a hot mug of wild tea and other treats. Take home a jar of herbal tea you foraged, a list of easily identifiable edible plants and a fantastic goodie bag! Limited space available.
October 18, 2026, 2-5pm
Location: Pinckney State Recreation Area, MI
REGISTER HERE
Hosted by Marci Larsen of Wander Beyond and Melissa Coulier of Recess Club.
WILD AUTUMN TEA WALK
Connect more intimately with the land by joining us on a wild tea foraging hike. Learn to identify edible seasonal plants, drying and preserving methods, and sustainable harvesting practices. Enjoy a hot mug of wild tea and other treats. Take home a jar of herbal tea you foraged, a list of easily identifiable edible plants and a fantastic goodie bag! Limited space available.
October 18, 2026, 2-5pm
Location: Pinckney State Recreation Area, MI
REGISTER HERE
Hosted by Marci Larsen of Wander Beyond and Melissa Coulier of Recess Club.
WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE CLASS
Nov. 14, 2026, Saturday, 10-12pm
Learn self-defense tactics that work on and off trail. Gain confidence in hitting the trails solo and in your ability to handle any circumstance by tapping into your own power. Private class held at Lightning Kicks with a certified instructor.
Nov. 14, 2026, Saturday, 10-12pm
Learn self-defense tactics that work on and off trail. Gain confidence in hitting the trails solo and in your ability to handle any circumstance by tapping into your own power. Private class held at Lightning Kicks with a certified instructor.
Sign up open!
EL YUNQUE RAINFOREST RETREAT
Feb. 3-8, 2027, Puerto Rico
Enjoy an incredible 5 night retreat in the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Parks. This retreat has it all! Stay at the Sierra Palms lodge with incredible rainforest and waterfall views. There's no better way to beat the February Michigan blues!
This is truly a unique trip that doesn't require a passport! You may never want to leave.
Only 12 spots available.
Save $100 with early booking!
Feb. 3-8, 2027, Puerto Rico
Enjoy an incredible 5 night retreat in the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Parks. This retreat has it all! Stay at the Sierra Palms lodge with incredible rainforest and waterfall views. There's no better way to beat the February Michigan blues!
This is truly a unique trip that doesn't require a passport! You may never want to leave.
Only 12 spots available.
Save $100 with early booking!
Community offerings
CUSTOM GROUP TRIPS
Do you have a group that would love to go backpacking or camping? Let Wander Beyond plan it for you. From easy drive-in camping retreats, to hitting the trails for a multi-day backpacking trip, we can customize the experience to meet your needs. Sleeping outside isn’t your thing? We will find you the perfect rental with outdoor recreation nearby. Whether you’re looking for a guided trip or simply don’t want to do the planning for your own trip - we’ve got you covered!
BACKPACKING BASICS & LEAVE NO TRACE
Do you have a group or organization that would like to learn about backpacking and Leave No Trace principles? Wander Beyond will come to you. We tailor each hands-on presentation to a variety of age groups - making sure you come away with easy information you can put into practice.
GUIDED NATURE HIKES - FOR ALL AGES
Enjoy the beauty of the natural world with a guided group hike. Learn about edible plants, responsible foraging, invasive vs. native plants and more. By the end of our walk, you’ll be able to confidently recognize several species. Younger participants will enjoy a nature scavenger hunt!
To inquire about any of these offerings email [email protected]
SAVE ON KALAMAZOO COLLEGE COMMUNITY COURSES
We've partnered with K-College to offer Wander Beyond participants 10% off any of their outdoor courses. Interested in Climbing, Mountain Biking, Wilderness First Aid and more? They are our go-to. Learn more at outdoor.kzoo.edu and use the coupon below.
Do you have a group that would love to go backpacking or camping? Let Wander Beyond plan it for you. From easy drive-in camping retreats, to hitting the trails for a multi-day backpacking trip, we can customize the experience to meet your needs. Sleeping outside isn’t your thing? We will find you the perfect rental with outdoor recreation nearby. Whether you’re looking for a guided trip or simply don’t want to do the planning for your own trip - we’ve got you covered!
BACKPACKING BASICS & LEAVE NO TRACE
Do you have a group or organization that would like to learn about backpacking and Leave No Trace principles? Wander Beyond will come to you. We tailor each hands-on presentation to a variety of age groups - making sure you come away with easy information you can put into practice.
GUIDED NATURE HIKES - FOR ALL AGES
Enjoy the beauty of the natural world with a guided group hike. Learn about edible plants, responsible foraging, invasive vs. native plants and more. By the end of our walk, you’ll be able to confidently recognize several species. Younger participants will enjoy a nature scavenger hunt!
To inquire about any of these offerings email [email protected]
SAVE ON KALAMAZOO COLLEGE COMMUNITY COURSES
We've partnered with K-College to offer Wander Beyond participants 10% off any of their outdoor courses. Interested in Climbing, Mountain Biking, Wilderness First Aid and more? They are our go-to. Learn more at outdoor.kzoo.edu and use the coupon below.
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Testimonials
"I felt like it was amazing to find out what I was capable of doing. Walking around by myself for the first time on Lake Michigan was truly wonderful. Finding out I’m capable to take myself on small adventures in the future is life changing. " - Stephanie, May 2025 trip "Every aspect of the trip was so intentional and supportive. Marci prioritized safety and preparedness at every step. I feel so much more empowered to backpack and explore longer trips on my own. But the biggest takeaway for me was the community we created—laughter, heart chats around the fire, exploring the amazing surroundings. So wonderful!" - Kat, May 2023 trip "Everything was great! Marci did a great job at planning and preparation! I especially appreciate the pre camping meet up to get us prepared for the trip. Everyone was really great at assuring and affirming those of us who were new and less confident. I was thankful to Marci for trading packs with me when my load felt too heavy. I learned to pack light (food and water), that I really can do hard things, and women are strong, knowledgeable, and amazing!" - Dez'Raii, September 2023 trip |
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