With summer vacation just around the bend, we're planning some fun outdoor adventures all across the great state of Wisconsin. We'll start in June with a trip to Devil's Lake State Park for some rock climbing with the assistance of outdoor adventure company Midwest Mountain Guides.

Based out of Genoa, Wisconsin, Midwest Mountain Guides is owned and operated by educator and outdoor enthusiast Steve Johnston. Steve's team of guides and instructors specialize in rock climbing in Wisconsin and Minnesota, backpacking, and wilderness first aid.

Commenting on the talents of his team Steve writes, "We are probably the only rock climbing guide service in the State of Wisconsin that has guides/instructors that are also licensed teachers (and some with Master's Degrees). We have undergone years of instruction, background checks, and training to teach both children and adults. Our friendly climbing guides have the patience and the ability to break down the instruction to fit your individual needs is one of our greatest strengths. What’s more, our love teaching is only matched by our passion and experience in the outdoors."

For beginners, Midwest Mountain Guides will help coach you through any anxieties you may have about rock climbing (ensuring your own personal success). Steve added, "You may not 'tag the top' of every climb, but at the end of the day you will feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. You challenged yourself and you may have learned something about who you are along the way. We just helped guide you down that path."

For the more experienced climbers, Midwest Mountain Guides can help take your climbing or technical knowledge to a higher level. "Our advanced courses are taught by nationally-certified staff who pride themselves on fine tuning the instruction to the degree you want. The course content will challenge you, but it will also be fun and educational," Steve explained. "Our Climbing Anchors Course, Single Pitch, and Wilderness classes all have instruction manuals and videos for you to brush up on before you even get out of the car in the parking lot on the first day of your course. We believe in 'hands on learning,' so the vast majority of your class is spent where it is supposed to be…on the rocks climbing, putting in gear, building anchors and learning how to apply new techniques."

Check back for photos and an account of our family's adventures on the rocks. In the mean time, if you want to schedule your own outing, visit Midwest Mountain Guides online and like their Facebook and YouTube accounts. Or you can just call directly at: 608.386.1310.