Midwest Vertical Journal is a digital publication that celebrates the unexpected wonders of the Midwest outdoors.
Legends, Locals and Landscapes.
From the glaciers that carved our hills and valleys to the freshwater where our adventures live, the Midwest is packed with unique stories, cool people, and a one-of-a-kind outdoor culture. Our goal is to bring it all to you.
Whether bombing through forest-lined trails or hanging lakeside, Midwesterners go all in. At Midwest Vertical, we’re proud to call the Midwest our home and celebrate the local landscapes we love with original stories of outdoor adventure.
For the want of a t-shirt. It all started with a simple idea on a trail run.
Sara, co-founder of Midwest Vertical (MWV), was on a trail run at Cannonsburg Ski Hill, one of her favorite local spots. After climbing Plites Peak with a vertical of around 900 feet, she paused to take in the scenery. As she admired the view, she thought to herself, “Pretty good vertical, eh? Well… Michigan vertical.” That’s when the idea struck her: Michigan Vertical would make a great shirt!
But why stop at Michigan? Sara realized that the Midwest had so much more to offer in terms of outdoor sports, activities, and natural beauty. She called up her long-time creative buddy, Mike, who was also actually working on a t-shirt company idea of his own. That’s when Midwest Vertical was born, originally focused on creating t-shirts that celebrated the outdoor lifestyle and landscape of the Midwest.
From t-shirts to telling stories: The evolution of Midwest Vertical.
As we continued to grow, we realized that it wasn’t just about the t-shirts; it was about the stories behind them. The real way to celebrate the Midwest was through the tales of its people, places, and experiences. These stories create the connection and community that define the Midwest spirit.
Today, Midwest Vertical has evolved from a simple t-shirt idea to a bi-monthly (that’s every other month) e-zine. We are dedicated to celebrating the Midwest through storytelling, sharing the unique experiences and vibrant culture of our region. Join us as we explore, connect, and celebrate the heart of the Midwest.
Who started this thing?
Sara Wesche (MI)
Sara Wesche, a proud Michigander, grew up chasing adventures from Lake Michigan’s shores to the ski hills “Up North.” After leaving corporate marketing leadership to embrace motherhood, she’s spent nearly a decade as a freelance marketing strategist and writer. Sara is a member of the Forbes Communication Council, a founding member of Grand Rapids Professional Women for Good, and a mountain biking coach for the Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs. Through Midwest Vertical Journal, Sara uses journalistic storytelling to bring the Midwest’s legends, locals, and landscapes to life. Off the clock, you’ll find her chasing her kid around, lost in the pages of a good book, or somewhere outside – often engaged in deep conversations with the trees. Yes, they do talk back.
