I've done plenty of hiking and camping but am brand new to backpacking. We are planning our first couple day trip to Isle of Royale in Michigan next month.

I live in Illinois...where are some places in the surrounding states of IL that you would recommend for two beginners? We are very open as far as number of days, we have all supplies and will always learn about the place before hand.

We'd like to gain the experience gradually so that in the future we would feel more comfortable camping where there's bears out west.