Lose the Crowds in Northeast Montana
Visit authentic small towns, like Glasgow and Sidney, and discover the dinosaurs, dark skies and deep waters of Montana’s Missouri River Country.
Author
Mikaela Ruland
Mikaela is a sales and content specialist for National Park Trips. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her writing has appeared online for brands like Copper Mountain Ski Area and Keep Nature Wild and in print for the National Park Journals.
Yellowstone is one of Mikaela’s favorite national parks. Her favorite Yellowstone memory? Eating Cheez-Its in the dark and waiting for Old Faithful to erupt with her dad.
Mikaela’s passion is to inspire others to get out and experience life. She spends most of her free-time outside hiking, skiing, climbing, taking photos, camping, snowshoeing, doing yoga – you name it! When she’s not outside, you can find her exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.
My Stories
Calvert Hotel, Where History and Modern Luxury Meet
Stay on the quieter side of Montana between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park
4 Best Places to Stargaze under Night Skies in Yellowstone
Dark skies and iconic views combine to make Yellowstone one of the best places in the country to stargaze.
Nature Meets City in Spokane, Washington
Parks and trails skirt this vibrant city.
Camp Cooking Fails and How to Do It Right
Learn to cook like a pro and avoid common mistakes when you’re cooking at a campsite.
3-Day Eco-Friendly Vacation Itinerary for Yellowstone and Grand Teton
We’ve put together ideas for a three-day vacation to help you become a more sustainable traveler.
Lose the Crowds in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin
Follow the trails past Old Faithful and you’ll find the world’s largest concentration of geysers plus hot springs and wildlife on this 6-mile scenic journey.
Fall in Love with the Solitude of Grand Teton National Park as You Float
Solitude Float Trips offers a scenic rafting experience focused on conservation
Cozy Winter Getaway Near Yellowstone at Bar N Ranch
Spend a magical winter weekend near the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
A Perfect Vacation with Yellowstone Day Tours
See Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks with Yellowstone Day Tours for a stress-free tour.
Go Big in Southeast Montana
Big skies and history meet in these authentic Montana cowboy towns on the way to Yellowstone.
Casper, Wyoming’s Top 7
Experience the crossroads of the Wild West, unexpected culture and outdoor paradise in Casper, Wyo.
13 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Yellowstone National Park
We’re swooning over these Airbnbs rentals in towns like Jackson, Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cody and Cooke City.
Hike to Mystic Falls in Yellowstone National Park
See a stunning waterfall and two geyser basins on the easy Mystic Falls hike in Yellowstone
Where Should I Camp in Yellowstone National Park?
A guide to help you decide where to spend the night, from car camping paradise and remote backcountry sites to a slice of RV heaven.
4 RV Tips for Grand Teton National Park
Camp like a pro in your RV in the park
5 RV Tips for Badlands National Park
Explore this South Dakota gem like a pro with our five RV tips.
Stay Close to Glacier National Park at The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River
The Pine Lodge in Whitefish, Mont., makes it easy to enjoy the region’s excellent outdoor recreation.
4 Active Yellowstone Adventures to Test Your Stamina
Push yourself with these heart-pounding activities in Yellowstone National Park from backpacking to canoeing to cross-country skiing.
Ennis is Montana’s Drinking Town With a Fishing Problem
Northwest of Yellowstone, this colorful town holds on to its western roots.
Hike to Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park
Get stunning views of the Grand Teton as you hike this easy, family-friendly trail to a picturesque lake.
Hike the Avalanche Peak Trail in Yellowstone
Catch incredible views on the 4.7-mile hike to Yellowstone’s Avalanche Peak.
Old West Meets New West in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Western ranch and rodeo charm meets a vibrant, music and nightlife scene
Anaconda’s Unexpected History on the Continental Divide
This unique town has access to the outdoor recreation you’d expect from southwestern Montana with a surprising and delicious culinary history that lives on today.
A Local Slice of Western Life in Logan and Cache Valley
Stop in this valley's small, storybook town on the way to Yellowstone.
Camp at a Vineyard, Brewery or Working Farm with Harvest Hosts
Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.
Take a Yellowstone Wildlife Tour from Silver Gate, Mont.
Spot bison, wolves, bears and more with Silver Gate Guides in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley.
Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park’s popular Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main thoroughfare through the park, and the North Fork area will require a reservation to enter during summer peak hours.
Montana’s Charming Town of Red Lodge
From incredible outdoor recreation in every direction to world-class rodeo and unique glamping, plus a scenic drive on the stunning Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge is a can’t-miss stop.
Take a Sleigh Ride North of Yellowstone
Ride through a winter wonderland on a horse-drawn sleigh near Big Sky, Mont., with 320 Guest Ranch.
7 Standout Stops in the Heart of Montana
Explore small towns in central Montana on your way to Glacier National Park
Closest Airport to Mt. Rushmore is in the City of Presidents
Fly into the Rapid City Regional Airport for the most direct route to the Black Hills, Badlands National Park and Mt. Rushmore.
A Serene Soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs
Just eight miles from Yellowstone's North Entrance, these naturally hot pools feel surprisingly remote and far from the park’s crowds.
Off the Radar Along the Oregon Trail in Wyoming
From Glendo to Chugwater, this Pony Express route in southeast Wyoming's Platte County is full of little-known gems.
5 RV Tips for Glacier National Park
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
Experience Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Wyoming with Great Western Expeditions
Tour Yellowstone and Grand Teton with Great Western Expeditions for an unforgettable experience.
6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons
Can’t-miss stops in the less-traveled Yellowstone west gateway towns from Idaho Falls to Ririe in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
6 Ways to Experience the Old West in Buffalo, Wyo.
Go on a trail ride, visit a saloon and learn about Wyoming’s history in the towns of Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyo.
9 Reasons to Visit Dillon, Mont.
Dig for crystals, catch a glimpse of stunning trumpeter swans, eat amazing sourdough pancakes and more in small-town Dillon, Mont., in Beaverhead County.
See Geysers in Yellowstone’s Backcountry with Geyser Kayak Tours
What’s more magical than watching Old Faithful erupt? Watching dozens of geysers erupt in the pristine backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Paddle to Yellowstone’s most spectacular and remote geyser basin.