Mikaela Ruland

Denver

Associate Content Director at Outside Magazine

The best place to be is with insane amounts of air beneath your heels.

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Articles

Fall Asleep at Starlite Yellowstone, A Tapestry Collection Hotel at the West Entrance

2 weeks ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

Experience a fresh, new stay in West Yellowstone, just minutes from the most popular entrance to America’s first national park. Starlite Yellowstone, a Tapestry Collection property by Hilton opening June 1, 2025, is an excellent choice for your national park adventure. This one-of-a-kind hotel blends modern comfort with Montana’s adventurous spirit, creating the ultimate basecamp for exploration.
Our 11 Favorite Towns Near Yellowstone

3 weeks ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

If you’re trying to decide which towns to see or stay in on your trip to Yellowstone, the first thing to know is that America’s first national park is massive. It’s bigger than some states and frequent wildlife sightings mean speed limits are low and getting around can be tedious. Start by deciding what you want to see and which entrance makes the most sense for you to use.
Explore 5 Vibrant Stops in the Heart of the State

1 month ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

In central Montana, you’ll discover a sprinkling of small towns that are chock full of fascinating history, but also filled with modern vibrancy in the form of boutique hotels, cool breweries and amazing outdoor recreation. Get ready to explore this uncrowded paradise. 1. Stroll Central Montana’s Historic Fort BentonFort Benton is the birthplace of Montana and its historic downtown still holds onto its charm.
The Best Grand Teton Photography Spots + Tips From Tamron

1 month ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

Even the most casual photographers can’t help but be inspired by this incredible national park. No matter where you turn, you’ll be met with stunning views of the Teton Range. While even cellphone photos will be beautiful, it’s well worth it to pack your big camera and dedicate some time to getting a great shot. As the light changes throughout the day, and the stars come out after dark, there’s endless opportunities to get great photos.
Uncover Wyoming’s Hidden History at Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

1 month ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

In August 1942 the first train full of Japanese Americans arrived on the lonely plains of northern Wyoming. Forcibly removed from their homes, their businesses and livelihoods taken from their hands, more than 14,000 people were placed behind barbed wire at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center between Cody and Powell. These were American citizens. Fathers and mothers, grandparents and children, business owners and esteemed members of the community were shipped to Heart Mountain. Their only crime?
Why Spearfish, SD Should Be Your Next Black Hills Getaway

2 months ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

Home to a small liberal arts university and incredible outdoor recreation, Spearfish is a vibrant, year round town that serves as the perfect Black Hills stay. Close to the Wild West town of Deadwood, Sturgis’ motorcycle rally and an hour from Devils Tower National Monument, you could use Spearfish as a jumping off point to explore the region, but there’s so much to do in this charming little town, you might just want to stay put.
This is the Most Scenic Route to Devils Tower

2 months ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland

Coming from South Dakota, your GPS will take you on the highway to Devils Tower National Monument. While it might be the most direct route, you’d be skipping some of the prettiest scenery and cutest small towns the Black Hills has to offer. Instead, head to the center of the nation in Belle Fouche and take Highway 24–a pretty, hour-long drive without stops–to the small but well-worth-it town of Hulett, Wyoming. From there, it’s just 10 more miles on this scenic route to Devils Tower.
These Southern Wyoming Towns Offer Hot Springs and Views

2 months ago | yellowstonepark.com | Mikaela Ruland |Tori Peglar

In southern Wyoming, you’ll discover a string of towns woven together by hot springs, outdoor recreation and a sense of wide-open spaces. Discover our top five reasons to explore the towns between Saratoga and Rawlins. 1. Soak in Hot SpringsIn Saratoga, choose between two different hot springs experiences. The Hobo Hot Springs are free mineral pools and open 24 hours a day. At Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, only guests can access the teepee-covered mineral pools and 70-foot mineral hot spring pool.
Should I Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Right Now?

Oct 22, 2024 | mysmokymountainpark.com | Mikaela Ruland

In the last few weeks, I’ve been glued to the news coming out of North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Entire towns washed away, landslides crumpling scenic mountain routes, Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District—all decimated. ‘Not decimated’, my linguist husband reminds me. That word implies one in ten businesses destroyed. According to ArtsAVL, 80% of the district has been reduced to rubble.
6 Best National Parks in Europe

Aug 21, 2024 | outsideonline.com | Mikaela Ruland

When I had the chance to spend some time in Europe this year, the first thing I wanted to do—well, besides find some really good cheese—was figure out how to visit as many national parks as possible. As the editor in chief of National Park Trips, Outside’s sister brand, I spend a lot of time thinking about national parks.