Thomas J. Elpel is a wilderness educator, author, and founder of Green University in Montana. He completed a five-month, self-supported expedition down the Missouri River. His work focuses on plant identification, survival skills, and sustainable living, blending hands-on experience with ecological awareness. Q. What inspired you to start learning and teaching wilderness survival skills? My grandmother mentored me in learning edible and medicinal plants. She cooked on an antique wood-fired cookstove and had a library of wilderness survival books, including Larry Dean Olsen’s Outdoor Survival Skills. Olsen founded the program […]

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Forget the summer gridlock. The real story of America’s national parks is told in September and October, during the “secret season.” This is when the crowds disappear, the weather is perfect and the landscapes transform. The post-Labor Day slump is a traveler’s dream. With schools back in session, parks like Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are no longer at peak capacity. This means a more intimate and enjoyable experience. The intense summer heat subsides, making hiking and outdoor activities not just possible, but genuinely pleasant. Think crisp, cool air […]

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CODY, Wyo. – True Ranch Collection is taking over management of the historic Blackwater Creek Ranch outside Cody, Wyoming, for the summer season and will bring its Yellowstone Pop-Up Ranch to the “Cowboy State” from May 26 to Sept. 28, 2024. Set along the banks of the scenic Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek, the ranch is just 15 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. All-inclusive three- and six-night stays are available, starting at $1,500 per person based on double occupancy and $2,700 per person based on double […]

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January – Catch the “Big One” in Lake Oahe Try your hand at ice fishing in Lake Oahe. Here, guides can help you land your own trophy-winning catch. Ice fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Mobridge Ice Fishing Tournament which takes place in Pierre each January. February – Stress-Free Skiing Near Deadwood to South Dakota’s Terri Peak Ski Area for a great day on the slopes without the crowds. The mountain features a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers, a sizeable terrain park, and the highest lift […]

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It may seem too early to start thinking about snow and winter! That means holidays, winter break, the new year and some craziness thrown in with all of that! Here at the Dude Ranchers’ Association, we think the best gifts don’t support designer logos nor do they come from big box stores. We feel one of the true meanings of the holidays is families spending time together, away from the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded shopping malls and there is no better place to spend time with your family […]

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Cody, WY – Some call it glamorous camping, others call it luxury camping, but what better way to experience the Wild West? Get off the beaten path and truly get out into nature by sleeping under the stars like a true Western cowboy or cowgirl. What really makes these glamping options truly unique is that they are all all-inclusive. This means meals, lodging, horseback riding, and other activities are all included in your rate! What’s more glamorous than not having to try to keep up with your spending while on […]

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Sperling’s BestPlaces finds 13 real U.S. cities and towns with hilariously risqué names 1. Buttzville, New Jersey – Population 194 – Median Home Price $172,700 According to Wikipedia, the town was named after its founder, Michael Robert Buttz. Naturally, he wanted to spread his grief to future generations by naming a town Buttzville. Sure, he could’ve gone with Michael City but perhaps that sounded too cool. 2. Dick Johnson, Indiana – Population 1,421 – Median Home Price $111,600 This burg was actually named after the 9th Vice President of the […]

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It has been far to long since I have been to Montana. My father and I visited some 20 years ago – a road trip in the spirit of gold mining but in reality became a father-son bonding trip and a chance to explore the great outdoors of the Western USA. Most of our time in Montana was spent in the north and western part of the state with a mix of time spent both in small cities and the outdoors. We also visited Helena and Billings but those were […]

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A topless man wearing lipstick and a bright pink tutu prances by. Jazz is blaring at Legends Park. Drunken tourists stagger to their next girly joint. It’s Friday night on Bourbon Street, and this small town Texas boy needs a break. We all love a good party now and then, and New Orleans certainly knows how to party. But sometimes, we want a break from the frenetic energy and craziness of the nonstop Mardi Gras party atmosphere – but where do you go in New Orleans for a quiet refuge?   City […]

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“Southern Alberta is a “black hole” when it comes to accessible tourism, it’s what I’d like to see change,” says Garry Brown, owner of the newly formed Rocky Mountain Wheelchair Tours, a division of 4seasons Transportation. “Accessibility laws are provincial. (So) there (is no enforcement) in our national parks. It’s all voluntary.” Alberta Parks is aiming for inclusion, but currently their website lists only disabled access campsites. (William Watson Lodge, located in Kananaskis country, is totally accessible (I’ve stayed there), but it’s only available to people who reside in Alberta.) […]

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When one thinks of Canadian cities, iconic urban destinations quickly come to mind such as Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and Vancouver. Saskatoon is not located near any of these major urban centers and is certainly a much smaller city in comparison – both of these aspects are refreshing and are part of the appeal of visiting. So where is Saskatoon anyways? It is located in the southern part of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan about 2.5 hours drive north of the city of Regina. From the states, this province borders Montana […]

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There are places in the world that are immediately inspirational based entirely on their natural beauty – I would count the wide open spaces of Montana as one of these inspirational destinations. I remember my trip to Montana a number of years ago, driving the open roads in the Northwest part of the State from Glacier National Park down to Missoula. I was impressed by the countryside, the jagged rocky faces of the mountains in Glacier National Park combined with the gorgeous glacier fed lakes, then moving south to the […]

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The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest to Feature Exclusive Performances by Nationally Acclaimed Artists in Unique Venues on Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5, 2014 LEE COUNTY, Fla. – August 15, 2014 – The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, known for its stunning natural beauty and southwest Florida charm, invites music lovers to the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which will take place over two consecutive weekends, on Sept. 26-28 on Captiva Island, and Oct. 3-5 on Fort Myers Beach. Presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI ®), the largest music rights […]

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A summer favorite returns in the midst of exciting new developments in Southern California’s quintessential beachfront city SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 6, 2014) – As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, the beachside city of Santa Monica begins to hit its stride. Summer in this oceanfront haven has become synonymous with beautiful weather, outdoor entertainment, beach activities, and world-class alfresco dining, and the summer of 2014 will be no exception – Yet several new additions to the usual summer roundup may make this the best one yet. […]

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I’ve taken a number of great vacations in my lifetime. Each vacation I’ve taken has left me with fond memories, valuable lessons, new friends, new-found knowledge and a new outlook on my surroundings and the world at large but one recent vacation, in particular, left me with more than I could ever imagine gaining from a week-long trip.  I didn’t have to travel very far to this destination.  In fact, I technically didn’t even have to leave the continent.  Only a short bus ride to the airport and a 4-hour […]

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