Bozeman, Montana

Plana trip to the eclectic Big Sky college town and relax in its great Western vibe

- PETER CORBETT

After statehood in 1889, Montana towns fought bitterly over landing the state capital. Anaconda, Bozeman, Butte, Helena and others staked a claim.

Three years later, Montana voters settled on Helena. But all was not lost for Bozeman. It was awarded the state land grant college, Montana Agriculture College, which became Montana State University.

Helena ended up with a statehouse full of politicians and bureaucrats, while Bozeman got students, scholars and professors. They make up nearly 30 percent of Bozeman’s population of 60,000 people.

Bozeman is a college town, but it’s still in touch with its Western roots. That includes outdoor adventures— fishing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting and skiing. When snow flies at the nearby Bridger Bowl ski area, a blue light flashes atop the historic Baxter Hotel.

Rodeo is big on campus. The Montana State men’s and women’s rodeo teams have won nine national championships between them in the past 50 years. The university has also hosted the American Indian Council Powwow each spring for close to a half century.