Colorado

While Colorado may look to many like one of those big square states in the middle of the country, don't be fooled. Yes, it was once the home of miners, a gold rush, Native Americans and cowboys. But, this is also the land of the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City, the Continental Divide, and the home of six US National Monuments, two US National Historic Sights, four US National Historic Trails, two US National Recreation Areas, eleven US National Forests, and four US National Parks, including Mesa Verde and the Rocky Mountain National Parks. Pike's Peak is only one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" – mountains of 14,000 ft. or higher elevation. Coloradans spend a great deal of time outside, enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds them. Not only is the skiing unsurpassed, but you can also enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, fishing, hunting, golf and even ballooning. Attend World Cup Week in Beaver Creek and see some of the best skiers in the world. Check out Boulder's Kinetic Conveyance Challenge, where supposedly amphibious homemade vehicles race – mostly to see who stays afloat. There's so much to love about the outdoors, it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to go inside. However, don't underestimate the rugged history and western culture that is also Colorado. You can attend the Colorado Music Festival, the Mesa Verde County Indian Arts & Cultural Festival, the Western Stock Show, or visit the Coors Brewery. Denver has a great zoo, an incredible art museum, the inviting Black American West Museum, and of course, Coors Field. Be it culture or adventure, indoors or out, Colorado calls your name.