You are in for big adventures when you make the Big Sky state of Montana your new home. This expansive state bestows upon the resident a veritable cornicopia of both beautiful and divergent landscapes: mountains, canyons, rivers and river valleys, forests, badlands, caverns, grassy plains, and of course, urban settings.

Those sports-minded residents may embark on hiking, biking, rafting, or fishing expeditions. With both the Columbia and Missouri Rivers born in Montana's mountainous region, you catch blackthroated and cutthroat trout. Hike and bike in both Yellowstone and Glacier State Parks among the elk, bison, moose, deer, and yes, even wolves if you wish.

The state name Montana is derived from the Latin term for mountainous. With the Continental Divide piercing through the heart of the state, there are challenges aplenty for the experienced biker, By the way, with 33 state-designated biking trails many are geared for those wishing an easier pedal. For both easy and experienced bikers the Ponderosa Pine throughout the state will amaze you as you ride through their forests.

Geographic treasures await you. While in Yellowstone, enjoy the over 10,000 thermal activities at your display. Or boat on the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi at Flathead, or bask on the 1500 miles of shoreline that Fort Peck offers. Perhaps Pictograph State Park beckons. This 4500 year old cave complex with sandstone cliffs depicts both animals and warriors left there as visual artifacts by our ancestors. It certainly is one 160 feet wide by 45 feet deep impressive portrait of North America's earliest residents.

The cities in Montana will impress you too. Billings, the largest, contains 40 city parks. It is also known for its rodeos as well as the annual Mineral and Gem Show. Various galleries and museums will interest you also. Both the Yellowstone and Western Heritage Art Museums are well worth a visit. The annual Festival of Cultures presents Basque dancers, along with Greek French, Italian, Oriental and Japanese food items. With over 3000 artworks you will not want to miss this festival!

Museums abound. You must visit the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Fort Benton Historical Museum and of course, the Montana Cowboy Museum. Great Falls hosts the annual Folk/Wine Festival with road races, horse shows, and arts and crafts. It is renowned for the Big Band Ball and Dixie Land Festival. Numerous art galleries are located in both Billings and Great Falls.

You must discover Montana. Many of the rich and some of the Hollywood "glitterati" have already with Ted Turner and others owning vast tracks of land and ranches there. And do not let the notion that Montana is too wintry for you dissuade you. The warm Chinook winds provide periods of milder temperatures. Yes, big adventures bid you to the Big Sky State! The beauty alone makes Montana a great place to live, and there is so much more to discover. Come explore the "Last Best Place."