Bill Muhlenfeld is owner and publisher of Distinctly Montana magazine and other publications. He lives in Bozeman with his partner, Anthea, and always finds time to enjoy the great outdoors, when he is not writing about it.... 

Not far from my home they've just finished installing a new section of trail, perhaps a half-mile long.  A friend just told me about a whole new trail system in the southeast part of Bozeman...gotta check that one out too.

One of Montana's great pleasures is that, no matter where you live, there is a trail beckoning your boots, bike or seasonal transportation of choice.  Some are quite short, like the one near my house, and others will take you deep into the woods, across flowery mountain passes or to lakes with names like "Mystic," "Buffalo" or "Clearwater."  One thing is certain.  No matter how long you live you could never travel every mile out their for the treking.  There are about 700 miles of trails in Glacier alone and, as I remember, there are about 80 miles or so in and around Bozeman.

This is part of that ubiquitous "quality of life" citation we hear from newcomers (and one I use to explain a long-ago move from Chicago).  It is also, no doubt, why Montana was just voted by its residents as the highest-rated state in the country for living a satisfied life (see Gallup poll  http://www.gallup.com/poll/168653/montanans-alaskans-say-states-among-top-places-live.aspx

As a matter of fact, as I'm feeling the urge, I think I'll be off for a trail run.

Happy Trails!

The inductees were chosen from a field of candidates nominated by the general public. Inductees are honored for their notable contributions to the history and culture of Montana.

"This is truly a celebration of our authentic Montana heritage and those who pass it forward," Christy Stensland, executive director of the MCHF & WHC said.

Since the initial round of inductions to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, including this year's inductions, 201 inductees have been honored.

Nomination criteria established by the board for the Class of 2014 inductions allowed the election of up to one Living Inductee and two Legacy Inductees from each of the 12 districts.

"Many assume that to be inducted into the Hall of Fame you would have to be a famous cowboy," Stensland said. "When in fact, the Hall of Fame exists to honor those who have made an impact in their local community and serve as a symbol of this way of life for future generations.

KTVQ