Fort Collins, Colorado

Home of: Colorado State University
Town Population: 143,899
Student Population: 25,000

Fort Collins is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. This sunny, four-season college town is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It's surrounded by lakes, parks and forests, and it's within a two-hour drive of top-notch ski and hiking destinations. Bike trails snake throughout this laid-back college town that boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and cultural activities including a symphony, a ballet company and live theater.

Photo: Courtesy Fort Collins Convention & Visitors Bureau