Founded in 1864 as one of the Colorado colleges, when Denver was little more than an isolated outpost for gold miners, the University of Denver has long been closely linked to the city it calls home. In fact, founding father John Evans, a close friend of Abraham Lincoln's, was the Colorado Territory's second governor. He's recognized for his significant role in establishing Denver as a hub for the railroad industry.

Whether you're looking for big-city sophistication or adventures in the wild, the University of Denver's backyard obliges. Feel like gallery hopping or snowboarding? Movies or mountain biking? Whatever your mood, you'll find that the University of Denver and Colorado both provide a wide range of entertainment, recreation and cultural opportunities.

At the University of Denver, the arts take center stage among Colorado colleges. If the arts are your main thing, you can major in anything from pre-art conservation to contemporary music. If you're an amateur, you can try your hand at something new-electronic music, perhaps, or maybe creative nonfiction. And if you're an aficionado, there's plenty to see and savor.