"10 Great Places to be a Cowboy or Cowgirl"

. . . Horse Prairie Ranch, Dillon, Montana (1 of the 10 Great Places to be a Cowboy or Cowgirl)

Explorer Meriwether Lewis once bought horses from the Shoshone Indians on this property, but now it's an ''authentic'' spread surrounded by forest, where trails for experienced riders provide views of the Great Divide.  Guests (limited to 24) get a ''hands-on experience with deluxe guest-ranch amenities,'' and there's usually cattle work to be done all summer.  Information, 888-726-2454. . . .

Anne Goodfriend, USA TODAY