Mountains and Minds: Being Well at Montana State University Campus Recreation

Mission

Montana State University (MSU) Campus Recreation provides programs, services, and amenities to promote physical activity, connection, and holistic well-being, helping all Bobcats be well.

Facility Descriptions

The story of the current Campus Recreation facility began in 2019, when historic snowfall caused the roof to collapse over the north and south gyms overnight. While thankfully no one was injured, the incident provided an opportunity to re-imagine a modern facility to serve MSU’s steadily growing student body. Students — who voted overwhelmingly to fund the new center through student fees — wanted their new wellness center to have plenty of windows and natural light, to feel warm and comfortable, and to provide a sense of community and connection.

After several years of design and construction, MSU Campus Recreation moved into the new 162,000-square-foot Student Wellness Center in August 2024 — along with the university’s Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Wellness, and the Health and Human Development Performance Labs.

Image by Colter Peterson, courtesy of Montana State University.

The recreation center features three 45-foot roped climbing walls, bouldering walls, three wood courts, a multipurpose activity court, expansive functional fitness areas with state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, and an indoor track. An indoor pool provides four lap lanes, a leisure pool, saunas, a steam room and a movie screen for dive-in movie nights. Four fitness studios host strength, yoga, cycle, martial arts, dance classes and more.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bike & Ski shop teaches students how to repair and care for their equipment and offers workshops and clinics. An off-site rental shop also provides low-cost, high-quality gear for students to enjoy the surrounding mountains and trails in various ways. Any student can enjoy our outdoor programs and sign up for no- or low-cost trips, clinics and classes spanning from snowshoeing to whitewater rafting and backpacking.

MSU Campus Recreation’s 114,300-square-foot outdoor turf field, indoor turf dome and grass fields stay busy with student athletes of all levels from over 25 club sports and a robust intramurals program.

Image by Doc Cravens, courtesy of Montana State University.

Programming Highlights

Signature events include the annual Vertical Rush climbing competition, with categories for all levels of climbers; numerous themed dive-in movie nights; the Expeditions backpacking program and Rail Jam.
The Bobcat Summer Youth Camp — run by MSU student employees — brings 75 day campers from first through sixth grade into Campus Recreation facilities every summer for water games, fitness activities, outdoor adventures, education, craft activities and more.
MSU’s outdoor programs include workshops on unique topics, such as how to use bear spray in our surrounding wilderness areas, avalanche beacon use and backcountry safety, cross-country ski adventures, whitewater rafting, kayaking and more.

Image by Kelly Gotham, courtesy of Montana State University.

Fun Facts

Over 25 club sports teams at MSU regularly win regional titles and compete in national championships.
The Campus Recreation Center welcomes 2,100 people a day – including students, alumni, faculty, staff and affiliates.
Nearly 30 group fitness classes are taught every week.
Campus Recreation currently has the largest collegiate climbing facility in the country.
MSU Campus Recreation’s campus tagline is “Mountains and Minds.” Outdoor recreation is part of our identity, with five mountain ranges and three rivers within 30 minutes of campus.