Pat Hill

Pat Hill is a freelance writer in Bozeman. A native Montanan and former advisor to Montana State University’s Exponent newspaper, Pat has been writing about the history and politics of the Treasure State for nearly three decades. He also writes about the region’s burgeoning live music scene, hitting the festival trail in the summer, and seeking out hot springs for rest and relaxation the entire year.

Content By This Contributor:

Sweet Pea Festival: More than just tater pigs

Pat Hill

The first weekend in August brings some big fun in Bozeman, as the 40th Annual Sweet Pea Festival and the 7th annual SLAM Festival coincide in two of the city’s favorite parks. Both of these Bozeman festivals celebrate the arts, featuring…

A Summer of Montana Music

Pat Hill

Summer’s approach in southwest Montana and beyond brings with it the promise of live outdoor music performances, and the 2017 festival and outdoor concert season is looking promising indeed. Freebies Some of the best things in life are free…

Favorite Venue? I Like the Tetons

Pat Hill

With an assortment of excellent festivals during the summer in the northern Rockies, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but my favorite venue has to be on the west side of the Teton mountain range at Grand Targhee Resort. Tom Garnsey, owner of…

Montana Adjusts To New Medical Marijuana Laws

Pat Hill

In the wake of passage of a citizen initiative restoring Montana’s Medical Marijuana Program, the Treasure State’s medical cannabis providers are operating in a new business climate.Uncertainties have plagued Montana’s medical…

Memories of The Mountain

Pat Hill

My last full ski season began the winter after I graduated from high school. That was in 1976, back when Bridger Bowl only sported three chairlifts and a T-Bar. Back when it used to get cold—and stay that way awhile. Back when it used to…

Parasite Brings Halt To Yellowstone River Activity

Pat Hill

Montana’s governor Steve Bullock flew over the upper Yellowstone in the Paradise Valley on August 23, four days after Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks shut the river down tight after learning of thousands of dead Whitefish in the waters of the…

Aber Day Reunion Show in Philipsburg

Pat Hill

One of the most hallowed music events in the history of the Treasure State has been given new life, as Philipsburg hosts the 2nd Annual Aber Day Reunion on Aug. 20, featuring the Mission Mountain Wood Band, the Big Sky Mudflaps, and the Lil’…

Put the Lewis and Clark Brewery in Helena on your Bucket List

Pat Hill

The Lewis and Clark Brewery and Tap Room in Helena is a Montana microbrewery located in some historic digs, and a great place to stop in for a fine Treasure State brew, a snack, or some live music. Owner Max Pigman bought what was then the Sleeping…

Should Women be Required to Register for Selective Service?

Pat Hill

In the wake of Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s decision in December to entirely open the U.S. military to women, two members of Congress have introduced legislation to require women to register for Selective Service.In February, Rep. Duncan…

OBAMA Takes Executive Action Regarding Guns

Pat Hill

Last month President Obama took executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence in the United States, and the reviews have been expectedly mixed. The President has not called for any new laws, issuing executive actions rather than executive orders…