In this episode of Mountain Mule Media, Tim sits down with Hillary Folkvord, sixth-generation Montanan and co-owner of the Sacajawea Hotel, RSVP Motel, Farmer’s Daughters Cafe, and The Cottages at Bigfork. Hillary shares how growing up on a wheat farm in Three Forks shaped her approach to entrepreneurship and hospitality. From restoring historic landmarks to reimagining the modern motor inn, she explains how creativity, family, and hard work drive every project.
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From Wheat Fields to Welcome Mats
Her story starts on the family farm west of Bozeman, where she learned that success comes from consistency, community, and showing up every day.
“From an early age, I learned about hard work and dedication. Every meal at our table was about business, ideas, and problem-solving — and that shaped everything I do today.”
A Legacy of Building
Hillary’s family founded Wheat Montana in the 1980s, transforming a small dryland wheat operation into a nationally recognized brand. That entrepreneurial foundation set the stage for the next chapter: saving and restoring the Sacajawea Hotel, a 1910 landmark that once served travelers on their way to Yellowstone National Park.
When the building was slated to close, her family stepped in. Today, the hotel operates as a fine dining destination, wedding venue, and community centerpiece.
“We wanted to become stewards of that property. It’s a part of our community’s story.”
Designing Bozeman’s Modern Motor Inn
After the success of the Sacajawea, Hillary turned her creative energy toward a mid-century motel on 7th Avenue in Bozeman. The RSVP Motel became a reimagined motor inn — stylish, vibrant, and rooted in Montana’s evolving hospitality scene. It’s also home to The Farmer’s Daughters Cafe, a local favorite known for clean, feel-good food.
“We call it feel-good fast food. No seed oils, locally sourced ingredients, everything made from scratch. There was nothing like it in Bozeman when we started — it was something I personally wanted, so we built it.”
Guests at the RSVP are welcomed with a glass of champagne, locally roasted coffee, and small gifts from Montana makers — proof that thoughtful details matter.
“It’s those little touches that people don’t expect that make a big impact.”
Lady H and the Art of Experience
Beyond business, Hillary runs a lifestyle brand called Lady H, where she shares recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at life as an entrepreneur and mother. It’s an extension of her philosophy that every space — from a farmhouse table to a boutique hotel — should tell a story.
“Everything I do ties back to creating beautiful experiences, whether it’s through food, design, or hospitality.”
Lessons from the Land
Hillary’s farm roots continue to shape her approach to business. She carries forward the lessons of patience, detail, and resilience.
“The little things really add up to bigger things. If you stay consistent with the small details, they’ll create long-term success.”
She credits her father and grandfather for showing her how vision and grit can transform a simple idea into something extraordinary.
“They took a dryland wheat farm and turned it into a huge company. That dream keeps me grounded.”
New Ventures on the Horizon
Her latest project, The Cottages at Bigfork, blends lakeside peace with luxury simplicity — “slow mornings, crisp linens, and handwritten notes,” as she puts it. It’s a return to Montana’s quiet magic, opening May 1st if all goes to plan.
Whether it’s reviving historic spaces or building new ones, Hillary’s work honors Montana’s heritage while embracing its future.
“Story is everything. Everyone has a story, and the best story wins.”
Plan Your Stay or Visit
- Sacajawea Hotel – sacajaweahotel.com
- RSVP Motel Bozeman – https://rsvphotel.co/
- Farmer’s Daughters Cafe – https://farmersdaughtersbzn.com/
- The Cottages at Bigfork – https://www.instagram.com/thecottagesatbigfork/
- Follow Hillary (Lady H) – @hillaryfolkvord
- Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation.
- Thank you for supporting Montana’s people, stories, and businesses.
