Belt is a town in Central Montana near the Belt Mountains, home to much preserved history, excellent nature and beer.
Understand
[edit]Belt was founded in 1877 as a coal mining camp by John Castner. Once dubbed the "Black Diamond City" during its 1890s boom (when it had over 2,800 residents, 32 saloons, and immigrants from Finland, Slavic countries, and beyond),
Visit Belt, MT | Tourism Website
Get in
[edit]Drive: roughly 30 minutes SE of Great Falls on US-89.
Get around
[edit]Foot or bike in town.
See
[edit]Historic downtown and the museum. Castner Park.
- Belt Museum, 37 Castner St, ☏ +1 406-285-1502. Sa Su noon-4PM. Housed in the original late-1890s sandstone jail (listed on the National Register) which survived a fire in 1976, this small but rich museum dives into Belt's mining camp history. Highlights include a preserved jail cell, coal mine replica/exhibit, historic photos, records from old newspapers like the Belt Valley Times, and local artwork.
- Belt Commercial Historic District. Atmospheric old coal town, Admire the historic architecture. Interpretive panels.
- Sluice Boxes State Park, 38 Evans Riceville Rd (15 miles away.). Historic/interpretive displays, camping, hiking, mountain biking,rafting.
Do
[edit]- Castner Park, 616 Lewis St.. Nice Park with playground, gardens, picnicking, playfields.
Events:
- Belt PRCA Rodeo (mid-June): A three-day event with bull riding, barrel racing, and more—draws competitors from across the West.
- Farmers Market & Community Events: Check the Belt Valley Chamber calendar for produce markets, vendors, and local gatherings in downtown Belt.
- Belt Performing Arts Center, 58 Castner St., ☏ +1 406-277-3844. Live music and other events. Check the calendar.
Eat
[edit]The 3 locations listed under "Drink" serve food.
Drink
[edit]- Harvest Moon Saloon, 71 Castner St., ☏ +1 406-277-3833. Small-town bar and eating spot
- Belt Creek Brew Pub, 57 Castner st., ☏ +1 406-277-3200. 11AM-2AM. Full bar with local micro brews. Menu. Occasional live music.
- EastSide Bar & Casino, 202 Bridge St., ☏ +1 406-277-3656. 8AM-midnight. Food and drinks.
Sleep
[edit]See Great Falls for viable options. Very limited in town. With a backcountry permit you could camp at Sluice Boxes state park.