Belt

Understand

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

Getting there

Drive: roughly 30 minutes SE of Great Falls on US-89.

See

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. (updated Mar 2026) Belt Commercial Historic District. Atmospheric old coal town, Admire the historic architecture. Interpretive panels. (updated Mar 2026) Sluice Boxes State Park, 38 Evans Riceville Rd (15 miles away.). Historic/interpretive displays, camping, hiking, mountain biking,rafting. (updated Mar 2026)

Do

Castner Park, 616 Lewis St.. Nice Park with playground, gardens, picnicking, playfields. (updated Mar 2026) 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. (updated Mar 2026)

Eat

The 3 locations listed under "Drink" serve food.

Drink & nightlife

Harvest Moon Saloon, 71 Castner St., ☏ +1 406-277-3833. Small-town bar and eating spot (updated Mar 2026) Belt Creek Brew Pub, 57 Castner st., ☏ +1 406-277-3200. 11AM-2AM. Full bar with local micro brews. Menu. Occasional live music. (updated Mar 2026) EastSide Bar & Casino, 202 Bridge St., ☏ +1 406-277-3656. 8AM-midnight. Food and drinks. (updated Mar 2026)

Sleep

See Great Falls for viable options. Very limited in town. With a backcountry permit you could camp at Sluice Boxes state park.