Hometown Highlights - Belt, Montana

Montana Home Journal
May 22
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Tucked in the valley of the Highwood Mountains, just 20 miles outside of Great Falls, Belt is a small town with deep Montana roots. Founded in 1885 as a coal mining hub, early settlers named it after the distinct “belt” of rock and coal layers visible along the nearby mountains, a natural band that still cuts across the landscape today.

Aerial view of Belt, Montana, showing the small town nestled in a green valley surrounded by rolling hills and open plains. The town's iconic hillside "B" is visible on a slope above the community, with the Highwood Mountains rising in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. The image captures Belt’s rural charm and expansive landscape.

Life in Belt is grounded in community values and a connection to the land. Neighbors know each other by name, and small-town traditions still shine, from barbecues at the park to annual favorites like the Belt Rodeo and Beltstock music festival. It’s a place where kids still ride bikes and a strong sense of belonging comes naturally.

Belt Creek meanders through town, offering a plethora of summer activities along the banks. Families picnic and play, and anglers cast lines for trout downstream The towering cottonwoods offer dappled shade, while the rugged canyon walls rise along the edges, giving the creek a sense of seclusion and wild Montana beauty.

View of Belt, Montana’s historic downtown, featuring early 20th-century brick and stone buildings lining a quiet street with parked vehicles. A sign for the Belt Creek Saloon is visible on the left, with a small park and picnic area in the foreground. In the background, green hills dotted with yellow wildflowers rise under a partly cloudy sky, adding to the town’s scenic charm.

Today, Belt blends old and new with quiet charm. The town’s main street still showcases original buildings from the late 1800s, many built by immigrant stonemasons—including Finnish craftsman Matt Maki. Known for his skill and attention to detail, Maki left a lasting impression on the region through sturdy stone structures and hillside homesteads that continue to stand as quiet testaments to the immigrant families who helped shape the area.

Though the town of Belt has a small population within city limits, the town covers a wide range of landscapes and lifestyles—from homes tucked into the hillsides above town to sprawling creekfront properties, mountain retreats, and working cattle ranches. With endless Montana views offering a little bit of everything that makes rural Montana living so special, Belt is truly one of Montana’s last best places.

Aerial view of a winding river cutting through a lush, green valley near Belt, Montana. A paved road runs parallel to the river, with scattered rural homes and ranches nestled into the rolling hillsides. Dense clusters of trees line the water’s edge, while dramatic ridgelines and distant mountains stretch across the horizon under a sky filled with scattered clouds.

Education and athletics are central to Belt’s community. Belt Public Schools offer a nurturing environment for students and over the past decade, the Huskies have secured multiple Class C state championships in volleyball, football, and basketball, reflecting the town’s strong support for youth athletics.

From exploring historic stone buildings or casting a line into Belt Creek to hiking into the Highwoods or cheering on the Huskies under the Friday night lights, Belt is a place where Montana’s rich history, scenic beauty, and small-town spirit come together. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, it’s the kind of place where memories are made—and where the best parts of Montana life still thrive.