Need a relaxed lakeside getaway or a classic Texas adventure? Head to Belton! Dive into outdoor recreation, explore charming downtown streets, and savor local BBQ and Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you're into fishing, history, or small-town charm, Belton offers a welcoming escape deep in the heart of Texas.
Belton, TX Highlights:
- Belton Lake: Swim, fish, boat, and relax along the scenic shores of this popular reservoir.
- Downtown Belton: Wander through historic streets filled with shops, restaurants, and classic Texas vibes.
- Bell County Museum: Discover the rich history of Bell County with exhibits on archaeology and pioneer life.
- Stillhouse Hollow Lake: Another nearby reservoir perfect for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
- Summer Fun Water Park: Splash and slide at this family-friendly water park, ideal for cooling off on hot Texas days.
Best Time to Visit Belton, TX
The best time to visit Belton is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Enjoy warm but comfortable temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures and lakeside relaxation.
How to Get to Belton, TX
- If you are traveling by car: Belton is conveniently located off Interstate 35, about an hour north of Austin and two hours south of Dallas.
- By Air: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or Waco Regional Airport (ACT) and rent a car for the drive to Belton.
Where to Stay in Belton, TX
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Belton – Comfortable stay near the Bell County Expo Center.
- River Forest Inn – Budget-friendly motel close to the lake and downtown.
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) – Camp or rent cabins in a lakeside park perfect for families and adventurers.
Best Things to Do in Belton, TX
1. Step Into the Stories That Shaped Central Texas at the Bell County Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
Bell Country Museum in Belton, Texas, is a regional heritage and history museum established in 1991 with the goal of preserving and interpreting the historic and prehistoric heritage of the Bell County region. The museum has several fascinating permanent collections, organizes occasional temporary exhibits and provides traveling exhibitions to other communities. The museum is located in the beautiful 1904 Carnegie Library on the Main Street in downtown Belton. The Bell County Museum houses an expansive lithic collection with prehistoric stone tools and arrows from both amateur and professional collectors. Other permanent collections are The Moustache Tea Cup Collection, The Miriam A. Ferguson Collection that chronicles the life of the first female Governor of Texas and one of Texas’ First Ladies, and C.O. Buckellew Miniature Home Collection.
201 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513, Phone: 254-933-5243
2. Swim, Boat, or Cast a Line in the Scenic Waters of Belton Lake
Belton Lake is a reservoir on the Leon River in the Brazos River basin, about five miles from Belton, Texas. The reservoir was impounded in 1954 in order to provide flood control and drinking water for Temple, Belton and other surrounding communities. Belton Lake is a popular recreational destination, especially for boaters and fishermen, who come for largemouth, white and smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, sunfish, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and other species of fish . In 2018 Lake Belton hosted the annual “Lonestar Throwdown” kayak fishing tournament. There are five parks around the lake: Live Oak Ridge Park, Cedar Ridge Park, Winkler Park, White Flint Park, and Westcliff Park. More than 11 miles of hiking and biking trails run through prairie, upland, canyon and riparian habitats.
Belton, Texas
3. Explore Campus Charm and Crusader Spirit at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor is a Baptist Christian co-educational institution of higher learning in Belton, Texas. The university was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas as Baylor Female College, the female department of today’s Baylor University. It has grown since to a co-educational institution with 3,914 students. The university awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. It is affiliated with the Texas Baptist General Convention. The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its first doctoral program started in 2007, leading to the doctor of education degree. It had 21 students in the class. Today the university also awards the doctor of nursing practice and doctor of physical therapy and degrees.
900 College St, Belton, TX 76513, Phone: 254-295-8642
Where to Eat in Belton, TX
4. Dine Creekside with Southern Flavor at The Gin at Nolan Creek
Located in a 1927 brick cotton gin that has been meticulously restored and converted into a restaurant complex, The Gin at Walnut Creek serves succulent mesquite-grilled meats and Texas-inspired comfort food such as burgers, enchiladas and fried catfish. The restaurant shares the vast high ceiling space with a cluster of casual eateries that includes a Mexican joint, pizza place, wine bar and yogurt shop. The history of the place is big part of the popularity of the restaurant. Much of the original building has been preserved. The original wooden doors still have pencil marks left by farmers calculating their yield. The original scale that weighed cotton is now in the restaurant’s waiting area. The lovely breezy back patio was once a space for wagons waiting to be loaded. The patio leads to the creek’s restored waterfront. The restaurant is a perfect destination for everything from business lunches to happy hour and special occasions.
219 S East St, Belton, TX 76513, Phone: 254-613-4446
5. Feast on Slow-Smoked Brisket and Local Love at Miller’s Smokehouse
Miller’s Smokehouse, located in downtown Belton, Texas, is a small family-owned smokehouse and no-nonsense counter-serve restaurant that serves arguably the best BBQ brisket, sausage and ribs you will find anywhere. Officially, they are among the 50 Best Barbecue Joints in the country. The meat is smoked, seasoned and cooked so perfectly that you do not need any sauce, although they offer home-made sauces, classic sides such as home-made beans, fantastic desserts and Texas wine and craft beer. The business went through some tough times but now the word is out and today they sell around five hundred pounds of pork-and-beef sausage each week - regular, jalapeño and cheese, and a pre-smoked hot link. On the way out, don’t forget to take some sausages to cook at home later.
300 E Central Ave, Belton, TX 76513, Phone: 254-939-5500
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