Featuring a beautiful downtown center, several nearby creeks and lakes, and even a gorgeous waterfall, the best things to do in Belton, TX are as numerous as they are engaging!
Belton is a place that is easy to love–and once you visit once, you just may find yourself looking to stop by again and again.
Not only does Belton have natural beauty and history to offer, but it also has a lively present: stroll the small streets near its main square, and you’ll find everything from an office supply store to a bridal shop to an ice cream parlor to a department store, all located within a short walk and independently owned.
Here’s what to do in Belton, Texas!
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Best Things to Do in Belton, TX
Pay a visit to Chalk Ridge Falls Park.
Often considered one of the best waterfalls in Texas, Chalk Ridge Falls Park is absolutely beautiful and one of the best places to visit in Belton.
Located by the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam, a series of trails lead to and across babbling creeks and eventually to Chalk Ridge Falls itself.
Bring your bathing suits in the summer to take a dip!
As a bonus, Chalk Ridge Falls Park is free to visit.
Check out the oldest department store in Texas.
Cochran, Blair & Potts has been family-owned and operated since 1869, making it the oldest department store in the Lone Star State!
Located just down the street from the courthouse, Cochran, Blair & Potts is an easy addition to a trip to Belton.
Grab lunch at Miller’s Smokehouse.
Recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the top 50 bbq restaurants in the Lone Star State, Miller’s Smokehouse makes the perfect lunch while visiting Belton, TX.
Hungry earlier in the day? No worries–Miller’s serves breakfast from 8:00 AM to 10:55 AM every day.
Relax on the Belton Hike & Bike Trail.
Running along the picturesque Nolan Creek, the paved, 1.1 mile Belton Hike & Bike Trail connects 3 local parks: Yettie Polk Park, Harris Community Park, and Confederate Park.
Stroll around the Bell County Courthouse.
Completed in 1884, the Bell County Courthouse (which is the third courthouse to stand in the square!) is built in the Renaissance Revival style and is beautiful to behold.
Enjoy a bite to eat at a cotton gin.
Housed in a historic cotton gin dating to the 1920s, The Gin at Nolan Creek is one of the most popular restaurants in Belton, TX–and not just because it overlooks Nolan Creek.
Other restaurants are also held in the complex, making this a wonderful place to enjoy great food and beautiful views while visiting Belton.
Check out Stillhouse Park.
Perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, or just relaxing and enjoying a picnic in one of the pavilions, Stillhouse Park is the perfect place to head when you want to make the most of a day on Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
Learn local history at the Bell County Museum.
Covering everything from history and culture to archaeology within Bell County, the Bell County Museum is one of the best attractions in Belton for those looking to learn more about the local area.
The building that the museum is held in is an exhibit within its own right, too: the Carnegie Library dates back to 1904 and is absolutely beautiful.
Shop ’til you drop at Belton Market Days.
Usually held on the third Saturday of each month, Belton Market Days are one of the best attractions in Belton!
During market days, the downtown streets are closed off, transforming the town into an open-air market for local vendors and craftsmen.
Schedule your trip to Belton accordingly to be able to check the event out!
… or the Bell County Flea Market.
Covering over 14 acres, the Bell County Flea Market is an absolute shopping extravaganza–and it happens every weekend!
Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, head to Belton, Texas to peruse over 200 booths worth of wares.
Stroll through Creekside Park.
Located right behind The Gin at Nolan Creek, Creekside Park is perfect for relaxing or wading in Nolan Creek–our dog Ranger particularly loved it!
See a movie at The Beltonian Theatre.
Originally opened in 1900, the historic Beltonian Theatre has opened and closed several times over the last century–but today, it survives as a unique and delightful destination to add to your list of what to do in Belton, TX!
Whether you want to watch a classic movie, see a comedy show, attend a concert, or even show up from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Saturday mornings for a continental breakfast served with classic cartoons (yes, really!), The Beltonian has something to offer.
Where is Belton, Texas?
Belton is located along I-35, between Austin and Waco. It’s just south of Temple.
It’s about 1 hour (60 miles) north of Austin, or 45 minutes (43 miles) south of Waco.
You can easily combine a trip exploring the best things to do in Belton, TX with a visit to Temple, Salado, Killeen, or even Waco.
