Belton, the county seat of Bell County, sits to the south of the Fort Hood Reservation, between the post and Temple, alongside U.S. Highway 190 and Interstate-35. The population in 1990 was 12,500. 

The community has several wooded city parks and two beautiful lakes with three marinas. For a splashing good time, there is Summer Fun U.S.A., a water amusement park. For golfers there is Leon Valley Public Golf Course and two other private golf courses (within 10 miles). 

For other outdoor recreation, there are public tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and ballparks. Also available for use are football and track fields. 

Both Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake are a fisherman’s and boater’s haven. It’s an attractive place for water sports, camping, or just relaxing. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the Chalk River Falls Nature Trail and its scenic waterfall and Miller Springs Nature Center. 

Belton is home to the Bell County EXPO Center which includes a main arena that seats 9,400, special events room, assembly hall, exposition building and horse barn. One of the more popular annual events held at the EXPO are the God and Country Concert and Fourth of July Rodeo. 

The EXPO center is also home of the Central Texas Stampede, a professional hockey team formed in 1996. The team is a member of the Western Professional Hockey League. Tickets are available through Fort Hood’s Information Ticketing and Registration Office, the Bell County EXPO center and other local facilities. 

Belton offers a variety of goods and services to fit everyone’s needs, and a historic downtown area which features antiques, collectibles and gifts. 

The Bell County Museum, which opened in 1991, is housed in the beautifully restored Carnegie Building, one of 12 remaining in Texas that were endowed by Andrew Carnegie. The primary focus of the exhibits at the museum is the first 100 years of Bell County history (1850- 1950). Of special interest is the Miriam A. (MA) Ferguson Collection which chronicles the life and times of Texas’s first female governor. For more information, call (254) 933-5243. 

The outstanding local school system’s theme is “Every Kid A Winner.” The school district has 6 elementary schools, a primary academy, a junior high, an intermediate school, a high school, and the Henry T. Waskow Leadership Academy. The Texas Education Agency has recognized Belton High as among the state’s top high schools. Belton Independent School District is a TEA “Recognized” district. 

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, situated on a 125-acre campus in Belton, reaches the world. More than 2,300 students from 13 states and 25 countries, enjoy the wholesome, congenial atmosphere. UMHB offers 35 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs for young and not-so-young men and women from around the globe. Teaching Christian values since 1845, it is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the state. The strong heritage, small classes, com-muter/ customer convenience, and practical approach to education and job success make UMHB a special place for learning.