Trip Planner
A small farming community on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, Belfry traces its history to Montana’s coal-mining boom and the Yellowstone Park Railroad. This area, part of the ancestral Apsáalooke (Crow) territory, was described by Chief Arapooish as “a good country because the Great Spirit had put it in exactly the right place.”
During its heyday, Belfry was bustling with grocery stores, hotels, bars and more. While the railroad’s closure in 1953 quieted the town, its history and spirit endure. Today, Belfry offers a peaceful escape, with gems like the Beartooth River Ranch — perfect for weddings and retreats — and Beartrap Ranch, a luxurious hideaway in Montana’s pristine wilderness.
Stop by the Belfry Bar, a beloved local watering hole, for a cold drink, live music and a chance to swap stories with the friendly locals who keep the community pulse alive. It’s a spot where history meets hospitality, and everyone feels like a regular.
Make sure to drive by Belfry’s Kose Grocery Store Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and originally serving the community as a restaurant, dance hall and important meeting spot for the first Belfryites.
Belfry doesn’t currently host major events of its own, but nearby towns like Bridger and Red Lodge offer a full calendar throughout the year — from youth rodeos and holiday festivals to concerts and farmers markets.
