Bernalillo



Bernalillo  is a town in central New Mexico, United States of America, just north of Albuquerque. It was one of the waypoints along the original route of historic Route 66. This article also covers the city of Algodones.

Get in
Bernalillo is just off Interstate Highway 25, although travelers following the Route 66 itinerary will get there via back roads. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque.

A commuter railroad, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, connects Bernalillo to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and some of the other small communities along the Rio Grande. There are two stations in Bernalillo: One is on US-550 right near the I-25 exit, which is mainly just a park and ride lot. The second station is right in the center of town, in the old historic area. The train runs with limited service daily.

Get around
Driving is the most reliable way to move through this town, and just about the only way to get to places on the west side of the Rio Grande, like Coronado State Monument. US-550 is the main drag through town.

Public transportation to points within Bernalillo is largely non-existent. A dedicated shuttle connects the Rail Runner station to the Santa Ana Star Casino, but that's it.

There are a few walkable areas of town, like the old main street of Bernalillo (Camino del Pueblo) with its shops, restaurants, and historic structures. This area of town is also within easy walking distance of the Downtown Bernalillo Rail Runner station.

See

 * Downtown Bernalillo has a number of historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Downtown Bernalillo has a number of historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Downtown Bernalillo has a number of historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Do

 * If you're in to gambling, the nearby Santa Ana Pueblo operates the Santa Ana Star Casino, which is on US-550 across the Rio Grande from Bernalillo. The pueblo also operates the Santa Ana Golf Course, which is behind the casino next to the Prairie Star Restaurant.

Sleep
Bernalillo has a few chain motels located along US-550, including a Days Inn and a Holiday Inn. Lodging may be hard to find in October when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs.



Go next

 * Santa Fe, one of the biggest tourist destinations in the American Southwest, is about 45 miles north on I-25.
 * The scenic Jemez Mountains lie just to the north of Bernalillo. Take US-550 north to San Ysidro and right on SR-4. Jemez Springs, Jemez State Monument, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve are some of the highlights of the drive. Beyond is Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument.