Barelas Railroad

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barelas Railroad is a historic neighborhood in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a rich history dating back to 1880 when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad established a station there.


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Summary

Today, Barelas Railroad is a vibrant community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the history of the American Southwest.

Some good reasons to visit Barelas Railroad include its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique cultural heritage. The neighborhood is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Barelas-Spanish Townsite Historic District, the Santa Fe Railway Hospital, and the Barelas Community Center. The area is also known for its colorful murals and street art, which have been commissioned by local artists and community organizations.

One of the biggest draws of Barelas Railroad is its rich cultural heritage, which is rooted in the area's history as a hub for rail transportation. Visitors can learn about the history of the railroad and its impact on the surrounding communities at the Albuquerque Rail Yards Museum, which is located just a few blocks from Barelas Railroad. In addition, the neighborhood is known for its vibrant Hispanic culture, which is celebrated throughout the year with festivals, parades, and other community events.

There are many interesting facts about Barelas Railroad, including the fact that the neighborhood was once home to a thriving red-light district, which was known as "the block." Today, the area has undergone significant redevelopment and revitalization, but many of the historic buildings and landmarks from its heyday remain.

The best time of year to visit Barelas Railroad is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are many community events and festivals taking place. However, the neighborhood is worth visiting year-round for its rich history, unique cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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