Belen, New Mexico
Belen is a city in Valencia County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 7,457 at the 2010 census.
Belen was founded in 1609 by Spanish colonists. The city was named for the Spanish word for Bethlehem.
Belen is located on the Rio Grande River. The city is home to the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus.
Belen is a popular tourist destination. The city is home to several historical sites, including the San Felipe de Neri Church and the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Belen is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The city is located near several national parks and monuments, including the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and the White Sands National Monument.
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Outline | I. Introduction II. History of Belen, New Mexico III. Map of Belen, New Mexico IV. Points of Interest in Belen, New Mexico V. Things to Do in Belen, New Mexico VI. Best Places to Eat in Belen, New Mexico VII. Best Places to Stay in Belen, New Mexico VIII. Getting to Belen, New Mexico IX. Things to Avoid in Belen, New Mexico X. FAQ |
| LSI Keywords | belen, new mexico belen, new mexico map map of belen, new mexico belen, new mexico tourism belen, new mexico attractions |
| Search Intent | The search intent of the keyword “Map of Belen United States” is to find a map of the city of Belen in the United States. People who search for this keyword are likely looking for a visual representation of the city’s layout, including its streets, landmarks, and other important features. They may also be looking for information about the city’s population, geography, and history. |
II. History of Belen, New Mexico
Belen, New Mexico was founded in 1610 by Spanish missionaries. The town was originally called “La Villa de San Juan de los Caballeros de Belen”, but was later shortened to “Belen”. The town was an important stop on the Camino Real, the main trade route between Mexico and the United States. In the 19th century, Belen became a center of trade and commerce, and was home to a number of businesses and industries. The town was also a popular tourist destination, and was known for its beautiful scenery and mild climate.
III. Map of Belen, New Mexico
The following is a map of Belen, New Mexico. It shows the city’s major roads, landmarks, and other important features.
IV. Points of Interest in Belen, New Mexico
There are many points of interest in Belen, New Mexico, including:
- The New Mexico Museum of Space History
- The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
- The Old Town Belen Historic District
- The San Felipe de Neri Mission Church
- The Belen Train Depot
These are just a few of the many points of interest in Belen, New Mexico. For more information, please visit the Belen Chamber of Commerce website.
V. Things to Do in Belen, New Mexico
There are many things to do in Belen, New Mexico. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:
* The New Mexico State University-Belen Range Station is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. The station offers a variety of exhibits and programs, as well as guided tours of the grounds.
* The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is a beautiful natural area located just outside of Belen. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a visitor center with exhibits on the local wildlife.
* The Belen Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city. The museum features exhibits on the area’s Native American culture, Spanish colonial history, and the railroad era.
* The Belen Cultural Center is a great place to experience the arts and culture of the area. The center offers a variety of classes and workshops, as well as performances by local artists.
* The Belen Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, and other local goods. The market is held every Saturday morning from April to October.
* The Belen Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the railroad in Belen. The museum features exhibits on the city’s role in the railroad industry, as well as a model train display.
II. History of Belen, New Mexico
Belen was founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists. The town was originally called “La Villa de Alburquerque del Rey de España”. In 1821, after Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the town’s name was changed to “Belén de Nuevo México”. In 1848, after the Mexican-American War, Belen became part of the United States.
VII. Best Places to Stay in Belen, New Mexico
There are a variety of great places to stay in Belen, New Mexico, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxurious hotels. Here are a few of the best options:
- Hotel Belen: This charming hotel is located in the heart of downtown Belen, just steps from the Rio Grande. It offers a variety of amenities, including a free breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.
- La Morada Inn: This historic inn is located just outside of Belen, in the beautiful village of Peralta. It offers a peaceful and relaxing setting, as well as a variety of amenities, including a free breakfast buffet, a heated outdoor pool, and a spa.
- Best Western Belen Midtown: This hotel is located just a short drive from downtown Belen. It offers a variety of amenities, including a free breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and a business center.
No matter what your budget or needs, you’re sure to find a great place to stay in Belen, New Mexico.
Getting to Belen, New Mexico
There are several ways to get to Belen, New Mexico. The most common way is by car. Belen is located off of Interstate 25, about an hour and a half south of Albuquerque. There are also several bus routes that serve Belen, including Greyhound and Amtrak. The nearest airport is the Albuquerque International Sunport, which is about an hour away from Belen.
Once you arrive in Belen, you can get around by car, bus, or taxi. There are also several bike-share stations located throughout the city.
IX. Things to Avoid in Belen, New Mexico
Here are some things to avoid in Belen, New Mexico:
- Do not drive through the city at night. The streets are often dark and poorly lit, and there is a high risk of being mugged or assaulted.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, even if it is locked. Thieves are known to break into cars and steal anything they can find.
- Do not walk alone at night. There are a number of dangerous neighborhoods in Belen, and it is not safe to walk alone at night.
- Do not drink too much alcohol. Alcohol consumption is a major factor in crime in Belen.
- Do not get involved in drug dealing or other illegal activities. Belen is a high-crime area, and it is not safe to be involved in illegal activities.
By following these tips, you can help to avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belen, New Mexico.
FAQ
Q: What is the population of Belen, New Mexico?
A: The population of Belen, New Mexico is approximately 9,000 people.
Q: What is the climate like in Belen, New Mexico?
A: Belen, New Mexico has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Q: What are the main industries in Belen, New Mexico?
A: The main industries in Belen, New Mexico are agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
