Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Bayamon, Puerto Rico is a municipality of Puerto Rico located on the northern coastal valley. It is called "El Pueblo del Chicharrón" (Pork Rind Town).

Juan Ramírez de Arrellano established Bayamón as a town on May 22, 1772. It derives its name from a local Indian chief Bahamon; others claim that the name came from the Taíno word Bayamongo, which is the name of one of the rivers that cross the city.

Bayamón is one of Puerto Rico's largest cities, and is situated in what is considered to be the island's metropolitan area. There are many places to visit in Bayamon, including the Luis A. Ferré Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) located on Route 167, this 42-acre science-themed park features museums, numerous playgrounds, a zoo, and an observation deck.

It is the only place, outside of the United States, where you can find an exhibition of NASA rockets and rockets parts. It attracts visitors from all over the island to its combination science museum and zoological park.

Among its attractions is a note-worthy, imaginative recreation of a make-believe town featuring many of the characters created in his lifetime by comedian José Miguel Agrelot.

Another place is worth visiting in Bayamon, Puerto Rico is the City Hall, this building crosses over five lanes of highway. While walking through a connecting corridor, right above the road, pedestrians can see passing cars underneath.

Built in 1978 of concrete, glass, and lemon-yellow steel I- beams is the only suspended building of its kind in the Caribbean and is believed to be the only one of its class around the world. The building has a bridge that connects people from one side of it to the other.

The building, which is located next to El Parque del Tren (Train's Park), is also considered a touristic attraction: this is because the building goes over an avenue.

Visitors must park next to the building, walk to the avenue where it is located at, and board an elevator, in a process that is a little similar to visiting the Eiffel tower. In the second floor, there is a glass-window bridge from where the visitors can cross from one side to the other, while looking at cars pass by.

Francisco Oller Art and History Museum, located on the former Bayamon City Hall features memorabilia of the city's history, arts and sports. Located between Maceo and Degetau Sts. now houses the works by local artists displaying in the neoclassical building. Oller (1833-1917) was one of the most accomplished artists of his time.

Museo Bibiloteca Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa, former home of José Celso Barbosa, who is often referred as the father of statehood. The museum features objects that belonged to Barbosa, such as family photos, medals, and certificates.

Another attraction in Bayamon, Puerto Rico is El Parque del Tren was opened in 1980. It featured a western era train that was the only working train in Puerto Rico. It also featured a DC-3 airplane formerly used by United Airlines.

The park was modeled to resemble a western town, with artificial rivers, wooden houses and bridges around it. The train rides were about five minutes long. The park was located right next to city hall.

Popular concert series are also held in Bayamón and Cataño. Bayamón’s Noches de Nostalgia y Bohemia take place the last Friday of April and May, when several small museums open around the city’s central plaza, and artisans, trios, food kiosks and well-known Island performers entertain the crowds.

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