Located in Alliance, Nebraska, a small town in the heart of the American Midwest, Carhenge is a quirky roadside attraction that has been fascinating travelers for over three decades. This art installation, created by Jim Reinders in 1987, is a replica of the famous Stonehenge monument in England, but made from vintage cars. Reinders, a local farmer and artist, built Carhenge as a tribute to his father, who had always wanted to see the original Stonehenge, and to bring some excitement to his rural community.

Carhenge consists of 39 vintage cars arranged in a circle, with each car carefully positioned to mirror the corresponding stones in the original Stonehenge. The cars are all painted a uniform shade of gray, which gives them a stone-like appearance from afar. Atop the center of the installation is a 1962 Cadillac, which is slightly larger than the other cars, symbolizing the largest stone in Stonehenge. Over the years, Reinders added more details to the installation, including a small stonehenge replica made from rocks and a grave for his father, Frank Reinders.

In addition to Carhenge, the complex also features a number of other quirky art installations, including the "Garden Car," a 1962 Chevy Bel Air covered in vines and flowers, and the "Five-Platoon Car Circle," a formation of five cars arranged in a circular pattern, each painted in a different color. All of these installations are part of Reinders' artistic vision to create an unusual and whimsical landscape that challenges the visitor's perception of art and nature.

Reinders' work has been widely recognized and praised by art critics and enthusiasts alike. In 2006, Carhenge was inducted into the Nebraska Tourism Hall of Fame, and in 2008, it was featured in the book "Roadside America" by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, and Mike Wilkins. Carhenge has also been the subject of numerous academic papers and studies, including a 2012 dissertation by art historian and critic, Emily K. Wilson.

The Carhenge complex also features a small museum, which showcases the history of the installation and the story of Jim Reinders' artistic vision. Visitors can browse through exhibits, watch a video about the creation of Carhenge, and purchase souvenirs from the on-site gift shop.

Carhenge is open year-round, and admission is free, although donations are appreciated. Visitors can visit the site during daylight hours, and guided tours are available upon request. As one of the most unique roadside attractions in the United States, Carhenge is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through Nebraska, particularly those interested in art, history, and quirky Americana.

In recent years, Carhenge has undergone several renovations and updates, including the addition of new art installations and the repair of damaged cars. Despite its small-town location, Carhenge has become a significant cultural landmark and a source of community pride, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Carhenge's success has inspired other artists and entrepreneurs to create similar roadside attractions, such as the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota and the City of Rocks in Idaho. These attractions have helped to redefine the concept of art and its relationship to the natural environment, challenging visitors to rethink their assumptions about what constitutes "art."